I don't mean this in a snide way. But seriously, at other times in history Christians were persecuted, and when that came to an end, many people joined that were perhaps less sincere than those who were willing to be a Christian in spite of persecution. I'm just curious what you think about the effects of persecution on a religion, compared to the effects of non-persecution.
And yes, I'm quite aware that in some places persecution of Christians continues. But it is not the norm.
2007-05-30 08:09:44 · 15 answers · asked by Heron By The Sea 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Persecution does have the advantage of scaring away those who are not sincere. I don't think that the church was full of hypocrites then!
Plus there is the added advantage that Christians who are persecuted seem to get better awards in Heaven because they made a bigger sacrifice. It would seem that the persecuted are better off from an eternal perspective than those who never have their faith tested.
2007-05-30 08:14:52 · answer #1 · answered by Randy G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Persecution exists alright. I am a born again child of the Only living God and just because I am not beaten, killed, or tortured doesnt mean I don't get persecuted. It happens in many different forms. Hate comes in many different forms doesn't it.
I dont force what I believe on anyone, I don't criticize non-christians or athiests on there lifestyles or bash them but yet I have to put up with Jesus jokes, foul mouths or things that are said on purpose because i'm in the room for 8 hours of the day. That is a form of persecution. Take a look at some the questions and comments posted here. And yes there is coming time for the persecution that happens in Africa, China, and other countries to america.
The fact that as I'm typing this someone has walked a full day just to get to church, or has just died in the Name of Jesus, or is being tortured for not denouncing the name of Jesus and accepting Islam or for some other reason, makes me the Christian I am. In the church house every time the doors open because i know the day is coming where it won't be that easy.
2007-05-30 08:38:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what your idea of persecution is. It isn't easy to be a Christian in the literal sense of the word, and you will find many people who call themselves Christians aren't very good examples. They find it too sissy so they have to resort to quoting the fire and brimstone section of the Bible we like to call, the Old Testament.
Christians in the beginning of history did not have the Old Testament to fall back on. When they called themselves Christians, they were living as Jesus did - which was hard then and still is.
2007-05-30 08:30:58 · answer #3 · answered by anonevyl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i've got encountered this mode of thought in the past. no longer all Christians believe this, yet a dazzling huge sort do. i recognize that a minimum of a few church homes tutor this, via fact i've got attended some that do. coming up a persecution complicated is a thank you to unify the group. everyone seems to be prepared to resign somewhat some themselves whilst they suspect that their households are under siege. of course, once you're a member of a non secular majority group, that's confusing to declare non secular persecution. consequently, many Christians have developed a habit of seeing "persecution" almost everywhere. as far as which group is the main persecuted, interior the u . s . that's the Jews. Jews characterize some million% of the US inhabitants, yet are the victims in almost 70% of religiously-prompted hate crimes. Muslims are available 2nd, representing decrease than a million% of the inhabitants, yet over 10% of non secular hate-crime victims.
2016-12-12 06:36:54 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Persecution still happens but in other ways. It could be that persecution happens by being ridiculed by others and called ignorant and unable to accept reality. Physical persecution is not as common in culture as it used to be but persecution still exists in many forms.
2007-05-30 08:16:50 · answer #5 · answered by comer59 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
let me tell you something
Christians are still persecuted a lot. Have you not read any of the books about Martyrs. We go through persecution everyday. Kids make fun of us and atheists all seem to target us. Christians today are still dying for our Lord and savoir.
2007-05-30 08:17:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since when is being or feeling persecution a prerequisite of being a Christian? Let me guess, you aren't a Christian are you?
I am a Christian and proud of it...even when it isn't popular. And when they day comes, and it will, that Christians are persecuted, I will remain a Christian.
2007-05-30 08:16:52 · answer #7 · answered by Kogie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have a look around the world in countries like Saudi, Indonesia, Burma, Nigeria, Zibabwe, China, India, and then tell me again that Christians are not still persecuted. Or do you just mean in smallville usa?
2007-05-30 08:15:44 · answer #8 · answered by Andrew B 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Oh but it is the "norm"... always has been... and always will be... this world is the domain of the forces of evil. and will remain so until Christ returns to establish His reign... there dose not have to be killing to be persecution... the forces of evil are always at work trying to keep as many as they can from knowing The Truth of God... and they are doing a very good job of it.... most mortal still fall victim to the deceptions of evil... and most still reject The Truth of God.
2007-05-30 08:17:19 · answer #9 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This answer may seem just as strange.
Since Satan is the "ruler of THIS world", I think it could be said: If you AREN'T being persecuted, you are probably more in alignment with Satan than with God.
In other words, you are doing something wrong!
2007-05-30 08:17:05 · answer #10 · answered by Philip H 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