WE THE PEOPLE
These first few months of the New Year have been bursting with news. However; as a Christian, it is imperative to address the alarming placement of the United States on a list of the 12 countries that persecute or curtail freedom Christianity. This article discusses for the first time in the history of our nation; the United States shamefully was added on the list of the Hall of Shame Report published by ICC.
These first few months of the New Year have been bursting with news. However; as a Christian, it is imperative to address the alarming placement of the United States on a list of the 12 countries that persecute or curtail freedom of Christianity. This article discusses the sad fact that for the first time in the history of our nation; the United States shamefully was added on the list of the Hall of Shame Report published by ICC. [1]
In the 2016 Hall of Shame Report by International Christian Concern three new countries have been added to the “New and Noteworthy” section of their report. [2] Unfortunately, these new countries include the United State, Russia, and Mexico. The ICC report cited “Cultural and Religious” factors as the reason for the increased social persecution of Christians.
To quote the ICC, “Throughout the US, current events and shifting perceptions are causing conflicts between Christian beliefs and public sentiment. This cultural shift affects Christian businesses, organizations, and individuals through legal action, free-speech infringement, public expressions of faith, and employment.” [3]
The rapid curtailing of our First Amendment Rights should be worrisome to Christians. Then there is the case of the street preacher in Texas, “ In three separate incidents beginning May 2011, David Allen, a Christian street preacher in Houston, Texas, was arrested, searched, jailed, and repeatedly denied his constitutional rights to free speech and free exercise of religion. He was never convicted on any of the charges.” [4]
The military is experiencing a decrease in freedom of religion. “The U.S. Navy chaplain who was removed from the military for disobeying a “lawful” order banning prayer “in Jesus’ name” has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and overturn a decade of rulings in his case.” His removal in 2011 from the military over the issue of praying “in Jesus’ name” has sparked years of ongoing court battles. [5]
According to the ACLJ, “One student was denied admission because when asked in an admissions interview what was the most important thing in his life, he replied simply, “My God.” In rejecting his application, Radiation Therapy Program Director Dr. Dougherty informed Brandon, “I understand that religion is a major part of your life. . . However, this field is not the place for religion.” [6]
These cases are just a few of the reasons the United States made the “New and Noteworthy” list by the ICC. As Christians, we should be cautiously alarmed and go to prayer and intercede with the Father for guidance regarding our actions to help stop this alarming trend. We have sat by far too long on our bed of complacency and numbly watched while our laws were changed around us. Unfortunately, our once Christian country has begun to mock and outlaw our heartfelt biblical beliefs.
The First Amendment protects our religious freedoms. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” [7] Our constitution protects our rights, however, we need to understand that we live in a fallen world that has been governed by officials who seek to undermine those liberties. Curtailing freedom of religion is a key agenda for many leftist organizations who purposely target biblical Christian beliefs. In order to protect the religious freedom of bible believing Christians, we must begin to countermand this assault by pushing our beliefs out into the government corridor by contacting our elected Representatives and Congressmen.
We as Christian’s need to get active, stop being insular, take a stand for what is right, vote on all issues, and let our voices be silent no longer. Make your voice count for religious freedom by emailing or calling our elected officials. More importantly, we need to pray, pray, pray for God to intercede so that our country does not make the “Wall of Shame” next year or even worse move up in the severity of persecution, and instead begins to restore religious liberty.
Please be aware that I am in no way advocating the spread of hate speech, slurs, profanity, violence, aggression, or threats but the confident voice who speaks the truth of God’s word with love and compassion to all people regardless of race, diversity, sexual choices, or religion. For Christ commanded us in, [Matthew 1:3-“Do not Judge so you would not be judged”], so remember always show the Love of Christ in all you do. [8]
In these dark days, every person must choose whether to be silent or to make a positive action. Let’s take a little time to ponder on the quote by English Politician Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good man should do nothing.” [9] Let’s rise in unity to be “We the People” once again. We need to cry out to God to take our nation back from the brink and restore our religious freedoms so God may be glorified.This update is ended with some very timely verses from God’s word. [Jeremiah 29:12-14]-“Then you will call upon Me and you will go and pray to Me, and I shall heed you. 13. And you will seek Me and find Me when you will search for Me with your heart. 14. And I shall reach for you, says the LORD*. I shall bring back your captivity, and I shall gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD*, and I shall bring you back to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive”.] [8]
Citations:
[1.],[2],[3]- 2016 Hall of Shame Report International Christian Concern Your Bridge to the Persecuted Church. Rep. ICC, 2016. Web. 6 Jan. 2017. <https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/197913/ICC%202016%20Hall%20of%20Shame%20Report.pdf?t=1483655182047>.
[4]-Arbor, Ann MI. “Christian Street Preacher Arrested 3 Times – Thomas More Law Center Files Federal Action.” Thomas More Law Center. Thomas More Law Center, n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
[5]-Unruh, Bob. “Chaplain booted over praying ‘in Jesus’ name’ goes to Supremes.” WND. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
[6]- Clark, Matthew. “Exposed: Christian Students Rejected, Failed, and Expelled for their Faith by State Colleges and Universities.” American Center for Law and Justice. ACLJ, July 2015. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
[7]- “First Amendment.” LII / Legal Information Institute. Cornell University, n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
[8]-Morford, William J. All of the biblical quotes are taken from “The One New Man Bible: revealing Jewish roots & power.” Travelers Rest, SC: True Potential Publishing, 2011. Print.
[9]-O’Toole, Garson. “The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing.” Quote Investigator. WordPress, n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
Arsenal Of The King 