I woke up this morning to a vast array of responses to my most recent post on social media. To be honest, I usually avoid the controversial content, negative memes and political rhetoric. That’s just not me. At least that’s not what I want to be known for with my content.
The Olympics have always been one of my favorite events over the years. I missed very little of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, due to recovery from surgery. The Winter Olympics in 2002 was one of my favorites to watch! Loved every minute.
When I watched the opening ceremonies in Paris, I cannot explain my reaction to the mockery of the Christian faith. I prayed about it and then took to social media to share my thoughts…
“I’ve always loved the Olympics. The summer Olympics are in Paris, France this year. They call it the city of love but tonight’s performance was not about love… it was about politics. It is unclear why the Parisians choose to openly mock the Christian faith during the opening ceremony. It was unnecessary and offensive. Some might think that having drag queens emulate the famous Last Supper painting of Leonardo da Vinci was good entertainment. However, I am completely appalled. For this reason, I choose to not watch the Olympics this year. My faith is much more important to me than my entertainment or even my countrymen. If this post offends you, feel free to unfriend me. God have mercy on us.”
Later I added a few more thoughts: “Would they ever put on a skit of Mohammad in drag? Or Buddha? Or Ghandi? No way. Just awful. A friend of mine just pointed out that there is a child in the photo and that the thing in black is eyeing the child, like he’s hungry. Sickening.”
In an age often characterized by progress and tolerance, the persecution of Christians is a stark reminder that religious freedom remains elusive. While advancements in technology and communication have bridged gaps across the globe, they have also highlighted the troubling reality of Christian persecution. And as we saw in the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics, persecution of Christianity is actually applauded and encouraged in numerous parts of the world. If you are under the impression that I’m exaggerating the point, or trying to be dramatic, let me shed some light on the state of Christian persecution, its various forms, and the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and Judeo-Christian values.
The Historical Context
Persecution of Christians is not a new phenomenon. From the Roman Empire's early attempts to suppress the nascent Christian faith to the religious conflicts of the medieval and early modern periods, Christians have faced oppression for two millennia. However, the nature and intensity of persecution have evolved, influenced by cultural, political, and social dynamics. The evidence reveals that is only getting worse.
Travis Creasy, one of my closest friends, said recently that you “cannot teach world history without teaching about Jesus. It is impossible to ignore his influence on the world.” This is a verifiable fact! He split the timeline. One of my favorite books ponders the question: “What if Jesus had never been born?” by D. James Kennedy. This vile hatred for Jesus, Christianity, and for Christians, would probably be dramatically decreased if we taught our children about the values our country has stood for since the very beginning.
The Current Global Landscape
Today, Christian persecution is a complex and multifaceted issue. According to Open Doors USA, an organization that monitors global Christian persecution, over 360 million Christians face high levels of persecution and discrimination. This persecution takes various forms, including:
1. **Government Oppression**: In countries like North Korea and China, the state exercises strict control over religious practices. Christians often face imprisonment, forced labor, and even execution for practicing their faith.
2. **Violent Extremism**: In regions dominated by extremist groups, such as parts of Nigeria, Iraq, and Syria, Christians are frequently targeted for violence, including bombings, kidnappings, and forced conversions.
3. **Social Hostility**: In some societies, Christians face significant social pressure and discrimination. In India, for instance, Christians may be ostracized by their communities and face violent attacks from radical Hindu groups.
4. **Legal Discrimination**: In many countries, laws are skewed against religious minorities. In Pakistan, blasphemy laws are often used to target Christians, leading to imprisonment and mob violence based on false accusations.
Real Stories of Christian Persecution
The statistics and general reports, while alarming, can sometimes fail to convey the human impact of persecution. Real people, in our current day, are facing this every single day. I believe that personal stories bring this issue into the light:
1. **Ukrainian churches** Their church buildings have been strategic spots for bombing by the Russians. We are personally aware of a church building in Crimea that is now a base for running military operations for Russia. In many places property has been destroyed and Christian lives have been lost. The media often highlights hospitals, and population centers, but I’d love to know the real statistics on places of worship.
