Christian Persecution Revisited

Christians have had it relatively easy in America. Maybe we've had it too easy. The Christian faith has always grown fastest among the fires of persecution. Now Newsweek is reporting that Christianity is dying in America, not growing. While institutional/commercialized Christianity may be on the way out in America, true discipleship may be growing stronger. Why? Because the fires of persecution are coming.

I don't want to sound like an alarmist and I don't want to be guilty of blowing things out of proportion. However, you would have to completely have your head in the sand to not recognize that there is a major "anti-Christian" movement currently occurring in our culture.

The Washington Times is reporting today (April 14, 2009) that the Department of Homeland Security is sending out warnings to local law enforcement officials about "rightwing extremist activity." According to the Times, the analysis defines "rightwing extremism in the United States as including not just racist and hate groups but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority." Even more shocking the warning says, "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."

Who is going to decide what group or individual is considered a "right wing extremist?" The Christian faith is extremely counter-cultural in our world today. It is politically incorrect to say that Jesus is the only way to heaven, there is only one God, homosexuality is sinful, abortion is murdering a innocent life, etc. If the majority within American culture comes to reject Christian morality as "politically incorrect," will not all Christians be viewed as "extremists" for opposing them? And if we are viewed as "extremists" will we not be targeted by law enforcement officials according to this statement from Homeland Security?

Christians everywhere better wake up. We must all decide what we really believe. Are you willing to stand firmly for what you believe in the face of jail-time, or fines? We must decide where we stand. Jesus Christ and his teachings is the cornerstone of our identity as Christians but it is also a "stumbling block" to unbelievers (1 Peter 2:6-8). It is time to draw a line in the sand. And it is time for you to decide what side of the line you are on. But remember that while you stand for your Christian beliefs, true disciples must "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles (unbelievers) honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation" (1 Peter 2:12).