When Our Faith is on Trial

“These are the times that try men’s souls,” wrote Founding Father Thomas Paine in The American Crisis, as he described the beginning of the American Revolution.

Today in America we face a different kind of trial.  A culture crisis.  A clash of thought.  Of Philosophy. Of basic beliefs. It is a culture war between the Judeo-Christian ethic on which our country was founded, and post-modernism, which rejects Christian values and seeks to eliminate religious thought from the public life.

Our culture advocates individualism, secularism, and relativism.  The cry of political correctness today is “Tolerance!”   So any belief, thought or idea no matter how bazaar must be respected, accepted, even embraced.  Well, any belief accept Christianity!

Christians are mocked on late night television.  Vilified in sitcoms.  And criticized by the new media.  For what?  Believing in Jesus!  Advocating a respect for life.  Teaching fundamental moral beliefs and behavior.  We are experiencing what Peter called “the trial of our faith.”  But not to the extent Believers are in other counties.

Fox News reports that “Five Iranian Christian converts who were detained late last year will reportedly begin trial in Iran’s Revolutionary Court this week, according to a human rights group following the case.”

“The five men were among seven arrested in October when security forces raided an underground house church in the city of Shiraz during a prayer session. They will be tried…on charges of disturbing public order, evangelizing, threatening national security and engaging in Internet activity that threatens the government, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a religious persecution watchdog group.”

“Judging from recent cases, it is likely that, at the very least, those detained may face lengthy prison sentences,” said CSW spokesperson Kiri Kankhwende.

“There has been a noticeable increase in the harassment, arrests, trials and imprisonments of converts to Christianity, particularly since the beginning of 2012,” Kankhwende said. “Any movement that differs from or offers an alternative to orthodox Shia Islam, and any persons who chooses to follow an alternative belief system, are interpreted as a challenge to the very state itself.” 

Several thoughts come to mind.

(1) Ironically Muslims can live in America, build their Mosques and openly practice their religion, but Christians are not accorded the same religious freedom in Iran.

(2) While I’m sure some Muslims feel “persecuted” in this country,  the news media is quick to point out any alleged bias from Christians.  In fact, it seems that our media often gives “Muslims” a pass when it comes to many of their beliefs, but are quick to condemn Christians who don’t conform to main-stream liberal thought.

(3) We ought not to be surprised when this world rejects Christianity and shows contempt for Christ.  Jesus warned the apostles, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

(4) As America becomes a more secular society the culture clash with Christians will widen and deepen.  It is obvious that Secularists feel more emboldened today than ever before.  The news media will continue to portray Christians as intolerant, ignorant, and unenlightened.  We will be reviled for righteousness sake.  And denigrated for simply teaching the doctrine of Jesus.

(5) The real question facing Christians is “What shall we do when we are faced with imprisonment for our faith?”  Will that time ever come in America?  I don’t know.  But it could.

Will we be like the ancient Polycarp, who was asked to renounce Jesus and confess Caesar as Lord? This second century Christian was given one last chance to deny Christ and he boldly responded, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, Who has saved me?”  Polycarp was burned at the stake for his faith.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman