Christian leaders have responded to new reports of growing hostility and “contempt” toward Christians in the United States, amid a reported spike in vandalism and violent attacks in recent years.
The Family Research Council recently released its annual report on hostility toward the church, which found that there were 436 incidents of hostility toward the church in 2023. That’s more than double the number of cases the conservative Christian nonprofit tracked in 2022 and more than eight times the number it investigated in 2018. , when they started tracking these attacks.
Although vandalism was the most prevalent form of hostility against churches, there were “135 arson attacks or attempted arson attacks, 22 gun-related incidents, 32 bomb threats, and 61 other incidents (assault, threats, , suspension of worship services, etc.). “For the past six years, The report states:.
The Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, said the report shows how far-left ideology is permeating the culture and increasing “disdain” for Christians. He claimed that it shows.
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Franklin Graham blamed socialism and other anti-God belief systems for the growing trend of hostility toward the church in the United States (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
“As more and more people promote socialism in this country, we see a growing disdain for the things of the church. Socialism is anti-God, and history has shown us that. “In countries like Venezuela, the church is being persecuted.” “Pastors are being imprisoned and even murdered. We should be careful,” he warned in comments to FOX News Digital.
“Socialist policies are also being promoted in many schools and universities,” he claimed. “These institutions are instilling anti-Christian, anti-God messages in the minds of future generations. We should use our votes to reject things, but it won’t stop.” I tried not to take the position of Jesus Christ. ”
The Rev. Greg Laurie, an evangelist and founder of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California and Hawaii, said there is no denying the growing hostility toward Christians around the world.
“There is no question: hostility against Christians is growing. Christians are the most persecuted group in the world. I believe there is a situation,” Rowley told FOX News Digital.
“Ironically, Christians have done so much for the world. Most of the great hospitals, universities, and relief organizations are the ones that say, ‘Let our light shine before others, so that your image may be seen. It was founded by Christians who took seriously the teaching of Jesus, ‘Be visible.’ Do good works,'” he said, quoting Matthew 5:16.
Raymond Arroyo says recent acts of vandalism against Catholic churches are the result of political rhetoric and pop culture.
Pastor Greg Laurie encouraged Christians to keep the light of Jesus shining amid growing hostility against the church. (Vitaly Manzuk)
Lowry encouraged Christians to hold fast to their faith and continue to share the gospel, even as more Americans abandon their religion.
“As Christians, we will continue to shine our light and do good deeds. We live in a free society, so we will continue to share the gospel. ‘If we change society, we will have better men and women.’ Some people say, ‘Essentially, Jesus is saying, change men and women, and we’ll have a better society,’ he continued.
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills, Calif., said U.S. pastors are experiencing what he calls “white-collar persecution,” including intimidation, government harassment, and muzzling efforts by politicians and activist groups. He said there was “no doubt” what he was experiencing. church.
“In my opinion, these are regular attacks on the church that are effective,” he told Fox News Digital.
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In February, a transgender gunman 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 that the church has “failed to maintain” its historical presence in society. .
He hopes the pressure on the church will be a “wake-up” call to re-engage with the culture.
“Personally, I am encouraged by what we are seeing in this country today for this single reason: the church is waking up from its slumber and addressing the issues plaguing our culture today. We have a wonderful opportunity to address every problem, the answer God has already given us in the Bible, to love all people and make them aware of Jesus Christ and his saving grace. That’s the thing,” he said.
“No matter what, the fact remains the same. Jesus Christ did not die on the cross to make evil good. Jesus Christ died on the cross to bring the dead back to life. And he offers a transformation that cannot be ignored, only rejected. To show up as a bright and loving light of God, to roll up our sleeves spiritually and physically and be what she intended us to be. Be like a city on a shining hill.” he continued.
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Last year, worshipers from around the world visited Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, seeking spiritual renewal. (Asbury University)
Some of President Biden’s critics also blame the Biden administration. wage war on Christians After several pro-life activists were indicted on federal charges for protesting at an abortion clinic in 2021, the activists could face up to 11 years in prison.
