Christian persecution

[Cow Poke]

As bad as that is, somehow that doesn't seem to be on par with being fed to lions, burned on stakes, starved to death, flayed alive or beheaded.

Absolutely. But those things didn't just "pop up" one day. It began with statements like, "hey, weren't you with that Jesus we crucified", and responses like "I know not the man".

But I see your point and we'll see how it all develops.

Yeah.

There's definitely a cultural and social anti-religious vibe rearing its head in the US. Whereas before, Christian suppression (i.e. schools, government facilities, etc.) was a bit more subtle, now it seems to be a lot more direct.

Exactly. It's "in the air".

[KingsGambit]

Absolutely. But those things didn't just "pop up" one day. It began with statements like, "hey, weren't you with that Jesus we crucified", and responses like "I know not the man".

It's almost scary how fast the tide can change. One of the things that gets me was how fast it took for the crowds that welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday to turn on him just a few days later.

[Thoughtful Monk]

The part that's interesting here is "to make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute". If this applied to every Christian, it would seem to rule out the practice of studying apologetics. I believe the standard view is that this was specifically applied to the apostles, though.

Regardless, no Christian should ever take a time of political favor for granted. The disturbing of complacency is a very Christian concept and persecution can come at any time.

I've always been a little distressed that Christians in the USA believe they will miss persecution. The escapes seems to be either the Rapture or America was founded as a Christian nation. I would not be surprised if I do die in a USA prison for my beliefs. It won't be tomorrow, next week, or next year but it could be within the next 10 years.

[KingsGambit]

I've always been a little distressed that Christians in the USA believe they will miss persecution. The escapes seems to be either the Rapture or America was founded as a Christian nation. I would not be surprised if I do die in a USA prison for my beliefs. It won't be tomorrow, next week, or next year but it could be within the next 10 years.

Anybody who is not willing to die such a death is not worthy of the label "Christian".

[Thoughtful Monk]

Well, I never in my life imagined that one day I might be jeered and verbally assaulted for saying something so benign as "marriage is one man and one woman".

In light of the recent news re Mozilla, I'm wondering how long until they come storming into the church saying "change your doctrine or shut down"?

[Jedidiah]

How far away is persecution?

[KingsGambit]

The Mozilla incident is regrettable but absolutely nothing compared to what's going on to Christians in North Korea and Iran.

[Darth Xena]

The Mozilla incident is regrettable but absolutely nothing compared to what's going on to Christians in North Korea and Iran.

I believe this is fallacious. One can always point to "worse" and that doesn't negate other situations.

[Darth Xena]

The Mozilla incident is regrettable but absolutely nothing compared to what's going on to Christians in North Korea and Iran.

I don't find the Mozilla issue to be one particularly of Christian persecution but of the death of the ideal of free speech in America, one of the death throes of this nation to be honest. Is Eich a Christian? Nothing I read points in that way, he just happened to agree on this issue, but there are nonChristians or other faiths that do as well.

But there is so much hypocrisy…. because I think Christians would be celebrating (some would) if a homosexual activist was forced out.

This is why a long time ago (with very limited exceptions) I do not support any boycotts as they serve to chill something even more important: freedom of thought and speech.

[KingsGambit]

I believe this is fallacious. One can always point to "worse" and that doesn't negate other situations.

My point isn't to minimize the incident; it's to question why we only hear about Christian persecution when these stories come out but we never hear about the Christians being martyrered for their faith around the world. Both should be publicized.

[seanD]

My point isn't to minimize the incident; it's to question why we only hear about Christian persecution when these stories come out but we never hear about the Christians being martyrered for their faith around the world. Both should be publicized.

The reason we don't hear about them in Syria is because Assad is supposed to be the bad guy and the al-qaeda rebels attempting to overthrow his regime are supposed to be the good guys. Point being, in a lot of countries where there is US intelligence and/or military infiltration and activity, broadcasting Christian persecution by radical Muslims might not be politically expedient to US interests. In the case of places like Iran where it would be politically expedient for US to report this, it's probably just the spiritual darkness settling over the US and the fact it lacks any interest on a spiritual level. I would imagine a lot of it is political and a lot of it is spiritual.

[Jedidiah]

I don't find the Mozilla issue to be one particularly of Christian persecution but of the death of the ideal of free speech in America, one of the death throes of this nation to be honest.

. . .

But there is so much hypocrisy…. because I think Christians would be celebrating (some would) if a homosexual activist was forced out.

Amen, DD. Christians are not immune to hypocrisy.

[Thoughtful Monk]

I believe this is fallacious. One can always point to "worse" and that doesn't negate other situations.

Thank you, DD. The difference, of course, is North Korea and Iran have a real low probability of affecting us while this issue is going to eventually. Its like sitting on train tracks in front of an on coming train but being all concerned about a court drama being shown on your iPad. Knowledge of what's going on in the world is good but it also makes it easier to get distracted.

[Thoughtful Monk]

I don't find the Mozilla issue to be one particularly of Christian persecution but of the death of the ideal of free speech in America, one of the death throes of this nation to be honest. Is Eich a Christian? Nothing I read points in that way, he just happened to agree on this issue, but there are nonChristians or other faiths that do as well.

But there is so much hypocrisy…. because I think Christians would be celebrating (some would) if a homosexual activist was forced out.

This is why a long time ago (with very limited exceptions) I do not support any boycotts as they serve to chill something even more important: freedom of thought and speech.

I'll agree with you on the free speech issue. It is a sad sign of the death of a nation.

Yes, there is Christian hypocrisy...but does that apply to all Christians? I feel like I'm being tarred with the same brush as a member of Westboro.

My concern though is watching institutions fall with almost no resistance to this take-no-prisoners (I thought this article was a fair reflection of my thinking http://www.bloombergview.com/article...marriage-purge) movement that had rolled through the media, much of the government, and is now rolling into business. The only place left after that is going to be places of worship. American Christians (myself inclusive) are not ready for the hatred that will be dumped on them.

This seems to reinforce my thinking - God won't be reviving his church with revival - its going to be done through persecution. I may expand on this if I can ever put a post together.

[Obsidian]

I don't think there is any Christian hypocrisy. I am unaware of any gay CEOs being called upon to step down by Christians.