How do some Christians experience life in restricted countries?
Well, often they must worship in secret; they are denied permits for churches; they cannot sell, give or possess a Bible. In restricted countries Christians frequently may not evangelize, are denied an education, jobs and even medical care. They are also falsely accused of crimes by neighbours and charged by authorities; forced to practise other religions; shunned by society and families. Openly expressing beliefs about Christ is impossible.
What forms do persecution take today?
- Physical and verbal abuse;
- Imprisonment;
- Kidnappings;
- Bribes;
- Deportation;
- Destruction of property;
- Fines;
- Torture;
- Murder.
The number of Christian martyrs from some countries during 2010:
Nigeria - 2 000; Iraq - 90; Pakistan - 29; Laos - 29; Egypt - 9; India - 9.
How do persecuted Christians find spiritual courage?
Living in the presence of God, the Living Word, fellowship with the saints, through the prayers of God's people and also through knowing that the Church has not forgotten them!
What does persecution look like in some specific nations in the world?
Persecution in North Korea today:
The situation for Christians living in the country of North Korea is appalling. This nation is under the spell of the Juche ideology and the worship of the “Great Leader”. As a result Christians do not even have the right to exist, according to the government. Despite this persecution and the many risks for Christians, most of these deadly, Christianity is growing slowly.
Persecution in Iran today:
The official religion in Iran is Islam and there are few Christians amongst the population. Although ethnic (Armenian and Assyrian) Christians are a recognized religious minority, guaranteed religious freedom, they have reported imprisonment, physical abuse, harassment and discrimination because of their faith. Once a Christian has been arrested they will live their life monitored by the government. Should a Christian share the Gospel with a Muslim the risk of repercussions by Islamic extremists becomes very real. Such violence can come from a source as close as one’s own family. Under judicial interpretations of Sharia Law, any Muslim who leaves Islam to embrace another religion faces the death penalty.
Persecution in the Maldives today:
In the archipelago of the Maldives, Islam is the official state religion and all citizens must be Muslim. Persecution of Christians in the Maldives is systematic: legislation forbids the practice of any religion except Islam; the government regards itself as the protector and defender of Islam; churches are forbidden; importing Christian material is prohibited; discrimination against non-Muslims is total; social control is enormous and the average Maldivian agrees with the prohibition of any religion other than Islam. In this nation – one of the least evangelized nations in the world – there is only a handful of indigenous believers who practise their faith individually and in extreme secrecy for fear of being discovered.
Persecution in Iraq today:
About 334 000 Christians are left in Iraq, less than half of their number in 1991. Most Christians are from traditional denominations such as Assyrian, Chaldean, Catholic and Armenian, and there are several thousand evangelicals. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein their situation has deteriorated considerably. Violence against Christians is motivated by religious, political, financial and social reasons. Christians suffer from the anti-Western atmosphere in the country and are seen as collaborators with Westerners.