As Lee Grady noted in his “Year in Review” article, Christian persecution increased around the world in 2010. Now, a new list has emerged chronicling the top 10 anti-Christian acts in America last year.
DefendChristians.org, a ministry of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission, just offered up its list based on an online poll of Christians. According to Dr. Gary Cass, Chairman and CEO of DefendChristians.org, the results demonstrate a double standard is being applied against Christians and their faith, values, and liberty.
“If these same types of actions were taken against other groups one would call it bigoted,” Cass says. “We are exposing the shameful behavior of bashing Christ and biblical values for what it is, ‘Christophobia,’ the irrational fear and hatred of Christ and His Word.”
Here are some highlights of the top 10 list:
1. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act: A proposed federal bill that would require ministries, including churches, to hire people who oppose their beliefs or who live in open defiance of their values.
3. Julea Ward and Jennifer Keeton persecution: The two Christian students were expelled from their respective Master’s programs in counseling at two different universities because they wouldn’t deny their faith and affirm the validity of the homosexual lifestyle.
5. Civil rights violations Christians were denied their civil rights and falsely arrested for disorderly conduct at an annual Arab festival in Dearborn, Michigan for sharing the Gospel. This happened the previous year, too. The Christians were acquitted both times of all charges.
9. The Southern Poverty Law Center labeling: The organization has continued to label many mainstream Christian organizations that promote traditional marriage as “hate groups” and “anti-gay” in lists that include violent racists groups.
“Every year the list of attacks grows as godless secular values are inflaming the minds of many against Almighty God, Jesus Christ and Christianity,” Cass says. “Most of the attacks are merely rhetorical. Increasingly they are becoming codified into policies that encroach on Christian’s academic freedom and liberty of conscience. Freedom of speech is denied to Christians while they are slandered by radical organizations. In extreme cases the hatred boils over into violence.”
What’s your take? What anti-Christian movements did you see in 2010 and what do you expect in 2011? Share with me in the comment box below.
Cheri Fuller and Cindy Lamb Curry 
Marilyn Hickey 
Charisma Staff 