2. **Pakistani Christians** One famous story is that of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman, who spent nearly a decade on death row after being accused of blasphemy. Her case drew international attention and highlighted the severe consequences of religious intolerance. Few really know how bad the persecution is in the Middle East. Media does not report on such matters. Missionaries usually come back from the mission fields with stories of heroism and terror.
3. **Chinese Christians** Many is the churches in Asia, especially in China, have survived under ground. Pastor Wang Yi, from China, was sentenced to nine years in prison for "inciting to subvert state power" and "illegal business operations," charges often used to silence religious leaders who defy state control over religious practices.
4. **Nigerian Christians** Last year, 4,998 Christians were reportedly killed for their faith. Around 90 per cent of these were in Nigeria (just over 4,000), where Christian communities continue to be attacked with devastating impunity by armed bandits and Islamic militants. These stories are rarely reported in the media because it shines a negative light on Islam.
The Response of the Global Community
The global community's response to Christian persecution varies. Human rights organizations and religious freedom advocates tirelessly work to raise awareness and provide support to persecuted Christians. Governments, especially in the West, have occasionally taken steps to address these issues through diplomatic pressure and granting asylum to persecuted individuals. However, responses are often criticized as inadequate given the scale of the problem.
Might be thinking, “What Can Be Done?” Addressing Christian persecution requires a multifaceted approach:
1. **Raising Awareness** Increased media coverage and public awareness can lead to more significant international pressure on persecuting regimes. From Tim Tebow taking a knee to the portrayal of Jesus 2024 Olympic Games it is evident that the media has a bias against Christianity. It’s no longer “popular” to be a conservative Christian.
2. **Advocacy & Diplomacy** Governments and international bodies need to prioritize religious freedom in their diplomatic agendas, imposing sanctions on regimes that systematically oppress religious minorities. Imagine what would happen if our government stopped trading with anti-Christian and anti-Jewish partners. They would get the message with resounding effectiveness.
3. **Support Networks & Organizations** Strengthening support networks for persecuted Christians, including providing legal assistance, safe houses, and relocation services, is crucial. There are a handful of websites dedicated to this cause. However, resources are thin and the risk is great. Pray. Give. And spread awareness.
4. **Solidarity Among Christendom** I realize this will not be a popular opinion, but it should be stated. Changes can be made if we build alliances across different faith communities. Though we cannot agree on doctrine, traditions or practices, we can attempt to create a unified front against Christian religious persecution.
It is possible to foster change to a broader movement for the sake of human rights and religious freedom. Some of those who disagree with this method may have already abandoned reading this blog after seeing the examples I mentioned previously. Readers may realize they were not of the same denomination. However, enemies of Christianity could care less which denomination you represent. The enemy sees us all of the same.
We may not be brethren, but we have a common enemy. Our goals and morals align. Read the Old Testament. Notice how frequently the northern and southern kingdoms had to fight common enemies. They could not survive without the aid of each other. The same can be said of Christendom. We need to work together to survive.
Final Thoughts
Christian persecution is a sobering reminder of the challenges that remain in the quest for global religious freedom. While the nature of persecution may vary, the underlying issue of intolerance and discrimination persists. By raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting those affected, we can hope to move towards a world where everyone can practice their faith freely and without fear. The struggle continues, but so does the hope for a better future.
We cannot become desensitized by liberal media. We must not simply turn a blind eye to Christians being mocked or ridiculed. Things may not improve but they most certainly will get worse if we do not take a stand.
One of our elders preached a sermon in the recent past that challenges us (What Time Is It America?). This sermon can be found through “Getting To Know Your Bible” podcast or on YouTube. The challenge is to wake up, America! I join in this call: Wake Up, America! Let’s pay attention. And let’s pray for God’s mercy.
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
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