Christian Persecution
As I've had time over the past two weeks or so I've posted links to news stories about the persecution of Christians around the world.
Why?
Because, persecution of Christians is hidden news. You won't read about it in your local paper. You won't see it on the evening news. But, the truth is Christians are the most persecuted group in the world. We don't think of people being martyred in today's world--but the truth is, more Christians are martyred for their faith every year, that any other group.
You just don't hear about it.
Are Christians persecuted in America? To answer this we need to ask, what is persecution?
Are Christians being martyred for their faith in America today? Outside of some wackos, such as at Red Lake Senior High School, no. And this is true for any other group. In America we don't kill or torchure those who disagree with us. That's a good thing.
Are Christian economically discriminated against? Possibly, but not to the point at which it is significant. Christians have lost their jobs because they expressed their Christianity--even, in some cases, in as subtle way as wearing a cross. Some people find a cross offensive (the Bible said that would happen), and when they complain, the one who is wearing the cross has to lose the cross or lose their job.
Are Christian discriminated against politically. In some ways, and in some cases as a result of our own arrogance and stupidity.
The law against political speach in churches is plain discrimination. It denies the right of free speach to a certain class of people. That's not right and it is persecution.
On the other hand, the efforts of some Christian politicians have tried to legislate morality has, in my opinion done much to hurt Christianity. Immoral behavior can not be legislated away, and the Federal government intruding in areas of state's rights should not be happening. On the other hand, legislation that supports immoral behavior can be taken off the books. Abortion should not be approved and supported by our government. Neither should homosexual marriage or civil unions. We should not be celebrating immorality in our laws or government.
But back to persecution.
Yes, there is persecution of Christians in America--but it is not overt and direct, nor is it life threatening. It is subtle--restricting what Christians can say and do. For example, it is tolerant and shows diversity for Muslins to put on a presentation about Islam at a public library. But, the library is not an acceptable forum in which a Christian can talk about their faith.
In Russian, which is a very dark place spiritually, visiting missionaries can go into public schools and teach kids about Bible stories. In America that's illegal and our kids no longer know about Adam & Eve, Noah, Jonah or Esther.
Students saying a Christian prayer at a high school graduation is illegal, but a Muslin call to payers may be blasted out of loudspeakers five times a day in small towns in the mid-west.
The Ten Commandments are torn from public places, while pagan prayer mazes are built into sidewalks, and weekend public "prayer" walks on the mazes are held.
Why am I bringing all this up? After all the Bible has told us this would happen. My point is to help Christians become aware of what's happening, how they are slowly loosing their rights. We need to stand up, have our votes counted, and at least take back our right to free speach in our own church buildings.
Why?
Because, persecution of Christians is hidden news. You won't read about it in your local paper. You won't see it on the evening news. But, the truth is Christians are the most persecuted group in the world. We don't think of people being martyred in today's world--but the truth is, more Christians are martyred for their faith every year, that any other group.
You just don't hear about it.
Are Christians persecuted in America? To answer this we need to ask, what is persecution?
Are Christians being martyred for their faith in America today? Outside of some wackos, such as at Red Lake Senior High School, no. And this is true for any other group. In America we don't kill or torchure those who disagree with us. That's a good thing.
Are Christian economically discriminated against? Possibly, but not to the point at which it is significant. Christians have lost their jobs because they expressed their Christianity--even, in some cases, in as subtle way as wearing a cross. Some people find a cross offensive (the Bible said that would happen), and when they complain, the one who is wearing the cross has to lose the cross or lose their job.
Are Christian discriminated against politically. In some ways, and in some cases as a result of our own arrogance and stupidity.
The law against political speach in churches is plain discrimination. It denies the right of free speach to a certain class of people. That's not right and it is persecution.
On the other hand, the efforts of some Christian politicians have tried to legislate morality has, in my opinion done much to hurt Christianity. Immoral behavior can not be legislated away, and the Federal government intruding in areas of state's rights should not be happening. On the other hand, legislation that supports immoral behavior can be taken off the books. Abortion should not be approved and supported by our government. Neither should homosexual marriage or civil unions. We should not be celebrating immorality in our laws or government.
But back to persecution.
Yes, there is persecution of Christians in America--but it is not overt and direct, nor is it life threatening. It is subtle--restricting what Christians can say and do. For example, it is tolerant and shows diversity for Muslins to put on a presentation about Islam at a public library. But, the library is not an acceptable forum in which a Christian can talk about their faith.
In Russian, which is a very dark place spiritually, visiting missionaries can go into public schools and teach kids about Bible stories. In America that's illegal and our kids no longer know about Adam & Eve, Noah, Jonah or Esther.
Students saying a Christian prayer at a high school graduation is illegal, but a Muslin call to payers may be blasted out of loudspeakers five times a day in small towns in the mid-west.
The Ten Commandments are torn from public places, while pagan prayer mazes are built into sidewalks, and weekend public "prayer" walks on the mazes are held.
Why am I bringing all this up? After all the Bible has told us this would happen. My point is to help Christians become aware of what's happening, how they are slowly loosing their rights. We need to stand up, have our votes counted, and at least take back our right to free speach in our own church buildings.
posted by SteveH at 8:30 PM
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