Pastor’s Murder Sparks Concerns About Christian Persecution
In a shocking incident, Pastor William Schoenman of the New River Bible Chapel in Arizona was found murdered in May, described in graphic terms that might seem more fitting for a horror film. Last week, a suspect confessed, claiming not only to have killed Schoenman but also to have a plan to target four more pastors in the state and others throughout the country.
As someone who lives nearby, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was on his radar too.
The motivations behind the suspect’s actions seem rooted in a twisted interpretation of faith—he believed he was on a “mission from God” to “purify Israel,” targeting those who he felt were misrepresenting religious teachings about Jesus. His rationale was confusing, leading him to declare that if one believed Jesus was the Son of God, they deserved to die. His target was a pastor who preached forgiveness through Christ, which he seemed to oppose.
Essentially, he was targeting Christians.
This attack wasn’t an isolated incident. Recently, a deacon in Michigan thwarted shootings aimed at a church. Christians today are facing growing hostility, whether from violent acts or subtle, everyday pressures stemming from a left-leaning political agenda promoting radical ideologies.
Will these attacks be seen as hate crimes? U.S. law recognizes hate crimes as acts of violence spurred by bias against protected classes—religion included. The confession made by the suspect suggests that killing the pastor was motivated by his preaching of the gospel, which fits the definition of a hate crime.
A Lack of Outrage
Where, then, is the outrage?
It seems the media and educational institutions have fostered an environment where Christianity is not merely critiqued but deemed evil. Many view Christians—especially in relation to sexual liberation—as hindrances to progress. The man who killed Pastor Schoenman wasn’t required to study gender theory to adopt the prevailing attitudes encouraged in universities and across entertainment platforms.
Prominent figures in academia teach that Christianity is oppressive and must be dismantled or marginalized. They argue that Christians cannot be victims of oppression simply because they are in the majority. The prevailing sentiment seems to be about “decolonizing” belief systems and enforcing conformity.
This ideology spreads beyond the classroom. While not everyone studies gender theory, its influences seep through popular culture, affecting perceptions in subtle but powerful ways. When platforms like Amazon Prime advance queer identities as liberating, the underlying message becomes clear: Christian morals stand as the enemy. And when such ideas are repeated incessantly, they can incite violence among those with fragile mental states.
Hypocrisy on Display
Imagine if a victim were of a different faith, particularly those perceived as “indigenous” or “allied.” In that case, the media coverage would likely be extensive, with immediate investigations launched. The narrative would be fueled by outrage over alleged American hatred.
Yet, for Pastor Schoenman, who preached Christ’s suffering, the response has been unnervingly muted.
Steps Forward
Merely acknowledging this double standard isn’t enough. There are systemic issues to address.
First, Christians need to bring attention to the ideological framework that justifies their persecution. While some promise justice, they often can’t articulate what that means. They aim for liberation but seek compliance. As a philosophy instructor, I have attempted to engage my peers in these discussions, but so far, silence has prevailed. Yet, shining a light on these contradictions could create space for genuine dialogue.
Secondly, Christians should reconsider their financial support for institutions that undermine them. Public universities have increasingly become bastions of anti-Christian sentiment. Professors hide behind “academic freedom,” but taxpayers shouldn’t be expected to fund ideological agendas.
After Pastor Schoenman’s death, his son remarked how the media seemed more fixated on the murderer than on honoring his father’s legacy. This twisted priority should not surprise us, especially if we anticipate questions like “Why do Christians deserve this?”
The Illusion of Neutrality
Reflecting on my years on a panel at Harvard Law just before landmark legal cases, one professor remarked that Christians “like to be persecuted, so let them.” The audience applauded, and no one challenged him.
It’s crucial for Christian parents to recognize that the idea of “neutral” universities is fading. Our children aren’t just encouraged to entertain diverse viewpoints; they’re often taught to disdain what is good and true. The message is unmistakable: Christianity is a societal nuisance.
Persecution will persist until we demand equal protection under the law and stop funding those who erode our cultural foundations.
The Arizona suspect opted for violence to silence truth. Consider: are DEI activists and gender theorists not suggesting that we either conform or vanish? Their messages are clear, and we have no choice but to take them at their word.
