Why are Christians Persecuted?
Religious persecution can take many forms, from subtle discrimination to outright violence. The majority of those practicing their faith today live in environments of persecution. In this episode, Nik Ripken explores the historical and present-day experiences of believers to better understand why Christians are persecuted.
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Christianity in Russia
In 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed new restrictions that limits where and how Christians share the gospel. He labeled these as anti-terrorism laws that protect Russia from religious extremism. However, many Christian activists have expressed their concern that the law is a way for the government to control public expression of faith.
Russia’s main religion is Orthodox Christianity. Russian Orthodoxy rejects the Protestant belief that Christ’s death on the cross was a substitutionary atonement for sin. According to Russian Orthodox doctrine, salvation comes through an ongoing process of repentance and participation in liturgical worship.
Putin’s laws forbid evangelism outside of churches and other designated protected places. It also prohibits missionary activities online and requires that all missionaries register with the government or face hefty fines and potential jail time. Additionally, any information shared by missionaries must be approved by authorities before it can be disseminated publicly. Nik expresses regret that it’s harder to get missionaries into Russia these days than during the communist regime of the Soviet Union.
Christianity in Asia
In East Asia, time spent as a believer in prison is considered equivalent to attaining degrees at a theological seminary. This phenomenon may be due to the lack of higher-level religious education available and strict laws on religious expression.
East Asian prisoners have become some of the most devoted followers of the Bible – even after their release from jail. A prisoner who spends years incarcerated in solitary confinement can come out with an intimate knowledge of Christianity that rivals any seminary graduate. Even without formal instruction, they gain great insight through prayer, contemplation, and intense study while serving their sentences.
Persecution is Normal in Biblical Christianity
Christians are persecuted because it is biblically normal for it to occur. Jesus himself said his followers would be like sheep among wolves – meaning they will always be subject to persecution.
The Bible speaks of how the people of God have experienced suffering since the beginning of time and this shouldn’t surprise anyone today. It is part of our spiritual heritage and should remind us that sometimes we must be willing to experience hardships in order to live out our faith authentically. It doesn’t mean that we should specifically seek out martyrdom, but that we don’t have to run from persecution when human nature takes its course.
Nik believes that if we accept this principle as true then it will help us understand why so many believers suffer greatly around the world due to their faith. As Joseph shows us in Genesis, it’s often part of God’s greater plan.
How Long was Joseph in Prison?
In the Book of Genesis, Joseph is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt. Most sources suggest that he was in prison between two and twelve years. The Bible makes it clear that Joseph was in prison for as long as God needed him to be.
He believed that God had a plan for him and therefore would give him the strength to withstand it. In the end, Joseph’s imprisonment saved both the Jews and the Egyptians.
Joseph’s imprisonment gave him the opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. He predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. After this interpretation, Pharaoh appointed Joseph as his second-in-command. By storing up grain during the years of abundance and then selling it to the Egyptians during the years of famine, Joseph saved both nations from death by starvation. His confinement gave God ample opportunity to provide through the persecuted Joseph an incredible rescue mission for both countries.
Do we know when to leave Joseph in prison, or will we always try to get him out?
