Christianophobia

Christianophobia
Here’s something for people to ponder.
According to the Washington based Pew Forum on Religion and Public life, Christianity is the largest and most widely spread faith in the world, with 2.2 billion followers or 32 percent of the world population.
According to Rupert Short Religion Editor of The Times Literary Supplement and a Visiting Fellow of Blackfriars Hall, Oxford In his latest book is Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack (2012).
Across the world as a whole, some 200 million Christians (10 per cent of the total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs.
Yet the secular media are not saying much about it. It is a hidden genocide going on at this minute.
To those critics of Christianity be they atheist or those who claim to be of other faiths, some of whom claim to believe the same God as we Christians I ask the question why is Christianity seen as such a threat?
If Jesus was not who he said he was the Son of God what have those who disagree with us to worry about.
C.S. Lewis a one time Atheist who converted to Christianity said,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
                                                      C. S. Lewis
A true Christian takes the words of the apostle Paul seriously,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 
                                                                    Romans 12:18-21.
True we as Christians are told to go and make disciples of all nations and we have been very successful at doing that.
Still Jesus made it clear we are not to force our beliefs on others. We are simply to present them and let the person make the decision.
I know many over the years have called themselves Christians and tried to impose their faith on others by the force and the sword. These people are not Christians. A Christian will not use force to convert anyone.
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
                                                                                                 Matthew 7:22,23. 
The Bible tells the story of two of Christ’s disciples who were brought be for Jewish leaders for teaching in the name of Jesus. They were going to put them to death but a wise man stood up, giving them a brief history lesson, the book of Acts recording,
“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.  
Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.  
Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.  
Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 
                  Acts 5:34-39.
I contend Christianity has proven it is from God. The proof is in the fact it now has reached over a third of the world.
The French emperor Napoleon said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
Sadly because people simply disagree with Christians, they are in parts of the world killing us. Something true men and women of God would not ever do.
Unfortunately the killing of Christians is something that has happened from the early days of Christianity starting with the stoning of Stephen by religious leaders of his day, on through various Roman emperors, to other groups, and even governments to this very day.
But as a Pharisee named Gamaliel said, “if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Which I know our enemies are.
To Christians that are reading this I would ask that you pray for the persecuted Church around the world. Even raise the issue with your member of parliament or congressman.
According to an article in Reuters written by Tom Heneghan religion editor Jan 8th 2013 who quotes statistics from Open Doors, a non-denominational Christian group,
North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan as the three toughest countries for Christians last year (2012)
North Korea has been number one for the past eleven years and it is estimated 70,000 Koreans have been sent to labour camps. Their only crime being Christian.
Saudi Arabia is in second place, but Saudia Arabia bans public practice by all faiths except Islam yet still according to open doors, Christianity is spreading in Saudi Arabia.
A more recent threat to Christianity is the rise of Islamic militants such as al-Qaeda and now the Islamic state.
Think about it.