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The problem of persecution faced by Christians today
Example of Christian persecution
Impact of Christianity on society
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“Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the contemporary world,” according to Pope Benedict XVI. Though Christianity has nearly two billion adherents, an estimated two hundred million of its people are being denied basic human rights because of their beliefs; in some cases, it is comparable to the Holocaust (“200 Million”). Since the start of Christianity in Roman times, its followers have been the scapegoats of many other cultures. After the Berlin Wall and communism collapsed in Europe, people have largely ignored the fact that Christians everywhere are still being treated as second-class citizens. Almost daily, its followers are being discriminated, harassed, and even forced to face death because of their faith in God. Throughout the world Christians are being persecuted for a multitude of reasons, in many ways, and in countless places. Despite a growing tolerance of people worldwide, Christians are being persecuted for complicated and cruel reasons, especially in second- and third-world nations. In many places where religion is an important aspect of national identity, Christianity is seen as a destructor of unity and a symbol of Western influence (“200 Million”). Christians also tend to be bold speakers of …show more content…
The offenders’ motivations are illegitimate and full of false accusations and prejudice. From communist and nationalists to the religiously intolerant, many are held accountable for treating those with a particular faith in God as though they are inferior beings. Even though Christianity has over two billion followers, its people face a difficult life in every corner of the world. Until Christians and non-Christians alike begin to take action and speak up about what is happening in the world, the largest and most widespread persecution of the modern times will
Religion is a part of society that is so closely bound to the rest of one’s life it becomes hard to distinguish what part of religion is actually being portrayed through themselves, or what is being portrayed through their culture and the rest of their society. In Holy Terrors, Bruce Lincoln states that religion is used as a justifiable mean of supporting violence and war throughout time (Lincoln 2). This becomes truly visible in times such as the practice of Jihad, the Reformation, and 9/11. The purpose of this essay is to show that as long as religion is bound to a political and cultural aspect of a community, religious war and destruction will always occur throughout the world. A historical methodology will be deployed in order to gain
In the book’s introduction, Walter Rauschenbusch has written “It follows that the relation between Christianity and social crisis is one of the most pressing questions for all intelligent men who realize the power of religion, and most of all the religious leaders of the people who give direction to the forces of religion” .
Religious Repression In what ways do countries differing religions affect our ever changing society? Does our diversity, combined with our lack of resources and overpopulation, ensure constant violence? I believe that the religious persecution of certain nations has been nothing more than denial of a human right. In Brave New World, Huxley predicts an all powerful government: “the world state”.
Throughout history, standing up for one's rights has been a big part of America’s growth in regards to: women’s rights, segregation, taxation, religion...etc. However, with the expansion of America over the last few hundred years, Americans have gone from respecting others’ point-of-views to being offended when those point-of-views that differ are shared. “We often hear it said that ‘if your religious beliefs work for you, that’s great, but don’t impose them on others’”. Because of this dilemma, words such as; “judgmental”, “hypocritical”, and “intolerant” are all accusations that are placed onto Christians because of their moral standing on subjects that differ from public opinion. More often than not, Americans overlook the positive impact of the public influence of Christians. This concept of intolerance is something that is highly frowned upon in the America that we live in today. Intolerance is defined as, “Not willing to allow or accept something; not willing to allow some people to have equal freedom or other social rights; or unwilling to grant equal freedom of expression, especially in religious matters”. People within America today have confused the concept of being intolerant with keeping someone accountable to their actions, or fighting against a wrong for the betterment of a larger society. As you examine the history of America and see the countless people who have been advocates of the Christian faith, it is apparent that the lines have been blurred between standing up for what you believe in and being intolerant to the viewpoints and opinions of others.
Christianity stands against everything which is represented in a culture that makes peace with oppression on this subject there can be neither apology nor compromise.
Persecution happens to many different religious groups worldwide – not just one in particular. In North Korea, Christians are treated horribly. They are not allowed to express their religion, or even own something as harmless as a Bible without severe consequences. In North Korea, “Being caught with a Bible is grounds for execution or a life-long political prison sentence. An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians live in concentration camps, prisons, and prison-like circumstances under the regime of leader Kim Jong-Un” (Miller). Christians are living in awful circumstances and in some cases are being put to death, all for something as innocent as owning a Bible. In addition, Atheists are being persecuted in many areas in the world. Throughout the world, “Restrictions are many. IHEU figured that ‘in effect, you can be put to death for expressing Atheism in 13 countries’” (Bandow). Not following or identifying with a religion is something that cannot be controlled– yet in 13 countries, Atheists can lose their lives for choosing not to believe in any faith or spiritual deity. Murdering a human being for something beyond their control is not a humane thing to do. Sunni Muslims are persecuted against in many parts of the world as w...
