It is reported that the 20th Century has seen more Christian martyrs than all other centuries combined. In America, a renewed interest in the persecution of Christians has emerged, among Congressmen and everyday citizens alike. And for good reason: our special focus highlights reports of persecution of Christians just this month from around the globe. Christians are increasingly targeted by governments, other religions and secularists for harrassment, enslavement, torture and sometimes even death.
What should we think? How should we respond? Might God have a special purpose in this suffering? Our special focus highlights some opinions and answers.
Last Testament Christian de Cherge On May 24, 1996, a group of Islamic terrorists announced that they had "slit the throats" of seven French Trappist monks whom they had kidnapped from the monastery of Tibherine in Algeria and held as hostages for two months. Prior to the kidnapping, the superior of the monastery, Father Christian de Cherge, had left with his family this testament "to be opened in the event of my death."
Their Blood Cries Out: The Growing Worldwide Persecution of Christians A. J. Bacevich The inflicted suffering endured by Christians throughout the world is the story told in Their Blood Cries Out: The Growing Worldwide Persecution Christians by Paul Marshall with Lela Gilbert. A. J. Bacevich provides this review. Is it true that discrimination against Christians causes the largest pattern of persecution in the world today?
Revival and Persecution: Economic Unrest Spawns Muslim Rampage in Indonesia Cynthia White Violence erupted in Jakarta in mid-May and continued for two days. Thousands of foreigners have since fled Indonesia. More are departing daily in the wake of the latest round of violence in a nation plagued by economical and political instability.
Maldives Update Mark Albrecht Article from the Religious Liberty Conference email correspondence.
India Update Manini Chatterjee Article distributed by the Religious Liberty Conference email correspondence.
Saudi Arabia Starts Deporting Expatriate Christian Prisoners Barbara G. Baker A Flash News report from Compass Direct.
For They Loved the Approval of Men Dr. Phil Bishop Dr. Phillip Bishop, Professor of Physiology at the University of Alabama, was involved in an academic freedom case which made its way through the system to the Supreme Court. Dr. Bishop shares the impact the experience had on him and challenges faculty to continue to take opportunities to minister. Part II of a series.
When Faced with Opposition Dr. Scott Luley Dr. Scott Luley, Director of The Free Speech Project, gives suggestions for faculty members who face a challenge to academic freedom.
A Scopes Trial in Reverse John Myers Dr. Dean Kenyon, Professor of BioPhysics at San Francisco State University, was censored by the chairman and dean of the biology department for teaching intelligent design. Serious issues about academic freedom have been raised on Kenyon's behalf by the American Association of University Professors.
An "Agenda of Intolerance" John Myers Dr. Dilawar Edwards, professor of educational media at California University of Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, was summarily relieved of his teaching duties. A student lodged an informal complaint with the academic vice president against Edwards, a tenured professor and former chairman of the department of education, claiming he was indoctrinating the class with his Christian beliefs.
Trial and Error: The ACLU and Religious Expression George Grant George Grant, founder of HELP Services and the executive director of Legacy Communications, explores the ACLU's position against the Christian faith. He documents what he calls "their discriminatory intolerance" towards Christianity.
"I've Been Obeying Laws That Don't Exist!" Dr. Scott Luley Scott Luley, Christian Leadership Ministries' East Region Director and Director of CLM's Free Speech Project, explains the Free Speech Project. He says, "We have put this material together so Christian educators do not worry about possible challenges to their faith, but know how to respond." This article discusses various resources available to university faculty.
Remember the Persecution Campaign
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Religious Persecution Links
State Department Report Decries Persecution of Christians Article from Christianity Today
Religious Freedom: A Report of the U.S. Religious Leaders Delegation to the People's Republic of ChinaFebruary 1998
Statement of Conscience of the National Association of Evangelicals Concerning Worldwide Religious PersecutionJanuary 23, 1996
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