Christian leaders have reacted to a new report that found growing hostility and “disdain” toward Christians in the US, as vandalism and violent attacks have reportedly increased in recent years.
The Family Research Council recently released its annual Hostility Against Churches report, which found that there were 436 hostile incidents against churches in 2023. That's more than double the number the conservative Christian nonprofit organization tracked in 2022 and more than eight times more than what it found in 2018, when they started tracking these attacks.
Vandalism was the most frequent act of hostility against churches, but there were also “135 attacks or attempted arson, 22 incidents involving firearms, 32 bomb threats and 61 other incidents (assaults, threats, interruption of services religious, etc.). “In the last six years, the report says.
The Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, argued that the report shows how far-left ideologies have infiltrated the culture and increased “disdain” for Christians.
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Franklin Graham blamed socialism and other anti-God belief systems for a growing trend of hostility against churches in the US. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
“As we see an increase in those promoting socialism in this country, we also see a growing disdain for the things of the church. Socialism is anti-God; history shows us that. In Eastern Europe and countries like Cuba and Venezuela, churches have been persecuted and pastors have been imprisoned and even murdered. We must be careful,” he warned in comments to Fox News Digital.
“The socialist agenda is also being promoted by many schools and universities,” he said. “These institutions are impregnating the minds of the next generation with anti-Christian, anti-God messages. While this should concern us all – and we should use our votes to reject any semblance of socialism in America – it's not going to stop me from taking a position for Jesus Christ”.
Pastor Greg Laurie, an evangelist and founder of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California and Hawaii, said it was undeniable that there was growing hostility against Christians around the world.
“Without a doubt. Hostility toward Christians has increased. Christians are the most persecuted group in the world. The Bible tells us we will see more persecution in the end times, and I believe we are on that,” Laurie said to Fox News Digital.
“Ironically, Christians have done a lot for the world. Most of the great hospitals, universities, and aid organizations were founded by Christians who took seriously the teachings of Jesus, who told us to let 'our light shine so before men who can see your life'. good works,'” he said, quoting Matthew 5:16.
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Pastor Greg Laurie encouraged Christians to continue shining the light of Jesus amid growing hostility against churches. (Vitaly Manzuk)
Laurie encouraged Christians to stand firm in their faith and continue sharing the Gospel, even as increasing numbers of Americans have abandoned religion.
“As Christians, we will continue to shine our light and do our good works, and since we live in a free society, we will continue to proclaim the Gospel. Some say, 'change society and you will get better men and women.' In essence, Jesus says, change men and women and you will obtain a better society,” he continued.
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills, California, said there was “no doubt” that pastors in the United States are experiencing what he calls “white collar persecution,” such as threats, government harassment and efforts by politicians or activist groups to silence the Church.
“These are, in my opinion, normal attacks on an effective church,” he told Fox News Digital.
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In February, a transgender shooter opened fire at the Lakewood Church megachurch in Houston, Texas. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via AP)
Hibbs believes that part of the reason many Americans view the church as “irrelevant” today is because it has “failed to maintain” its historic presence in society.
He hopes the pressure on churches will serve as a “wake-up” call to reengage with the culture.
“Personally, I am encouraged by what we are seeing in our nation today for this reason alone: it provides an incredible opportunity for the church to awaken from its slumber and engage with all the problems that plague our culture today; by bringing the answers that “God has already given us in his Bible, to love all people and bring them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and his saving grace,” he said.
“The fact remains no matter what: Jesus Christ did not die on the cross to do good and evil. Jesus Christ died on the cross to make the dead live, and he offers a transformation that cannot be ignored, but only rejected. The The cure for what is plaguing our nation is for the church in America to stand up, speak out, and show up as the beautiful, bright, loving light of God, rolling up her sleeves, both spiritually and physically, and being what she was meant to be. to be. to be, like a city on a shining hill,” he continued.
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Last year, worshipers from around the world traveled to Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, for a spiritual revival. (Asbury University)
Some of President Biden's critics have accused his administration of waging war against Christians after several pro-life activists were charged with violating federal law for protesting at an abortion clinic in 2021. The activists could face up to 11 years in prison.
