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Christianity's Shrinking Refuge
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityA troubling trend of anti-Christian sentiment and violence has emerged in Western nations in recent years, threatening the long-standing tolerance for Judeo-Christian beliefs. Despite the historical dominance of Christianity in Europe and the fostering of religious diversity in the United States, the rise of alternative religious practices and political philosophies has fueled conflict with mainstream Christian teachings. In Europe and Canada, laws now restrict traditional religious expression, with pastors facing constraints on biblical teachings and public citations of Scripture being labeled as hate speech. Anti-Christian violence, once thought to be isolated overseas, is increasingly frequent in Western neighborhoods, with vandalism and attacks on churches becoming normalized. National news, entertainment media, and academia openly mock Christianity, while social media amplifies this contempt. Reports from organizations like the Family Research Council highlight a growing intolerance, noting that Christian beliefs contradicting progressive secular values are wrongly portrayed as hateful or bigoted, and authoritarian measures are being taken against Christians in supposedly free societies. Additionally, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, despite surface claims of allegiance with Christianity, reveals a deep anti-Christian fervor aiming to eliminate Judeo-Christian ethics, with nine of the top ten nations for Christian persecution in 2025 governed by Islamic fundamentalists. Perplexingly, left-wing liberal activists in the West express solidarity with radical Islam, united only by their shared disdain for Christians. As hostility toward Bible-believing Christians steadily rises, the damaging trend of cultural, political, and media aggression seems unlikely to be fully reversed, even as efforts to restore biblical teaching persist.
Liberal Haters of God
CGG Weekly by Charles WhitakerLiberals, particularly those in America's universities, have developed a deep animosity toward religion, viewing faith in the unseen God as irrational and divisive to societal coherence. Academic figures like Stanford University's Richard Rorty assert that humanity's greatest achievements are incompatible with religion. Similarly, New York University Law Professor David A.J. Richards argues that the state must establish its own religion and ethics to uphold rational moral powers. Chicago University's Cass Sunstein supports using the liberal state to enforce tolerance among those with strong religious beliefs, while European University Institute's Wojciech Sadurski insists that states cannot allow religious groups lacking rational self-criticism. Princeton's Steven Macedo envisions the state as a coercive educative force against illiberal churches to promote freedom, even endorsing the exclusion of religious individuals from public office. Politics professors Amy Gutmann of Princeton and Dennis Thompson of Harvard argue that the state's educational system need not respect the rights of religious believers. William and Mary Law School's James Dwyer claims religious education instills repressive values, advocating for state prohibition or close monitoring of such schools and parental education at home, while pushing for curricula that promote feminism and permissive sexual attitudes. Stanford Law School's Kathleen M. Sullivan supports an asymmetrical treatment of religion, favoring government entanglement to restrain it. These perspectives position the state as an opponent to religious freedom, aiming to suppress it under the guise of rationality and societal progress.
The Intolerance of Liberals
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Open expressions of intolerance against Christianity and its beliefs began decades ago, and this hostility continues to build. Persecution starts with mere intolerant feelings, but the intensity grows until any differing opinion must be crushed into complete acceptance of the opposing view, or actions are taken to enforce the desired outcome. Many in influential circles, particularly those without religious affiliation, are highly motivated to impose their will, viewing it as rescuing others from ignorance and stupidity. This intolerance often manifests through legal means, such as court actions supported by organizations like the ACLU, to enforce their agenda. The stage for persecution is clearly building as these anti-Christian sentiments intensify, driven by a refusal to allow differing beliefs to coexist peacefully.
