Ann-Louise Graham says that Christians now being perceived to be the ‘bad guys’ resonates not because this is a novel concept, but because it has long been the reality. She encourages us to stand firm under opposition.
Recent findings show that the UK now has more atheists than those who believe in God, according to research led by Queens university Belfast and others. And while this news may not be entirely surprising, it did make my heart sink. The relentless barrage of concerning headlines and the issues they reflect poses a significant challenge.
I recently, attended a meeting hosted by the Christian Institute that addressed the potential threat that conversion therapy legislation poses to Christian religious expression, specifically our ability to share the gospel.
Similarly, the dismissal of Christian teachers for expressing their faith, as well as the deconstruction of faith by others, can leave us feeling frustrated and powerless. I know I have experienced these emotions, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
the dismissal of Christian teachers for expressing their faith, as well as the deconstruction of faith by others, can leave us feeling frustrated and powerless.
That said, as Christians we must be cautious not to assume that our generation is uniquely burdened. A cursory reading of the New Testament quickly dispels this notion.
For instance, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul describes how he has fled persecution and encourages the young Thessalonian church to persevere in the face of opposition and suffering. Moreover, Paul reminds them that the prominent church in Judea is also enduring persecution. In other words, there was opposition on all fronts.
In other words, there was opposition on all fronts.
Christian authors’ books that show how we are now perceived to be the ‘bad guys’ resonate not because this is a novel concept, but because it has long been the reality. Different generation, different types of opposition, but the core gospel message remains unchanged.
In his first letter, the apostle Peter similarly encourages Christians to stand firm in the face of extreme social pressure, discrimination, and exclusion - even the threat of death. Both of these New Testament letters call believers to holy living, not assimilation, and to maintain a gentle yet resolute determination in the midst of opposition.
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As Christians living in the 21st century Western world, how should we respond? Our ultimate hope – as with the first century church – is the resurrection of Christ and our eventual reunion with him. In the meantime, we are called to stand firm, peacefully and respectfully, when facing opposition – for the Christian life is not one of passivity. The threat of restrictions on gospel freedom should instil a profound sense of urgency - not merely to support organizations like the Christian Institute that defend Christian free speech, but also to personally share the gospel with those around us.
Despite professing atheism and agnosticism, most people still hold some type of supernatural belief, according to the university study that surveyed nearly 25,000 individuals across six countries. God has planted eternity in the hearts of men. Just as the early church was called to stand firm and encourage one another in spreading the gospel, so too are we. And we must continue to pray that the Lord of the harvest will open the eyes of the blind and protect us as we go.
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