How long has freedom of worship and individual rights existed?

Freedom of worship and individual rights have existed in Western civilization only for the last couple hundred years; for most of history, such guarantees have been unheard of. This recent development contrasts with the long historical norm of persecution and lack of guaranteed rights.

Les explains that the church in Smyrna experienced tribulation, poverty, and persecution, with material wealth taken away and believers cast into prison for their faith. He notes that the tribulation of ten days likely refers to ten distinct periods of pressure under the Roman Empire. Turning to Romans, he points out that only in the last couple hundred years has Western civilization been able to guarantee individual rights and freedom of worship. For the most part, such freedoms have been unheard of throughout history, as believers suffered for their faith.

How long has freedom of worship and individual rights been guaranteed in Western civilization?

Freedom of worship and the rights of the individual have been guaranteed in Western civilization only for the last couple hundred years. Prior to that, such guarantees were largely unheard of, and believers often endured persecution and tribulation for their faith.