Kudos to K.A. Ellis, a Ph.D. candidate at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. Her recent article in Christianity Today demonstrates a thoughtful and insightful response to the oft-repeated question of whether Christians in the U.S. are “really” suffering persecution.
Ellis points out that Christians around the world—including those in hotspots like Syria and the Middle East—believe that Christians are being persecuted in the United States. The sub-title of her article is, “If our overseas brothers and sisters say we are, then we probably are.” The sub-title itself offers a compelling argument. Christians in the Middle East operate on the assumption that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (see 2 Tim. 3:12). The response of these overseas Christians demonstrates the New Testament reality that the body of Christ identifies with the suffering of other Christians (Heb. 13:1-3). On this point, Ellis concludes,
“When persecuted Christian leaders overseas warn about how seriously US Christians are marginalized, it’s time to listen.”
Ellis further points out the undeniable reality that persecution looks radically different in Nigeria, Vietnam, and China. Certainly, the degree of suffering in the US is less intense when compared to these Christians in other areas. But that fact alone is no proof of the absence of persecution in the US.
Christ taught his followers from the beginning that persecution would include mere insults:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, forutheirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matthew 5:10-11, ESV).
Finally, Ellis argues soberly about how quickly societies can flip from tolerant to intolerant. It would be naïve to think that persecution can’t happen “in America.” Of course it can. It has. Baptists and others were persecuted in the early days of American history. And Christians today are in the crosshairs of many cultural leaders.
Further, as I point out in my upcoming book, persecution does happen now in America, but it simply does not get reported as such (for predictable reasons). Churches are burned. Christians are shot and killed. House churches are targeted. And Christians are losing jobs… all in America. Yes, Christians in America are really being persecuted.
So, Christians ought to hear the sober conclusion Ellis reached:
“This is not a cause for despair. We may never experience what the global church faces, but it teaches us that the culture cannot despise us more than we can love its people… Our true goal is perseverance and faithfulness in showing forth the kingdom of God.”
Gregory C. Cochran 
Excellent post. I have followed in the news (What is reported) for many years now, the escalation and speed to which it is increasing is mind boggling. And the unreported incidents I can only imagine the level.
As one who was with an organization that passed out bibles I can attest to the hostility of officials that did everything they could to ridicule and make it as hard on us with newly mundane rules that at times actually became comical. The system really is making it very hard to reach College Kids, and children in the elementary level. But it is also reality that Christ himself as well as the prophets and apostles told us these days would arrive. Praise his Holy name.
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Amen! Keep loving others in Jesus’s name.
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