Ten Ways American Christians Can Combat Persecution
Popular evangelist Franklin Graham issued some provocative statements on the Christian Broadcast Network’s “ 700 Club,” warning viewers of “ the storm of Islam,” the possibility of Muslim influence on US foreign policy, and Christian persecution.
He claimed in his final statement, “Nobody is talking about this and we as Christians are going to lose.”
Benjamin Watson, a tight end for the New Orleans Saints, appeared “On The Record” with Greta Van Susteren to discuss his recent Facebook post about his thoughts on Christian persecution. He also advised viewers to “wake up from their slumber.”
Franklin Graham may believe the gradual disintegration of our religious freedoms is here and that persecution is coming, but as Greta mentioned in her discussion with Benjamin Watson, some believe Christian persecution is here now, just in the form of discrimination. As the current administration appears to make excuses for radical Islam abroad and ignores Christians at home, the threat seems more real to us than ever before. It is obvious Christian persecution in the United States pales in comparison to the atrocities committed overseas. Christians in the US are not murdered by radicals but as gay marriage and abortion issues heat up in the public arena, Christians may face legal and cultural persecution at the hands of “secular-progressives,” a term used by Bill O’ Reilly. To make matters worse, the persecuted VICTIMS—yes, the victims— are sometimes required to attend sensitivity training!
Some Christians may feel supported in their concern for this disturbing trend but feel alone in their passion to take a stand; which calls to mind a series of questions: What degree of persecution is acceptable? Will US Christian persecution escalate to violence? How much is allowed before ALL Christians become alarmed enough to take action? As the culture grows more hostile towards Christians at home and abroad, what is our responsibility? What can we do to ensure we DON’T lose?
Franklin Graham offered some excellent tips to encourage Christians to become more involved. Some of his tips are included below, but I added a few of my own. These are changes we can make in our own lives to answer the call to defend our faith.
1.) Examine our faith. Read and study scripture. Read different Christian authors and faith-based articles to strengthen our faith. Christians should not only stand tall, but stand on solid ground.
2) Be proud. Display our religious symbols at home, on our property, and on our person. This lets others know who we are and that we stand in solidarity with one another and with persecuted Christians in the Middle East. This sends a message that we won’t be silenced, bullied, or intimidated.
3.) Do not be afraid. We cannot allow political correctness to silence us. Political correctness always emboldens some (secular-progressives) but intimidates others (Christians). Why should we feel afraid to express our own opinions? We are being slaughtered across the globe. We should be allowed to express our opinions.
4.) Prepare to defend our position on social issues. Take time to understand and articulate our position on social issues. As same-sex marriage and abortion debates heat up in the public arena, be prepared to defend our position with intellectual information.
5.) Support Christians in movies and culture. Voting with our hard-earned money will have a huge impact on culture. Christians supported the movies Heaven is For Real and God’s Not Dead, but we can extend our support to Christian businesses, sports figures, music, books, magazines, art, television, and fashion.
6.) Support persecuted Christians in the US and around the world. Social media has allowed us to be more connected to our representatives than ever before. We must take advantage of this and let politicians know we must provide humanitarian, and if needed, military support to Christians in the Middle East.
Here at home, each week brings new stories of Christians in the cross-hairs of secular-progressives. The latest victim is Lt. Cmdr Wesley Modder, a navy chaplain who faces possible dismissal, because he allegedly admonished fellow sailors for homosexuality and premarital sex. When Christians are punished for practicing their faith in the workplace, we must publicly support them.
7.) Get involved in politics. Confrontation is unpleasant and discourages many people from debating issues or engaging in politics, but there is too much at stake to remain silent. We can enter the conversation in a respectful, but unapologetic manner. We can debate in our signature compassionate style and leave the hate to others. If our voices aren’t heard, a more determined opponent will surely win. Social media has its place, but sometimes we must move beyond our keyboards and either plug into political organizations, work on campaigns, or encourage other Christians to run for office.
8.) A difference in opinion is not judgement. Just like secular-progressives, we are entitled to our opinions and should express them freely. We are often accused of being judgemental, when we disagree with our opponents. We cannot allow these accusations to silence us.
9.) Don’t let the media define us. Social issues are hot debate topics around election time, and Christian politicians still fail to articulate an effective message. Ben Carson, a potential presidential candidate, was chastised in the media for his response to a gay marriage question. Dr. Carson issued an apology on Facebook, and the comments on his page were nasty and hateful.
We have allowed the media and culture to define who we are, and the labels applied to us are unflattering and false. When we remain silent or apologize, it only reinforces the idea in the minds of progressives that we are deserving of persecution. However, we should defend ourselves by playing offense for a change. Here is an example: In their world, a pro-lifer hates women, but someone who supports killing innocent children is enlightened. If pro-lifers hate women, why aren’t abortion advocates labeled “fetus-haters?”
We never, ever call out the absurdity of their arguments. We can point this out and be respectful at the same time.
10.) Call for a national spokesman. Most Christians do not have the luxury of national visibility or access to a major news network, so a national spokesman/spokeswoman is necessary. Franklin Graham, and to some degree Benjamin Watson, have assumed this role. A respected and influential leader puts a face on our plight.
Christians around the world are being persecuted. We CANNOT think for a second this won’t happen here. To remain complacent or assume we do not have the power to turn this around is dangerous.
