There's a lot good here. It's important to maintain perspective and not be over the top. On the other hand, it's worth recognizing that persecution of Christians absolutely happens in this country.
Losing your job because of Christian doctrine or practice is religious persecution. We make a mistake when we think that pressure only counts …
There's a lot good here. It's important to maintain perspective and not be over the top. On the other hand, it's worth recognizing that persecution of Christians absolutely happens in this country.
Losing your job because of Christian doctrine or practice is religious persecution. We make a mistake when we think that pressure only counts as persecution if the bad guy says "I'm doing this because you profess Christ." Even the ancient Romans would happily have given Christianity a pass if only the believers would have said "Caesar is lord." Similarly, Nebuchadnezzar didn't care whether you loved Jehovah, he just wanted you to bow down when the music played. When some woke HR threatens your job unless you post a gay pride flag that is truly religious persecution. And yes, this requires we make an actual judgement on the merits of the case.
Another type of mistake is too think that persecution must be official policy or people have to die. Low grade, sporadic and even entirely personal persecution is still persecution. Again judgments must be made.
I will note that it will at times be appropriate to notice persecution without saying much about it publicly. But believers who face persecution should know what they're experiencing, and that it's normal for Christians throughout history. It's much easier to bear persecution if you have fellow believers who agree that it is in fact unjust treatment. Being united with Christ in suffering should be encouraging given the bible's statements on the subject.
There's a lot good here. It's important to maintain perspective and not be over the top. On the other hand, it's worth recognizing that persecution of Christians absolutely happens in this country.
Losing your job because of Christian doctrine or practice is religious persecution. We make a mistake when we think that pressure only counts as persecution if the bad guy says "I'm doing this because you profess Christ." Even the ancient Romans would happily have given Christianity a pass if only the believers would have said "Caesar is lord." Similarly, Nebuchadnezzar didn't care whether you loved Jehovah, he just wanted you to bow down when the music played. When some woke HR threatens your job unless you post a gay pride flag that is truly religious persecution. And yes, this requires we make an actual judgement on the merits of the case.
Another type of mistake is too think that persecution must be official policy or people have to die. Low grade, sporadic and even entirely personal persecution is still persecution. Again judgments must be made.
I will note that it will at times be appropriate to notice persecution without saying much about it publicly. But believers who face persecution should know what they're experiencing, and that it's normal for Christians throughout history. It's much easier to bear persecution if you have fellow believers who agree that it is in fact unjust treatment. Being united with Christ in suffering should be encouraging given the bible's statements on the subject.