Rampant Religious Persecution

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of religious persecution? Contrary to popular belief, even in the 21st century people across the globe are continually persecuted (often times in such horrible ways that can even result in death!) for their religious beliefs.

Darfur. China. Typically, we tend to think of oppressive countries like those as being the worst when it comes to violating basic human rights. We can now add India to that list too. As reported in a recent column by Chuck Colson, the largest democracy in the world is seeing some of the most horrific persecution of Christians is taking place in its state of Orissa, India.

The article goes on to document a truly grim situation...

"On August 23, a Hindu nationalist known as 'Guruji' was shot to death along with four of his followers. While Guruji had many enemies and was mostly likely killed by Maoist guerillas, a local newspaper blamed Christians for his death. The result was a wave of anti-Christian violence that has killed at least 25 people, burned at least 50 churches, and destroyed at least 4,000 Christian homes.

Even more shocking than these numbers is the savagery of the attacks. There are reliable reports of priests being burned alive and nuns being raped. Hindu fanatics were caught trying to poison the water supply at a camp set up for Christians fleeing the violence.
A special target of the Hindu nationalists are former Hindus, especially Dalits, who have converted to Christianity. As Indian journalist Anjalee Lewis has written, the violence against Christians is 'linked to the empowerment of the Dalits and tribals.'

Conversion and education has provided them with 'dignity' and 'freedom from oppressive traditions of caste-based discrimination and slavery.' This, in turn, has prompted a violent response from 'dominant castes, who could no longer rely upon them for cheap farm labor or bonded labor.' The result, according to Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, is a campaign 'to eliminate Christians from Orissa.'"

If you’re wondering where the Indian government is in all this, the answer is, on the sidelines - at best. Thus, the only hope for Christians in Orissa and other parts of India is pressure from overseas. At the very least, you need to write or call your Congressman or Senators to alert them to what’s going on in India. But most of all, pray for our persecuted Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Get your church involved in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, which comes up on November 9.


Sadly, religious persecution isn't reserved for some distant and far away land, but it is also being practiced here in the United States. So much for freedom of religion.

Recent headlines report that 5 Virginia state police chaplains have lost their jobs because they were censored from praying publicly “in Jesus’ name.” How absurd is that?

Virginia state police Col. W. Steven Flaherty created and then enforced a strict "non-sectarian" prayer policy at all public gatherings. The policy forbids chaplains from praying “in Jesus’ name.” The policy was adopted to keep from offending anyone. The 5 chaplains who refused to deny Jesus resigned rather than violate their conscience by watering down their prayers.

Their chaplains. Praying in Jesus' name is part of their job description and way of life. Is anyone else simply mind-boggled by the absurdity of the world today? Up is down, black is white, and right seems to be left. Deception rules the day!

Still, despite the beginning signs that religious persecution is beginning to take root in this country, compared to other countries we have it good. And yet our Bibles, which contain the living and life-changing Word of God, sit on a bookshelf collecting dust.

In many countries, the Gospel can't be shared freely. As I've just documented, repressive governments and religions stop Christians from telling others about Jesus.

It's frightening to think that this is only the tip of the iceberg since Jesus warned us that things would get much worse in the end times. In fact, during the Tribulation all the saints who proclaim faith in Jesus Christ (those who reject worshipping the antichrist) will be hunted down and murdered - beheaded actually.

Please pray for our persecuted brethren - everywhere.

RECOMMENDED READING:
US Report: Rise In Violence Against Messianic Jews And Christians

Posted in: How Close Are We?,Political Signs,Spiritual Deception