Christianity has its challenges. It places demands on us that set us apart from the rest of our world. The bible calls us a peculiar people, who navigate the challenge of living IN the world, without being OF the world. When we say ‘no’ to temptations that are enjoyed by the masses, we are labeled as self-righteous snobs, religious weirdoes, or worse. But we persevere, and we press toward that invisible line the Apostle Paul drew in the sands of time…for the high calling in Christ Jesus.
What is Christianity and why has it been able to develop into a continuously growing and evolving religion?
Studies say that there was a four year study over religious discrimination around the world and Christians were the most discriminated against group, experiencing harassment by the government and society in 168 countries. Muslims are the second biggest religious population in the world and they were discriminated against in 121 countries worldwide between 2006 and 2010. Jews are the third religion that gets discriminated against, even though they make up one percent of the population (11 Facts). . Freedom from discrimination is a fundamental principle of human rights (Nygren).
The rise of Christianity in western civilization is arguably among the most important memories in history. There is no denying what the spread of Christianity has done for the world, for better or worse. Its impact on western civilizations is unrivaled and unprecedented. Christianity slowly became something for many individuals to turn to; in times of hurt its provided comfort, in times of pleasure it has given thanks. The will and belief for salvation has driven individuals to be better, and to have a reference while in need. The rise of Christianity more than 2000 years ago provided necessary building blocks for the future. Without Christianity there would be no cathedrals, no monasteries, no music from one Johann Sebastian Bach, no paintings from Michelangelo, nor no philosophy from Saint Augustine (Backman 205). There are countless times in history, whether good or bad, that can be credited to
During the first half century after the crucifixion of Jesus, the Roman government including governors in the eastern provinces took no active measures against Christians. The attitude of the higher Roman authorities had always been that Christianity was merely a sect of Judaism, and as such, were entitled to share in its privileges as a recognized religion. In 64 A.D. this attitude suffered a severe alteration. On July 19, 64 A.D. occurred the great fire of Rome. Half a million people were left homeless. Popular rumor persistently asserted that the fire was started by incendiaries acting under the orders of the Emperor Nero. It was said that Nero wanted the city burnt down so he could build a new city which was to be re-named after himself. Nero felt that something must be done to deflect the public indignation against him. To do this he contrived that accusations should be brought against the Christians. So Nero began an aggressive persecution of the Christians in Rome. Those who confessed their guilt were brought to trail. During these trials a great number of other Christians were uncovered and were also brought to trial. Oddly enough, these people were not charged with starting the great fire of Rome, but rather for “hatred of the humankind.”
Christianity is the world’s most prominent religion, with more than six billion people practicing worldwide. Although Christianity has come to dominate the world of religion, it began as a small and mysterious cult in Ancient Rome. Small, and poorly understood, Christianity soon became an enemy of Rome, marked with persecution, martyrdom, and murder. By the end of the third century CE, tens of thousands of Christians had been arrested and killed for their beliefs.
The article, “3rd Century Christianity” by Graeme Clarke, discusses the history of Christian persecution. Section two, “Persecution AD 193-249” and section three, “The Persecution of Decius”, provide an in depth review of Christian persecution under the Roman Emperors’ Septimius Severus, Caracalla and Decius. However, the exact number of Christians persecuted and martyred for their faith will never really be known. Very few written records exist that chronicle events throughout the entire Roman Empire.
Religious Fundamentalism is not a modern phenomenon, although, it has received a rise in the late twentieth century. It occurs differently in different parts of the world but arises in societies that are deeply troubled or going through a crisis (Heywood, 2012, p. 282). The rise in Religious Fundamentalism can be linked to the secularization thesis, which implies that victory of reason over religion follows modernization. Also, the moral protest of faiths such as Islam and Christianity can be linked to the rise of Religious Fundamentalism, as they protest the influence of corruption and pretence that infiltrate their beliefs from the spread of secularization (Heywood, 2012, p. 283). Religious Fundamentalists have followed a traditional political thought process, yet, have embraced a militant style of activity which often can turn violent (Heywood, 2012, p. 291).
The heartbreaking effects of religious intolerance on society, goes back thousands of years into human history and is even present in modern times. The inquisitions were prisons intended to “convert” and punish people of Jewish and Islamic beliefs or anyone else who disagreed with the ideals of the Catholic Church. During the 350 year time period, an estimated total of around 125,000 prisoners of the Inquisitions were “investigated”, tortured and starved. In 1095 Pope Urban II convinced many Christians that it is not a sin if they kill non-Christians or non-believers.