I’m enthralled by the recent claims of some evangelicals in Canada and the United States that they are in a state of persecution. I’m not quite sure how they are being persecuted–they all still seem to have their lovely houses, multiple cars, TV’s, DVD players, and addiction to bad diets and poor hair-stylists. They also are not, interestingly enough, being tortured or put to death as many Christians past and present suffered (which kind of makes me want to kick in the sack any North American Christian who claims the title of ‘persecuted’–you know, out of respect and for solidarity with real martyrs).
"We just want a bigger piece of the pie."
However, let’s just say, for argument’s sake, that these poor, oppressed people are correct. That is, they are suffering hardships, trials and tribulations due to their terribly devout following of Jesus’ teachings (which, apparently, includes believing in vegan/pet-friendly dinosaurs, humans stemming from an incestuous gene-pool, and that the universe is younger than the amount of time it would take to reach the nearest star . . . yet, mysteriously, does not include the Sermon on the Mount).
My question is this, Why would Christians complain about being persecuted when Jesus warned that their faith would attract persecution? He said, “If the world hated me, it will hate you.” He also said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” Then, in Timothy, we are told that “those who seek to live a godly life will suffer persecution.” So, why the need to be accepted when Jesus clearly states that a true disciple will be hated and persecuted? As a matter of fact, precisely because Christians in North America are not persecuted is an argument against their way of life. I mean, unless you want to call Jesus a liar.
"Oh Lord, please put into office someone who will make sure our coveted way of life is secure. We need a godly person who will destroy our enemies so that we will never have to face what you said we would have to face. Amen."
But ultimately, what is it that these particular Christians really want? Do they genuinely want to be accepted by a culture that is predominantly materialistic, greedy, violent, and is the poster child for the seven deadly sins?
Apparently so.
After all, they created it.