The Roman Empire sought to snuff out Christianity on several occasions, most famously during the reign of Nero.
Even when they were not actively persecuted, Christians often were forbidden from owning property and subjected to social stigma. Yet Christianity survived and eventually thrived. Ironically, Christianity's own commitment to human rights — such as the dignity of women — was a key feature of its success.
According to sociologist Rodney Stark, Roman Emperor Valentinian was so worried about Christianity's
attractiveness to women that he issued an order in A.D. 370forbidding Christian missionaries from making visits to the houses of pagan women.
In the modern era, China clamped down on Christians during the infamous Cultural Revolution. The Chinese leadership was ruthlessly efficient, and for years few known Christians could be found in China. Yet as soon as cracks opened in the oppression, Christianity began to spread. Two of the 21 best known leaders of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests are now ordained priests, and the number of Chinese Christians is now thought to be roughly 60 million.
Beliefs that no longer seem to make sense of the world may fade. This is why we don't worship Baal, as the ancient Phoenicians did, or offer libation to Greek gods and goddesses. But any religion or system of thought that speaks to our deepest needs cannot be kept at bay forever, no matter how virulent the oppression. It will always spring back as soon as it is given an opening.
Christians are not perfect. Christians have sometimes been responsible for repression themselves, as in the Crusades and the Inquisition in the Middle Ages. But so long as Christianity continues to enable men and women to navigate the complexity of their lives, it will withstand even the most awful oppression.
The resilience of Christian beliefs obviously should not be an excuse for complacency as ISIL continues its rampage. Millions of Iraqis and Syrians live in constant fear. ISIL's disdain for human rights cries out for a response. The U.S. and other countries need to do whatever they can to help restore order in this time of chaos.
But we can take comfort knowing that repression in Mosul and elsewhere will not be the end of the story. Although something precious is lost if an ancient tradition is severed, even temporarily, Christianity will one day return to Iraq. It always does.
attractiveness to women that he issued an order in A.D. 370Good piece. Surprised a bit to see it in the USA Today.
That in and of itself is hopeful.
God be with Your persecuted people.
