do you know of any cases in which someone was persecuted because of unusual abilities, or beliefs???

Answer 1

Let me think ............ Christian in China and Sudan just to name two places

Answer 2

Have you heard of the movie "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" it's is based on a true story. Most of the movie takes place in the court room, the court is trying to prosecute the priest because Emily died a few days after his performed his exorcism. Mind you not her family... but the court; a very interesting story. I highly advise it; don't worry it's not like "The Exorcist", thought it is Hollywoodised.

Stephen put a good response, but I would like to add that many of the witch burnings were that of widows who lived alone and had property/money that the magistrates wanted to get their hands. It was easy for them to point the finger and then obtain the property. Especially since one for the signs was: if your milk went sour, your neighbor made it happen... she's a witch! So a lot of what went on wasn't because of beliefs or healing abilities just good old fashion male ego and a desire for power. So now who were the evil ones????

For more on that topic read "The Devil in the Shape of a Woman."

Answer 3

Literally there are 1000s of cases of this. Do a web search for Witch hunts or The Burning Times. Most of these were done by Christians against those that they believed were in league with the Devil, which Christianity created.

Whether they were practicing another faith or showing a "unnatural" power (Helen Duncan), teaching information contrary to the "official" Church doctrine (flat vs round Earth), or just helpless bystanders (Giles Corey), the Christian faith has a very colorful past of persecuting others.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 4

Well, this may seem strange coming from someone who identifies herself as a Christian, but satanists are a perfect example of such persecution. They are blamed for all sorts of things they don't do, that are against the rules of their religion, yet the rumors persist. I personally believe they are misguided, but they aren't the monsters so many people have made them out to be. The vast majority of them are caring, kind people.

(I bet I'm gonna get A LOT of "thumbs down" for this one!)

Answer 5

Absolutely. Don't think I'd call it unusual abilities or beliefs though.
Beliefs not popular maybe.
Happened in the U.S. at that.

Answer 6

Witches/Wiccans, Anyone who professes to believe or follow in something other than the 'Policital right', in some places Christian missionaries,in many places anyone who choses a different lifestyle choice, ect....the list sadly is seemly endless.

Answer 7

How about for the lack of belief.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApNIPpS4SlbdUsg4YlljrOojzKIX?qid=20060903132207AAnmOk0

Crusades, inquisitions, witch burnings, etc. Many scientists were persecuted for believing things like the earth is moving, etc.

Answer 8

Sure do.I am very lonely because I will not believe in earthly church doctrine.Almost everyone I know says Jesus is God and that He is fixing to return.I don't believe either one.Jesus is the Son of God,and he told Peter,James,John and Andrew,this generation shall not pass till all these things be done,meaning they would see his return, not us.

Answer 9

I think some of the witch trials. Look at Foxes' Book of Martyrs.

Answer 10

I can't think of anyone that I know or know of personally. Except me....but that was because I was pretty, not because of beliefs or abilities.

Answer 11

Gallileo.