Today, I was researching some about the religiously persecuted around the world. Some of the stories shock us, sadden us, and give us a great desire to do something to change it. For example, in places like Iran where people can still be killed for converting to a different faith. To places like North Korea and China, where churches still need to meet underground. While I was reading these daily stories, two caught my eye and saddened me in a different way. One was a claim of persecution at an American public high school, because the students were not able to have a prayer at their graduation. Another stated that Franklin Graham signals that a great time of persecution is coming for Christians in the United States, based on his denial of being able to speak at a ceremony at the Pentagon.
He was disinvited because of some comments he had made about the Islamic faith in the past, saying that the religion was evil. Because of the fact of him being uninvited, Graham went on to say that it was a “slap in the face” to all evangelicals and that the Obama administration has a “pattern of hostility towards traditional Christianity”.
Now, I want to be careful on this subject. I think Franklin Graham is a good man who has done many wonderful things. He has really been crucial in starting the NGO, Samaritan’s Purse, and he has been a strong leader in the Christian community. However, this kind of rhetoric is saddening to me. First of all, perhaps the question should be if a Christian leader should be the one praying at one of the largest military facilities in the world (seems to be in a little bit of conflict with blessed are the peacemakers)? However, that is a topic for a different time. Second of all, we have to accept the fact that the nation is now diverse. The military is made up of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Atheist members. Because of the blanket statements made such as “Islam is Evil”, he may not be the best candidate to speak to this diverse group, after all, it not a church service or revival meeting where he would be more than welcome to speak. Now, I think what he is saying is correct in a way. Much of Islam in the world is extremely violent and oppressive. However, it is also important to point out the many peaceful and moderate Muslims around the world. Obviously, Graham speaking to these Muslims who might be present could be very offensive.
Religious persecution is a huge issue around the world, and I think we all need to be aware of this. We have a responsibility to stand up for those around the world who have been oppressed, persecuted, tortured, and killed because of their faith. I think it is not just a human right’s responsibility, but very much a Christian responsibility. It is easy for us in the prosperous and free West to not pay much attention to these issues. However, ultimately the cause of human rights and the cause of Christ are not merely national or American issues, but world issues.
We need to be careful not to allow a disinvitation at an event that perhaps a Christian shouldn’t be speaking at in the first place and not allowing a Christian prayer at a public school to be confused with real persecution. We live in a secular and diverse society, which has been the one thing that has guaranteed our freedom. It undermines the real cause of speaking out about persecution when we yell persecution far too quickly. Let’s be aware of the real persecution around the world, while also realizing and holding up the ideas of a free, secular, and diverse country where all people can worship freely and no religion is favored by the government-Christian,Islamic,Athiest,etc.
If you would like some more information on the Persecuted Church or would like to give you can visit the following websites:
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/ Brother Andrew’s site
http://www.releaseinternational.org/
http://www.uscirf.gov/
http://www.amnesty.org/