More Than Conquerors
CGG Weekly by Martin G. CollinsTwenty years ago, the liberal news media showed anti-Christian bias in their reporting on the movie The Passion of the Christ, produced and directed by Mel Gibson. Conservative news agencies reacted furiously to this building anti-Christian bias among liberal press members, evident in escalating attacks on Gibson as a beloved actor-director. Gibson noted that some media types covertly attacked him and his family because he was making a movie favorable to Jesus. Hollywood does not exempt even one of its own from liberal scrutiny and attack when promoting Jesus in a positive light. Bias toward Christians is flagrant in today's media coverage. Secular philosophy among powerful editors has led to open bias against anyone admitting admiration of or allegiance to Jesus Christ. Verbally vilifying homosexuals, transgender individuals, pro-abortion advocates, or Islamic terrorists is considered a hate crime, but doing the same to Christians is seen as free speech, separation of church and state, and downright chic. The world is prejudiced and violent, hating the teachings of Jesus Christ, where even mentioning His name stirs many to riotous behavior. Professing Christians in Asia and Africa live in daily fear for their lives, suffering verbal abuse and physical violence because they gather under the banner of Jesus Christ's name, despite knowing little of God's truth. These Christians are persecuted for their association with Christ's name, without following His example of living. As the end of this age nears and evils of the present Babylonish society culminate, Christians may face the ultimate test of perseverance amid such anti-Christian persecution. True Christians, who have repented, been baptized, accepted Jesus as Savior, received the Holy Spirit, and obey Christ's teachings, suffer daily with Him because living God's way contrasts with every aspect of secular society. This daily reckoning prevents separation from God's love, making true Christians more than conquerors and children of God.
Everything Is Upside Down
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the current culture the Creator is not respected and has been publicly booed out of one major political party. Satan and his standards dominate the world and were publicly cheered by pro-abortion demonstrators. Founders formerly esteemed as heroes are now called plantation owners who enslaved others by their laws. Demonstrations have occurred against the celebration of Independence Day. Homosexuality and lesbianism are applauded while the murder of babies is encouraged by calling it a mere choice. Feminism dominates the political arena and job markets and mothers are encouraged to abandon children. Children have taken over the family and dominate its course of living. Right is called wrong and wrong is called right. Liberty now means citizens are being spied upon and have become mere tenants on government property. The government through its schooling program makes every subtle effort toward conforming children to accept these changes while turning children into spies who report non-conforming parents. A photographer in New Mexico was sued and fined seven thousand dollars for refusing on religious grounds to photograph a wedding between two men even though such a marriage is illegal in that state. A florist in Washington was sued by the state attorney general for refusing to sell flowers for a gay wedding because she does not believe in such a union. Federal and state governments indicate that citizens may worship but cannot follow a religion or point of faith that the state disapproves of even when the practice is non-violent. The Department of Justice has ruled that parental rights to protect children from instruction that violates their faith are negligible when the government goal is an open society. A proposal before the city council of San Antonio Texas would bar employment of Christians because they cause too much trouble by opposing homosexuality lesbianism and gay marriage. The crushing power of government is used against individual citizens to force conformity.
