Christians are practicing "various forms of self-censorship" and find it increasingly difficult to express their faith freely even in countries that have historically been Christian, according to a new study from religious watchdog groups.
The report, titled "Perceptions on Self-Censorship: Confirming and Understanding the ‘Chilling Effect’," was compiled by the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians (OIDAC) in Europe, the OIDAC in Latin America and the International Institute for Religious Freedom.
While the report focused on Europe, it got me to thinking...
To what degree do I self-censor to avoid getting labeled? To what degree do people, even in a country like the USA that claims to be religiously tolerant, self-censor to maintain their employment, to maintain peace in the family, to maintain friendships or social standing? Is it not, at it's core, a question about compromising the gospel? And is not censorship on one's personal faith in school, in the workplace, etc. a form of government overreach?
Recently I have been consciously self-censoring a whole lot less as the LGBTQIA++ movement spreads their cloak of grooming under the guise of "teaching children to be more welcoming" in our small community.
I've written the local District Attorney regarding the PA State Public Lewdness Statute as it may apply to the upcoming outdoor Drag Queen Story Hour. I wrote the editor of our local paper expressing concern that the traditional faith and values of the broader community and county are being attacked by such events. The local children's choir fundraiser to the left is indicative of the plans.
I have contacted many of the clergy and congregational lay leaders in the community as well. And with the exception of two pastors and one elder have not received much of a response, after a week. And I have mentioned my concerns to members of local congregations and other individuals in the area whom I consider to be strong believers.
The response is often, shrugged shoulders and a "what are ya gonna do?" Many report they fear being labeled a "hater" if they say something. They don't want to "negatively impact" their standing in the community (as individuals or congregations).
I continue to reflect on the seeming godlessness of so much of America today. When we returned from serving overseas for 9 years, we returned to a different country. Between 1999 and 2008, the culture of the USA changed immensely.
(The country to which we returned had congregations with emasculated male leadership, towns with elected leaders more concerned about how they're viewed than whether or not they're doing their jobs, public schools and teachers openly grooming children, and a base of politically conservative cowards and politically liberal fools. But I digress.)
The purpose of this particular post was to ponder whether or not many of those who consider themselves Christian: are more afraid of being disliked by man than they are of displeasing God; if they have decided not to pick up their crosses; if they are unwilling to listen to Jesus words...
As he was being led to his imminent crucifixion, he says:
For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” [Luke 23:31]
"On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say...You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved...If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town....Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell...Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." [Matthew 10:18,22,25,28,30-31]
I guess I am a bit stunned by what I perceive is inertia or complacency.
There are those who will insist along with Demosthenes: "The man who runs away may fight again."
There are those who still believe that a logical discussion will "win them over".
There are those that seem to think "speaking the truth in love" is the extent of our responsibility.
But to what degree will we lose credibility if we don't stand up now. If we wait until the matter reaches epic proportions, it will be too late.
And so, I have decided that though I may continue to lose friends, respect, family members, and social standing, I won't be silent. Who know but for such a time as this...the church may be called.
I remember some of our Prayer Partners, a former PC(USA) missionary couple, both pastors whom I now believe came on board with ulterior motives and then sought to use our Prayer Partnership requests as evidence to help bring charges that we were "disturbing the peace unity and purity of the church".
We've been black-balled before because we refused to play the game (see misadventuresinmission.blogspot.com). It will happen again. And I'm good with that. As long as I may "stand firm to the end".
There are wolves in sheep's clothing all around us.
It is not a conspiracy. (Well actually it is - Satan's conspiracy.)
It is life.
And Jesus is still on the Throne.
n.b. Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
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