Why are Christians Persecuted Around the World?

There has been an alarming rise in anti-Christian hate crimes lately. It not only includes things like burning crosses outside of Christian churches (example: Sylmar Christ Church in Los Angeles, July 6, 2023 (AP), but also high levels of persecution, discrimination, and even deaths worldwide. More than 365 million Christians, one in seven in the world, are considered at risk¹. Did you ever wonder why the world hates Christians so much?

The Christian faith is based on the teachings and beliefs centered around Jesus Christ. We believe in the existence of one God who is loving, all-powerful, and the Creator of the universe. Central to Christianity is the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the savior of humanity. In other words, God became incarnate (living with us). Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we form the foundation of Christian teachings. As proof, Christians point to the Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is considered sacred to Christians because it contains the inspired word of God. It serves as a guide for our faith and lives.

Central to Christian ethics is the teaching of love, compassion, and service to others. Following the example of Jesus, Christians strive to live virtuous lives and promote justice and mercy. Christians often gather in communities for worship, fellowship, and mutual support. Gatherings include public professions of faith (baptism) and communion (recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross). The church is considered the body of Christ here on Earth. I hope you are staying with me so far. It is difficult to understand the basis for the world’s hatred! Like every religion on earth, Christians believe they are right! However, Christians also believe in the concept of salvation, which is the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life, attainable through faith in Jesus Christ, not through acts (good or bad). This belief makes Christianity unique. We do not believe that one’s salvation comes from killing everyone who does not agree with us.

The Christian mission’s message can be summarized in these two Bible verses:

(John 3:16)[mfn]NIV New International Version Translations[/mfn] – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

(Matthew 28:19-20) – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

These verses highlight the call to share the gospel and make disciples, spreading the message of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:12 encourages believers to live honorably among non-believers: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” It is hard to see the gospel’s message as a source of hatred. We are to live as Jesus lived, being examples of His love to all of humanity.

The hatred, however, is real. Its sources are many, and here are a few of the predominant ones to consider:

Education should always promote both cooperation and unity. This is why it is important for any group of people to actively monitor what is being taught to their children and even to themselves as adults. While regional differences have always existed in what people believe, the issue grows more complex with the extreme immigration occurring in our world. Cultures with non-compatible beliefs are being merged. These ideologies often distort religious teachings to meet their worldly purposes. When political ideologies exist, including a lack of understanding or tolerance for differing opinions, opinion news and media are the first to leap in, creating false stereotypes or biased portrayals of religious groups. This places further pressure on the purpose of education.

(Proverbs 1:7) – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Solomon’s proverb verse above emphasizes the value of seeking wisdom and instruction. But the verse below really highlights the concerns we should have:

(Colossians 2:8) – “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of being discerning and cautious about teachings that may lead people away from the truth of Christ. Historical events or conflicts involving Christian-majority countries have also contributed to negative sentiments that have existed for generations. One very significant contributor to the lack of religious tolerance, including Christianity, is when governments view religion as a threat to either order or governmental power. Many extremist groups exist with religious or political motivations. While some social and political groups attempt to crush religion, conversely, some religious groups attempt to crush political opposition. When these groups gain power in government, laws and practices can restrict even the simple sharing of one’s faith. Think this cannot happen in modern nations? Rosa Lalor, who lives in Liverpool, England, was arrested and fined for silently praying in front of an abortion clinic². Stories like this happen daily and should be very disturbing to all of us!

(John 15:18) – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

The passage above is part of a larger passage where Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the challenges they may face in following Him. Remember, Jesus was falsely accused, given an unfair, biased trial, beaten viciously until the flesh was stripped from His back, and then nailed to a wooden cross to die. It is quite a punishment for an innocent person. All this because He told people not to sin, repent, and then rely on God for strength. Is this the message that the world hates, or is it that Jesus represents a risk to the world’s authority?

(James 3:13-17) – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

The hatred against Christians comes from worldly wisdom; it is not from God. Reread those verses from Jesus’ brother, James. Hatred is not peace-loving; hatred is not considerate or submissive; there is no mercy in hatred; there is no “good fruit” in hatred. Do you see impartial justice from sincere people? If you want these things, plan on being hated! Here, Isaiah relates to Satan’s sentence (his being cast out by God) into our world!

(Isaiah 14:12-15) – “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”

Unfortunately, in our world, evil and hatred exist. We are called to search for what is pure: peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, bearing good fruit, impartial, and sincere. As Christians, we are called to have faith in Christ and wait faithfully for His return.

Contemplations

Have you experienced firsthand bigotry toward your faith?
- Ideas to Explore: Work, neighborhood, within your family, government, educational systems—please add your own experiences.
Have any of these made you fearful?
- Ideas to Explore: Dangerous experiences can be very threatening to children. How do you personally handle them? Avoidance, confrontation, etc.
Where are the greatest threats to your religious freedom going to come from? Your opinion!
- Ideas to Explore: Government, societal pressure, family, etc.
To what extent are you willing to keep your faith?
- Ideas to Explore: Change where you live, work, or go to school. File complaints. Examine your political beliefs and align them with your faith.