Today's Brand of Tolerance
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The religions of this world are anti-Christ concepts and practices drawn from false religions that permeate this world's governments, educational systems, entertainment, employment, and social practices. God's way of life touches on every facet of life and very much of the practices of this world are in reality practices of Satan even though they may seem to be innocent. Humanism has become the religion of the elite in America. An alternative name for humanism is secularism. Regardless of the name its adherents accept and promote man as being God. The true God's standards are no longer accepted by much of the leadership of this nation. The effective result of that rejection is that each humanist has declared himself as God. This exaggerated opinion of themselves as being above God's standards forces them to look down on others and has motivated them to put a painful and sometimes financially costly twist on the practice of their brand of tolerance. They have changed the meaning of tolerance. Tolerance has come to mean acceptance of them on an equal level regardless of their practices. Tolerance is no longer forbearing and if one does not accept them according to their new definition that one is accused of a lack of love and may very well be punished in some way. A Christian cannot honestly tolerate or accept outright paganism practiced on an equal level with the God of creation and His moral spiritual and ethical absolutes. A Christian cannot wholeheartedly accept the writings of Mohammed which appear in the Koran on an equal level with God's Bible. The use of God's name in a disrespectful and irreverent way is fully acceptable in the movies or on TV. Persons claiming Christianity can refuse to bake a cake or take photographs at a wedding they do not approve of because those practices break God's laws and the humanistic court judges rule against them and fine them thousands of dollars. All of these examples emphatically reveal the anti-God spiritual power that is driving this world. The world's brand of tolerance is acceptable only in the anti-God direction. It is being shaped to provide justification in the eyes of those who do not know God so that Satan's designs can be carried out without fear of opposition from unknowing humans. The level of seriousness of this intolerance will continue to rise to sheer outright hatred of those who are on God's side.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Five)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The world is living in a time when immorality has transcended over righteousness. Satan has succeeded in blinding people's minds to God's truth. This has resulted in the bulk of citizens being turned against those who follow the Bible's instructions. Historical evidence from those claiming to be Christian but lacking truth, conduct, or spirit matching the Bible is used to frame lies against true followers. Persecutions of Christians are growing in the Middle East, where they face extinction amid sectarian terror. These persecutions against false Christians are advancing towards real Christians. Satan uses his lackeys to persecute real Christians, and the lackeys feel justified because real Christians might be the only ones they can vent their frustrations against. Real Christians carry the name truly and honestly, just as Jesus Christ was not guilty of any unlawful thing. God is giving time for His people to get their relationship with Him in good shape.
The Nones and the True Believers
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Nones have bought into a mass movement orchestrated by satan. Their motivation is intellectual and spiritual as they respond to the hope of greater personal freedom and liberty. One of their rallying cries is that Christianity ruins everything. They have lunged at the hope of throwing off their inhibitions against sex outside of marriage. Dormitories have become bisexual as a result of this movement. The revolution seeks to overthrow the fear of God. When that is accomplished the end will begin full force because Israel will fall on a moment's notice.
Your Mouth is About to Get You in Trouble
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsLeftist attorneys have elevated animal rights over human rights, attempting to 'give back' to animals the rights that human beings have 'taken' from them.
A Government to Fear (Part Five)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Federal Government has declared a parcel of land (500,000 square acres) a Federal Monument through eminent domain, solidifying federal authority.
Those Who Are Persecuted
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPersecution is already here, part and parcel in the lives of followers of Christ. If we are persecuted for following God's instructions, we will be blessed.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's command to eat unleavened bread teaches that He rescued His people from the bondage of sin, something they had no power to accomplish of themselves.
How Did We Get This Way?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSecularism, founded on the philosophical underpinnings of Rousseau, is, in effect, the official state religion for the majority of our nation.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The American people have become desensitized to the perils of the snake oil salesman. Previously, when political leaders lied, public sentiment would retaliate.
The Nones, Atheism, and Immorality
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The 'Nones' have risen to prominence in society, ideologically committed to abortion, radical feminism, homosexuality, strict gun control, and socialism.
Persecution (1993)
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsChristians have been subject to psychological abuse as well as torture. Peter says that persecution is inevitable and is often triggered by good works
God Meant it for Good
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf one does good, following God's instructions, persecution is automatically promised as a consequence, just as Christ paid with His life for His good works.
Those Who Live in the Light
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe suffer persecution because We embrace the truth and light, which terrifies those who love to live in darkness, defying God's holy and spiritual laws.
Ecclesiastes (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughToday, as in Solomon's time, we can become discouraged and weary about the corruption in government, especially the evil corruption of the courts.
Facing Cultural Headwinds
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's saints encounter great difficulties keeping their balance and moving toward the Kingdom while being buffeted by the anti-God, progressive culture.
Is There Hope For Equality?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Fairness and equality will never exist while Satan is the ruler of the world; our carnal minds are always going to be stirred to resentment.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Respect for God is declining all over the world. Even in the scattered Church of God, an increasing casualness threatens to detract from respect for God.