Are We Too Sophisticated for Persecution?
November 21, 2005
Above: "The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer", by Jean Leon Gerome, 1883. (to view full-sized, click here)
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Are we too sophisticated for persecution? I suppose it depends on what one means and where one lives. But if you happen to live anywhere in North America, the answer is probably "yes." Why is that? It's because North American believers have become experts at insulating themselves from the trials and tribulations of other Christians around the world.
It isn't an insulation that prevents them from acknowledging or responding to natural disasters and the like -- there is a social expectation to respond to such needs. Rather, it's the kind of insulation that serves as a sort of "buffer-zone-of-the-soul," convincing us of the general irrelevance of religious persecution -- something that used to happen to ancient Christians, but that we are generally immune to in modern times (therefore, why bother thinking about such things?). In the case of many pentecostal and charismatic Christians, admitting or dwelling on persecution runs contrary to one's positive-confessing, scripture promise-quoting, victory-claiming mindset. Thinking about believers who might be experiencing "defeat" is uncomfortable and counterproductive, right? Yet it seems to me that the general lack of concern evidenced throughout the American Church for those suffering and/or dying for their faith in Christ is unconsciencable. It also betrays the depth of selfishness at work in our overly individualistic society.
Shockingly few Christians, it seems, even think about religious persecution much less worry, pray, or write about it (our friend Justin is an exception, as witnessed by his recent post). Maybe we're just too sophisticated and advanced for such archaic notions. And yet, despite the fact that horrendous acts of violence are being committed against Christians in many places around the world, the topic is scarcely ever found upon the lips of North American believers. There are, however, some brave bloggers (and others), who are tirelessly committed to drawing attention to this travesty. Even as I write this I wonder... how many people care enough or have courage enough to face the shocking truth at blog sites like this one, or read stories printed in newspapers like this one (WARNING:these links are graphic)?
The very idea of persecution is too disturbing and too far removed from our every day lives to give it the attention that it deserves. Although I have personally drawn attention to the persecuted church over the 20 years that I've been a pastor, I confess that it plays far too small a part in my praying, my teaching, and my giving.
What can we do about all this? How can we turn the tide of self-absorbtion and lack of caring? Well, for starters, how about participating in the National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, regularly visit one of the several sites which focus on the persecuted church around the world, financially contribute to one of the organizations that seek to help persecuted believers, and make prayer for the persecuted Church a daily part of your life.
So, what are your thoughts concerning our general disinterest in the persecuted Church? Is it one of our "sins of omission"? Or are people making a big deal over nothing?
Chris, Thanks for another challenging post.
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." Over the ages, various people have taken this word, along with other biblical passages, to regard persecution -- on account of faith -- as a great work of faith. Christian Martyrs are regarded as great heros of the faith. Yet persecution is not a work of the one being persecuted. One may be tested by it, bravely endure it -- or die from it, but these are reactions not actions or works of faith. Religious persecution is a work of pure evil. Any form of persecution is a work of pure evil. No one wants to face, let alone invite, evil. No one should seek persecution as a means to prove their cause. No one should tempt the devil.
Should we care for those who are persecuted? pray for them? attempt to rescue them by appropriate means? Of course. We should do this for any persecuted person or group. I don't think Jesus' words (above) imply that he was only concerned with religious persecution -- or even more concerned with it than other aggressive acts of evil. When Christians single out religious persecution of fellow believers, over and above the attrocities committed against any people for any reason, we run the risk of becoming religious-supremacists instead of people who regard all of God's children as our neighbors. Thus, we should care equally for the muslims of Darfur as we do the Christians of the Blue Nile, as much for secular Shia as we do for American soldiers. When persecution abounds righteousness should abound all the more.
Posted by: Lauren | November 22, 2005 at 05:19 AM
A friend of mine, Yussef is a missionary to Indonesia. He's shared with me some of the terrible things that happen in Indonesia to Christians. The same with another friend, Omran a former PLO member now sold out to Jesus, who works in Jordan and the Arab nations.
My fear is that in America we've lost what it means not only to be the 'persecuted Church' but what we should be doing to get persecuted for.
I'm afraid that Amercian Christians will think preaching Romans 1, I Corinthians 6:19 and having that called hate speech will content them they are persecuted.
Rather than being persecuted for unashamedly showing the love of Christ to the unwanted, to those in the gutter to the rejects of society. I'd be happier if we were being persecuted for how much we love those in the LGBT community (and love and forgiveness doesn't mean condoning the lifestyle) rather than being persecuted for hating / fearing / rejecting them.
LYB
Seraphim
Posted by: Seraphim | November 22, 2005 at 06:35 AM
Chris, thanks for sharing what God has put close to your heart. As I read the post, I checked out each link even before the final challenge. After reading the couple of comments, I simply prayed. How do we respond to this? How have I failed to respond? How should I respond?
Americans (especially middle class American "Christians") live a sterile (ie. insulated) environment. Even viewing pictures on the web is "clean." Perhaps this is why we feel contaminated when we are surprised with pictures of beheadings and the like. I would suggest something that may help "move us" deeper and closer to what God may be saying to us: Prayer Full Imagination.
These are the questions that I asked myself. What would it have felt like to be steamrolled to death? Can I really imagine what it would be like to watch something so horrific in person? What must these soldiers/executioners be feeling and thinking to order and/or participate in these actions?
