C A R L B. G A R N E R

WHAT PERSECUTION AWAITS?

The subject of persecution on the grounds of religious convictions has been in the news lately. Just this past week in Kentucky, a 14 year-old boy who had been harassing student prayer sessions killed three students and injured five others as they ended a prayer session. The news reports say he "sprayed the crowd of worshipers with bullets, killing three of his own fellow students." I do not want to be flippant, but I wonder if this will be called a "hate crime."

People living in other parts of our world have much more experience with persecution. Europe has known of these things for years, and it has not been hidden from the public. Saddam Hussein has killed many of his own people who were not loyal to his religious views. Similar atrocities have been reported within other Muslim and Asian nations.

ARE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED TODAY?
We are aware of the Paul's words to Timothy: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," 2 Timothy 3:12. We have often stated that we will not likely suffer the same forms of persecution today that were forced upon early Christians. Upon making such comments, however, we may have inadvertently left the impression that we will not likely suffer any persecution. If so, we hasten to correct any such misunderstanding.

History records some pretty cruel forms of persecution in primitive times. Details given by John Fox in Fox's Book of Martyrs, written in the 16th century, reveal just how dangerous it was to confess Christ in the early days of the Church. He recorded the traditional views of the demise of the disciples by various means of persecution. Paul "gave his neck to the sword" by Nero's hand. Thaddeus "was crucified in Edessa, 72 A.D." Thomas was "martyred, thrust through with a spear." John Mark was "dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria." Matthias was "stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded." Only John, the son of Zebedee, died a natural death. Domitian decreed that "no Christian, once brought before the tribunal, will be exempted from punishment without renouncing their religion."

Under Trajan, early in the second century, similar persecutions took place. Ignatius was "given to the wild beasts to be devoured." Later in the third century a man named Stephen, upon refusing to sacrifice to idols, was "fastened by the feet to the tail of a bull. Upon a signal given, the enraged animal was driven down the steps of the temple, by which the worthy martyr's brains were dashed out." Hopefully, we will not face such suffering, but we will be tested and proven. How will we fare if/when such times come?

WHAT PERSECUTION WILL WE FACE?
No one can say what faces those who live for Christ. To Persecute is "to oppress with punishment or injury for their adherence to religious convictions." A so-called "Political Correctness" constrains many who would, at the snap of a finger, do whatever it takes to remove any and all influence of religion from our culture. Many modern textbooks have removed virtually all mention of the good influences "Christianity" has provided. One journalist has stated that "By just reading today's textbooks on history you would hardly think religion had any impact on our nation's early settlement." If "Christianity" is mentioned at all it is usually a colorful description of the abuses of religion which, unfortunately, are too many. We may as well be prepared to face some of the same intimidation experienced by brethren in countries where Christ is not honored at all, nor is His church accepted or respected.

The following are some possible abuses we will probably face in the days to come: 1. Taxes on churches are facing major revisions in today's reform of tax codes. Charitable contributions are also being carefully scrutinized.
2. There will likely be even more teaching of views antagonistic to the Christian's faith. Evolution, ethics, sex education, history and science are all areas in which biblical truths may face increased opposition.
3. Our tax dollars will continue to be spent on matters that are counter to everything we believe. Early Christians faced this; so will we.
4. We have felt the antagonism of neighbors or classmates who reject genuine Christianity as found in the Bible. As public criticism of religion increases, we will see even more who are willing to make light of views that come from the Bible.
5. Early Christian businessmen faced loss of employment because of their convictions. This is often true today, and such may increase.
6. Many school districts schedule ball games and other programs that conflict with worship times. As the programs increase, those conflicts will likely increase.

Others could be mentioned, but these are samples. Our question is, "How will we react to trials?" Jesus warned: "The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you," John 15:20.Will your contributions decline if your tax benefits are taken from you? Will Christians conform their lives to the world's pattern, or continue to live for Christ? Will oppression cause us to renounce our relationship with God? Will we choose ball games over our loyalty to Christ? We have lived pretty sheltered lives. It is not my intent to alarm you, but as with any danger, it is seldom of any real benefit to ignore it. "The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us," Romans 8:18.