When I grew up in church, I heard about the persecution of Christians. The way it was spoken of was over-simplified to the good Christians versus the bad pagans and secularists. Later, I studied the history of Christianity and the history of persecution is more complex than you’d think. Much of the suffering in the world has been created by God-fearing people.
The first martyr Stephen was killed not by the Romans, but local Jews who thought he was being heretical. The thought they were doing what God wanted. One of the people attending his stoning was Saul, who later had his own encounter with Christ and conversion.
The Romans persecuted the new Christians too. They did it not necessarily for religious reasons since they were polytheistic and somewhat tolerant, but for the threat to the economy because worship of their gods was a financial resource. Some of the Emperors were truly viscous, but they also murdered their own family members for power.
Eventually, Christianity not only became accepted, but the the state-mandated religion. Instead of being an upstart, it was the establishment and like many governments, used its power to crush those who were perceived threats.
The Roman Catholic Church persecuted Jews and the followers of Luther and his fellow protestants. Just when you start to feel bad for them, the Lutherans persecuted the Calvinists, and they in turn persecuted the Anabaptists. Most of the killings in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs was done by sects within Christianity and not unbelievers.
There are several secular states in the world today that persecute Christ followers, as well followers of other religions. The Uighurs in China, a Muslim people group, suffer as much or more than Christians in China, not that it’s a contest. Basically, any group that threatens the establishment becomes a target for mistreatment.
Which brings us to the American church. While there are definitely Christians harassed their beliefs, a lot of the bad behavior is perpetrated by Christians. Protestants in America have enjoyed a majority status for years, and as such are the established power. Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Hindus have all been on the receiving end of some very unchristian treatment. Gays and lesbians have been refused service and blamed for many of the problems in society by Christians. It is a point shame to be a part of a group that has caused so much pain for so many people. Are we known for our love or for our intolerance?
Additionally, some Christians expect preferential treatment. They demand to be greeted with Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays and complain if their Starbucks cup is the wrong shade of red. That is not persecution, but privilege.
Religious tolerance isn’t important because doctrine and theology are meaningless, rather because humans have inherent value no matter what their creed. Faith that is real is based in belief and can not be forced. The mistreatment of others by believers is a sure way to ruin Christianity for everyone.
