Persecution BY and OF Christians

Persecution BY and OF Christians

I have seen many on the Internet mention the persecution BY (professing) Christians of members of other belief systems. But how about turning the tables for a minute and looking at the persecution OF Christians by others?

In the early centuries of the Christian faith, Christians were persecuted greatly by the Romans.(1) And this persecution continues around the world today.

In an item dated 3/31/1997, U.S. News states, "At the close of a century that witnessed particularly horrific examples of man's inhumanity to man, the ongoing repression of Christians worldwide receives scant notice."

And further, "Christians face oppression around the world." U.S. News then details some of these persecutions.(2)

So what’s the point? It seems that whenever one group comes to power, it begins to persecute a group with lesser power. So once again, the dictum, "power corrupts" is demonstrated.

But more importantly, why does power corrupt? According to the Christian faith, we are sinners by nature. And it seems that this sinful nature can be brought out by the temptation of power, even by those who CLAIM to be godly or moral people. So when I hear about persecution BY "Christians" it in no way lessens my Christian faith. It in fact CONFIRMS it.

Furthermore, the key word in the previous paragraph is "claim." Just because someone says he is a Christian does not make him one! Jesus said, "Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (Matt 7:20). And the fruits of a true Christian is not to persecute others, but to endure persecution by others (Matt 10:32-33).

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Footnotes:
1) For more on persecution in the early Church see:
Persecution: A Double-Edged Sword and Demonic Activity - In the World of the Early Christians.

2) The articles were at www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/970331/31OUT3.HTM on US News' Web site, but it has been reomoved. Sources: Freedom House; Their Blood Cries Out, by Paul Marshall. Copyright U.S. News & World Report, Inc. All rights reserved.

The above message was posted on this Web site and in various Newsgroups in May 1997.

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