This morning I just read a disturbing poll result that claims that most people now think that the new social evil of the 21st century is religion. There is a widespread belief that faith of any kind is intolerant, irrational, is used to justify persecution. People think it divides society by fueling intolerance and spawning “irrational” educational policies (no doubt, those striving for a format for intelligent design). People think that religion inspires hatred and prejudice throughout the world, and is commonly used as justification for persecution of women, gays and people who do not have faith.
This is sad. Very sad. By simplistically lumping "all religion" into one camp, all these people who have no hope beyond this life have become absolutely closed-minded and vitriolic in their atheism. They mock the "God of love" because they see so little fruit in the lives of those who claim to follow God. No transformation, no converts.
On one hand, I'd like to point out the vast social benefits that have come from the Christian faith and worldview - schools, orphanages, hospitals, ending slavery, etc. But these folks would reply by claiming that its the Christians, those "republicans", who want to destroy the environment and rape the planet for a profit, and deprive gays their civil right of marriage, so "they" hold the higher moral ground.
On the other hand, perhaps we should simply agree with charge against "religion" and join our voices to the chorus -- then lovingly point out that true followers of Jesus do not have religion; they have a relationship with the most amazing man who ever lived. We follow a Person, not a prejudicial plan to show our superiority. We are here to serve, to love, to lift up, and to suffer for being misunderstood.
Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12).
We live in a time when these words are being fulfilled. It's time to rejoice in how blessed we are as followers of Jesus.
