Religious Freedom and Respect

Our faith in Christ, while it is personal, is also by nature a visible faith - the change that He has made in us and the character that He desires to express can be a powerful witness to the people around us.
Colossians 4 says:
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

It's the National Day of Prayer, and we can be challenged to think about how our prayers can affect change not only inside of us but in our communities.  We are not directed to be casual about prayer, but to pray, as Paul writes, "earnestly."  We are instructed to be vigilant, so that God's Word might be propagated.  While we pray for the "centers of influence" in our culture today, each of us can be empowered to be an influence for Christ.

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In 2nd Timothy chapter 1, Paul reminds readers to be bold in the Lord, who has called us to reflect His presence in our lives:
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began...

On this National Day of Prayer, we can be thankful for the conditions in which leaders throughout the years have called for such a day.  Even though our nation faces its challenges, there is an awareness that people can come together and call on God.  And, that is reinforced on this day, commemorated on the first Thursday of May each year.

Our devotion to religious freedom and respect for people of faith makes it possible for prayer to be practiced.  But, there are some warning signs regarding religious freedom, according to a Pew survey that was reported on in a recent Christianity Today article.  The article provides this summary:

A new report from the Pew Research Center reveals that Americans see discrimination on the rise or holding steady across demographic groups, with evangelical Christians and Jews experiencing a significant uptick over the past few years.

Half of survey respondents think that "evangelical Christians are subject to discrimination;" this is an 8-point rise from 2016. In fact 18% of those responding said they believe evangelicals "face 'a lot' of discrimination."

And, we have seen anti-Semitism on display in our nation, from incendiary statements by government officials to violence against Jewish worshippers.  The survey results show that 64% of Americans believe that Jews are subject to discrimination - that is up 20 points.  24% face "a lot," in the eyes of those surveyed.

Over the last three years, the percentage of survey respondents who believe that Muslims face discrimination has held steady at 82%.

And, the attitude toward discrimination is shaped by party affiliation. The article says that, "7 in 10 Americans on the political right say evangelical Christians are subject to discrimination, while less than half as many (32%) left-leaning Americans agree."  The CT article also points out that:

“Majorities in both partisan groups say there is at least some discrimination against many groups, including Muslims, blacks, gays and lesbians, and Hispanics,” state Pew researchers. “But the share of Democrats who say each of these groups face discrimination is significantly higher than the share of Republicans who say the same.”

Both Democrats and Republicans are growing more concerned about anti-Semitic discrimination, though those on the left are still 15 percentage points more likely to see discrimination against Jews than their right-leaning counterparts.

This survey deals with the perception of discrimination, not necessarily with whether or not real discrimination exists. I do think we can agree that there have been strong feelings expressed against Jews and Christians in our country.  Because of our deeply held beliefs and standards of morality consistent with the Scriptures, Christians find ourselves facing hostile comments and actions.

Now, with respect to Muslims, because of the extremist actions of many affiliated with that religion, there are those that would express strong opinions about those people, in contrast to those who have chosen to practice a more "moderate" version of the religion, which some would contend is not really Islam at all.  We have to be careful not to use the word "discrimination" incorrectly or indiscriminately, when the agenda may be for special treatment or special rights that are not guaranteed by the Constitution.  Denial of special status is not equated with discrimination.

We do have to recognize that faith is an important and highly personal aspect of a person's life.  Even though as Christians we may not agree with the faith and practice of a person who embraces a different religion, that doesn't exempt us from showing proper respect.  And, I believe that those who take potshots at Christianity because of our adherence to Biblically-centered beliefs should respect our viewpoints.  Government certainly should not show hostility toward Christianity, according to the First Amendment.  

We are promised in Scripture that we will encounter opposition.  So, as you might say, that comes with the territory.  That should not keep us, through from taking responsible action to guarantee freedom of religion.  That freedom, which is a fundamental principle of American life, enables us to visibly express who we are in Christ to a culture that needs to see truth.