American Christians are feeling perennially persecuted for their beliefs. They face pushback for posting the Ten Commandments in schools and on public property; disbelief at resistance to teaching the Bible in schools; and having to hear “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”
This is just the tip of the angst and anti-Christian rhetoric being faced by God’s chosen in America.
Meanwhile, the treatment of Iranian Christians is being reported as excessive and often deadly. At least 33 ministers connected to its underground network have been killed, 131 others arrested, and 14 remain imprisoned, with some facing death sentences. Iranian authorities have also criminalized listening to certain Christian broadcasts. There have been house-church raids, arrests, interrogations and long imprisonment as part of the repression of Christians in Iran.
American Christians are concerned. Surely these Iranian Christians can sympathize with the persecutions here at home. Moreover, the plight of Christians in the Middle East can be used to amplify the seriousness of Christian fears in the U.S.
Churches here are organizing committees to determine whether Christians in Iran are experiencing true persecution or not. Important questions are being asked: “Did anyone refuse to bake you a cake?” “Did Target stop selling something with a cross on it?”
This leads directly to the scripture in Matthew 5:10 — “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.” American Christians rely on these words whenever they feel any sort of political inconvenience. Perhaps Christians in Iran should be reminded of these words. After all, the persecution of American Christians is so grievous that they are often ranked in levels of severity.
Level 1 — Mild inconvenience: Someone says, “Happy Holidays.”
Level 2 — Cultural persecution: A Starbucks employee doesn’t say, “God bless you.”
Level 3 — Severe persecution: The school won’t allow a teacher to lead students in prayer.
Level 4 — Martyrdom: Someone unfollowed the pastor on Facebook.
Iranian Christians have suggested continuing these levels to include “actually being arrested,” but no one in America understands that.
Pastors’ conferences in the States are discussing an “International Persecution Awareness Sunday,” where sermons will exhort congregations to stand with persecuted Christians around the world, especially thinking of our brothers and sisters in Iran (people who are literally being arrested, imprisoned and killed for following Jesus). A moving of the Spirit will surely be a result of a sermon series regarding how American Christians are being persecuted because the city won’t allow a nativity scene in front of the church.
“Surely then will our brothers and sisters in Iran know we are in solidarity with their plight.”
Paul J. Williams is a gifted comedian, actor and singer based in Dallas. As a comedian, he has appeared on countless cruises, multiple comedy clubs across the U.S. and on the MTV/LOGO Network comedy special, ONE NIGHT STAND UP. But, he is most well-known for his “altar ego”, Sister Helen Holy. As a classically trained tenor, Paul J. has performed with the New York Choral Artists, Orpheus Chamber Singers and Turtle Creek Chorale. As a hobby, Paul is a classic car buff and currently owns a 1970 Buick Riviera, which has won multiple awards.