Today, was investigating some on the religious persecution of the world. Some of the stories we clash, us sadness they and give a great desire to do something to change it. For example, in places like Iran, where can still be killed to make a different faith. In places like Korea of the North and China, where churches still need to carry out underground. While reading these stories daily, two struck me and saddens me differently. One was a claim of persecution in an American public secondary school, because students were not able to have a prayer at graduation. Another said that Franklin Graham indicates that it is reaching a great moment of persecution the Christians in the United States, based on his denial of being able to speak in a ceremony at the Pentagon.
He was married because of some comments he made about the Islamic faith in the past, saying that the religion was evil. The fact of him being invited, Graham went on say that it was a "slap in the face" to all the evangelicals and the administration of Obama has a "pattern of hostility to traditional Christianity".
Now, I want to be careful on this issue. I believe that Franklin Graham is a good man who has done many wonderful things. It really has been crucial in the beginning of the NGO, the Samaritan bag, and it has been a leader in the Christian community. However, this kind of rhetoric is sad for me. First, perhaps the question should be whether a Christian leader must be the one praying in one of the largest military facilities in the world (seems to be in a bit of conflict with blessed are the peacemakers)? However, it is a topic for another time. Second, we have to accept the fact that the nation is now diverse. The military is composed of Christians, Jews, Muslims and members of atheist. Due to the blanket statements such as "Islam evil", may not be the best candidate to speak to this diverse group, after all, not a church service or revival meeting where it would be more than welcome to speak. Now, I think that 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 note the many moderate Muslims and peaceful in the world. Obviously, Graham talking about these Muslims that may be present could be very offensive.
Religious persecution is a matter of enormous importance in the world, and I think that everyone should be aware of that. We have a responsibility to stand up for everyone who have been oppressed, persecuted, tortured and killed because of their faith. I think that it is not only a human right accountability, but much a Christian responsibility. It is easy for us in the West, prosperous and free to not pay much attention to these issues. However, ultimately the cause of human rights and the cause of Christ are not merely national issues or Americans, but issues of the world.
We must be careful not to allow a disinvitation in an event that perhaps a Christian should not speak in the first place and not allow a prayer Christian in a public school to be confused with the real persecution. We live in a secular and diverse society that has been only what has ensured our freedom. It undermines the real cause of talk about persecution when we yell it persecution too quickly. We are aware of the real persecution of the world, while also realizing and the celebration of ideas of a free country, secular and diverse where all people can worship freely and religion is not favoured by the Government – Christian, Islamic, Athiest, etc..
If you want to learn more about the Persecuted Church or would like to give, please visit the following Web sites:
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/ Site by brother Andrew
http://www.releaseinternational.org/
This article was written by William McCorkle. He writes a blog about progressive social action and the quest to find the true essence of faith Christian in http://www.essencerestored.com. If you are interested in contact with the author, you can contact him at wdmccorkle@gmail.com.