I don't believe in obsessing over these or being sadistic, which is why I said a "Prayer Full" Imagination. As I imagine, I keep coming back to God. For me at least, I have a much deeper gratitude than I did yesterday. Which is certainly appropriate considering what holiday is on Thursday.
In Christ.
Posted by: leadworshipper | November 22, 2005 at 07:39 AM
The lack of an authentic ascetic lifestyle has lot to do with the problem of American Christianity on this issue.
Posted by: Karl Thienes | November 22, 2005 at 08:05 AM
Chris, I definately feel where you are coming from on this post. Don't you think that the part about Americans " insulating that serves as a sort of "buffer-zone-of-the-soul," is part of a much bigger problem? Don't we isolate and cut ourselves off from anything that makes us uncomfortable? (think of the poor and homeless) It makes me think about the great show six feet under and your recent post about death and our reaction to it.
Anyway, if we want to treat others in the Body of Christ with respect, let's stop supporting blogs like the one you linked to. That was a fake photo from an unnamed source, and it ruins the credibility of the entire website, and could ruin the whole believability of the topic for some.
Posted by: Benjy | November 22, 2005 at 09:47 AM
Benjy, then how should I respond to the comment post that appears at the persecutionblog.com article, which was signed...
Posted by: Glenn at Nov 10, 2005 12:44:57 PM
It's fine to contest the photo, Benjy -- but it would be helpful to cite your evidence. Thanks.
Posted by: Chris | November 22, 2005 at 10:06 AM
Anyway, if we want to treat others in the Body of Christ with respect, let's stop supporting blogs like the one you linked to. That was a fake photo from an unnamed source, and it ruins the credibility of the entire website, and could ruin the whole believability of the topic for some.
Reminds me of the story of the preacher who spoke about poverty, folk being so "Damn" poor, etc. And all that people came away from the sermon with was the fact the preacher said damn.
I'shalom
Seraphim
Posted by: Seraphim | November 22, 2005 at 10:08 AM
I had this thought today which seems relevent: Whatever persecution occurs in the U.S. seems to come about as a result of trying to realize the Kingdom of God within the U.S political system. Some lingering form of Manifest Destiny (or similar) leads many to this equation, Kingdom of God = USA. So, when Christians are opposed for trying to establish prayer in public schools, this is persecution.
This false equation is at the root of our problem. It is the source of our "insulation." As Seraphim said:
My fear is that in America we've lost what it means not only to be the 'persecuted Church' but what we should be doing to get persecuted for.
In other nations, where it is impossible to pretend that this equation is true, Christians are forced to seek the Kingdom outside of and beyond their nation-state, something which is bound to cause problems... as we can see.
Posted by: Bald Man | November 22, 2005 at 01:51 PM
Unfortunately, being among Coptic Christians puts a personal face on persecution. It makes me so angry to think of the humiliation and deprivation my brothers and sisters still face in Egypt. And Muslims whine loudly abroad about how they are insulted and abused by the West, when they're busy building mosques here and in Europe not just unhindered, but with civil support.
We should be concerned about suffering no matter what forms it takes, but love "especially for the family of believers" is completely scriptural and in keeping with how a family operates.
Posted by: Gina | November 22, 2005 at 03:33 PM
Lauren, your comment post was excellent. One thing in particular that stands out was:
"When Christians single out religious persecution of fellow believers, over and above the attrocities committed against any people for any reason, we run the risk of becoming religious-supremacists instead of people who regard all of God's children as our neighbors. "
The charge of exclusivity is certainly one we want to avoid. We say we love the world, but we need to prove it by our actions. That said, what Gina pointed out is also true:
"We should be concerned about suffering no matter what forms it takes, but love "especially for the family of believers" is completely scriptural and in keeping with how a family operates."
This highlights a paradox within our faith: all human beings are God's children, and yet there is also a family-of-faith (i.e. the body of Christ) that is separate and unique.
We must love our neighbors as ourselves, not just on an individual basis but on the corporate level as well.
Posted by: Chris | November 22, 2005 at 04:02 PM
"Some lingering form of Manifest Destiny (or similar) leads many to this equation, Kingdom of God = USA."
Bald Man -- now that's scary!
Posted by: Chris | November 22, 2005 at 04:09 PM
Lauren,
It is a rare and wonderful thing to come across someone who will actually say that we should care about people persecuted for a religion that is not ours. Far more unlikely for people to act that way. You impress me.
Seraphim,
"Rather than being persecuted for unashamedly showing the love of Christ to the unwanted, to those in the gutter to the rejects of society. I'd be happier if we were being persecuted for how much we love those in the LGBT community (and love and forgiveness doesn't mean condoning the lifestyle) rather than being persecuted for hating / fearing / rejecting them."
Also a refreshing and surprising position to run across on Christian blogs in general. I pray both of you succeed in spreading these thoughts to others.
Chris,
Unrelated to this post, but rather your "Blog-within-a-blog" I have heard this argument about upside down Christmas trees in numerous places. Two things: First, I can say from experience that this has no relation to any Pagan practice I have run across, and due to my vocation, I run across a large number of them. Second, hanging Christmas trees upside down from one's ceiling was a practice instituted by Christians many years ago, although predominantly in Europe. If any of you look up a history of the Christmas tree (a secular one preferably, or one who's lack of bias you can be certain of) you will find this to be the case. Most of the Christmas rituals are borrowed from Pagan practices. Why label one of the few that belong to you as hours?
Posted by: Wanderer | November 22, 2005 at 07:28 PM