"…All Who Desire to Live Godly…"

Paul was speaking from a personal perspective when he wrote: "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). He echoes what Jesus said: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for great is your reward in heaven" (Matt. 5:10). But it is also the case that Christianity, as a whole, is being persecuted around the world.

In certain countries, where Muslims have a vast majority, Christians are not allowed to even meet, let alone evangelize. Christians have been arrested, tortured, and put to death for no other reason than that they believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

But there are many other ways in which attacks can be made on Christianity that do not involve physical force. One is through mockery. Years ago, Andrew Serrano stuck a plastic crucifix in a jar of his own urine and called it art. The message is clear, a hifalutin explanation notwithstanding. Someone will undoubtedly emerge to explain that the grotesque scene at the Olympics was really friendly to Christianity. Hogwash!

Should we worry about such attacks? Probably. By themselves, not much harm might be done; people who observe it may feel disgusted, but they will not retaliate with physical violence. Rather, they will object to it publicly and privately, trying to explain to the dull-witted that these are attacks against God, the Bible, and Christianity—not to mention the very foundations of this nation.

Professors in universities assault Christianity frequently, along with teachers in high school and even grade school. Biblical morality is attacked by Planned Parenthood in their propaganda and in their willingness to take the place of parents by helping a young woman to have an abortion. Christianity is further rejected by all those who champion homosexuality, gender transition (especially for youths), and having drag queens read stories at public libraries.

Christians are portrayed as uneducated (far from the truth) and ignorant, "clinging to their guns and their Bibles," etc. As usual, when people cannot make a cogent argument, they resort to name calling. A good way to respond is to ask, "What is your source of authority?" It's a good question. "If you reject the Bible, which is the source of authority for the Christian, tell us what your source of authority is." It's a fair thing to ask them.

Christianity is always going to be under attack. The best response is to use logic and reason to make our case (1 Peter 3:15) and then turn the tables and ask them to explain their position. We might also ask, "Why has Christianity survived all these centuries?" The answer is, "Because it works." Christians (generally) have better marriages, better families, better morals, fewer problems, and a positive outlook—even in the face of death. Being salt and light works (Matt. 5:13-16).