Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The Gays And The Persecution Of Christians...


Coca-Cola removed the images which were published on its website
As I was watching the news, there they were, a group of gay activists pouring Coca Cola down the gutter in front of the company’s global headquarters in Atlanta. This was the US gay community’s way of protesting the poor treatment of gays in Russia.

“But, what did Coke have to do with the Russian government’s poor treatment of gays?” one might ask. Well, in a few days, Russia is hosting the Winter Olympics, and as usual, Coca-Cola is sponsoring the American athletes participating in the games. The protesters were urging the company to call for a repeal of Russia’s anti-gay laws before 2014 Winter Olympics.According to the group, more than 140,000 All Out members sent messages to the company’s CEO urging Coca-Cola to speak out against Russian anti-gay propaganda.

As I watched the news report, I marveled at the US gay community’s support for the persecuted gays in Russia, and began to compare their action with the US evangelical churches reaction to the worldwide persecution of Christians. By the way, the issue here has nothing to do with one’s acceptance or rejection of the gay lifestyle. However, it has everything to do with opposing oppressive governments, or regimes that persecute, mistreat, or harm those who believe the same as you do.

I did a search on the Internet to see when was the last time a group of US Christians protested to bring attention to the persecuted church around the world. I ran across a lot of articles on the subject of persecution, or articles where you are encouraged to send emails to some governments demanding the freedom of this or that Christian. There were articles about the Pope speaking against the persecution of Christians in some Muslim countries, but nothing about even a handful of Christians actually showing up anywhere in the US to bring attention to this crucial subject. Somehow, praying, writing emails, or expecting the US government to protest on our behalf should be enough.

Speaking of the US government, let’s assume it was Iraq that had conquered America. Do you know one of the first things they would do? Turn many of our churches into mosques. We, not only didn’t do such a thing, but the church in Iraq is much worse off today than it was under Sadam’s regime. Governments and politicians, in general, do what’s expedient and beneficial to them. It took the US government over 1000 days before they even protested the arrest of American Pastor, Saeed Abedini in Iran. By the way, he’s still in prison.

On the other hand, there was my good friend, Eddie Romero, a Chicano US pastor from Southern California, who, on behalf of five imprisoned Iranian Christians, went to Iran to purposely get himself arrested by the government and bring attention to the persecuted church. Although the Christians in general applauded him, there were some who thought he was crazy. “His action can bring more harm to the Christians in Iran,” they said. To which Eddie replied, “For too long we have stood behind the walls these governments have erected and tried to communicate with them by throwing emails and letters of protest over the wall in the hope of making a difference. I want to go in and make them talk to me face to face.” I was honored to be a part of the team that helped Pastor Eddied fulfill his goal. By the way, a week after Pastor Eddie was deported back to the US, one of the five he was protesting for was released from prison.

Come dream with me. Wouldn’t it be an amazing event if the Christians in this country called a march on DC to protest on behalf of the persecuted church around the world?  If for nothing else, the march will encourage all our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world to stand fast and know they are not forgotten.

9 comments:

Time Raveler said...

Long overdue! I think it's a very needful thing that I would love to participate in, God willing and helping me find the money to get there.

Unknown said...

Thanks Shah. I've been posting to continue awareness for Pastor Saeed for quite a while. We can't forget him! I know there are so many others in peril. Looks like Voice of the Martyrs has a day of prayer for the persecuted church. Made a note to check back for the 2014 date to promote on my blog. 2013 date was in November. Praying with you today for Christians worldwide.

Evan
www.EvanNehring.com

yspencer said...

A needed kick in the pants.

John said...

Shah,
I love hearing your thoughts on things.Very provocative.I'm letting your words sink in.

Bless you my brother

Dan said...


I much enjoy your blogd, finding them both entertaining and thought provoking. However, in this instance I disagree with your analysis. I do not think acting like the world is profitable to the Christian community.Christ came to bring peace to us,and He is well able to perform His will. Our prayers, voicing our opinions, solidarity in the face of Satan's opposing forces, etc., are all scriptural. Just as a child is birthed in a distressful time for the mother, much of God's work is done in much suffering. While I don't know why some suffer while others of us go peacefully through life, I do know God knows, He understands, and He does not need my interference unless He speaks to me or impels me. I don't condemn anyone for marching if they feel so impelled, since I haven't heard the Lord one way or the other on them. I just believe we often get ahead of God if we go hairing off on our own.

Unknown said...

Dan,

You're bring up a very old question of what the Christians' responsibilities are in the face of persecution. Many Christians believe the way you do, but I think differently. Maybe it's because I was raised under a system that didn't offer the freedom and rights that this nation offers her citizens. I'm also very concerned about the future of the church in this country.

I'm reminded of two things,

A. The Apostle Paul using his rights as a Roman demanding to take his case to the Caesar. He could have given up and let the Jews deal with him as they saw fit, but he didn't do so. He exercised his rights. Something that we can and should do as Americans.

B. Do you remember what Pastor Martin Niemoller (1892–1984) said about the cowardice of German inteletualls following the Nazis' rise to power and the subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.

As followers of Jesus Christ, I believe, we are God's instruments of justice and have a duty to speak out against injustice. Because if we don't, no one else will do it for us.

Farhad said...

Hi Shahrokh jaan,
Thank you for voicing out the apathetic attitude of Christians in the west vis.a.vis. persecution. Gays are affecting Google page and Olympic games and world leaders as they are united in their cause, but us spirituals, keep the fight going with full armor for something else! God bless you for this piece and I hope people are awakened. I'll mention it in the announcements in church this week.

Unknown said...

Farhad jaan,

Thank you. I'm honored that not only you read my blogs, but also make comments on them. I don't know how awakened the church has become because of this post, but at least, 3 people look at it ;-)

Unknown said...

Evan, thank you for your faithfulness to the cause of the persecuted church in Iran. I believe Iran is getting ready to free Saeed, but this is just my feeling.