Are Christians under siege in America?

The Roman Catholic Church feels oppressed. Religious liberty is under siege. At this month's meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the group's president, Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, declared, "We see in our culture a drive to neuter religion," which he attributed, ambiguously and ominously, to "well-financed, well-oiled sectors."

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia gave a speech to college students declaring that the "America emerging in the next several decades is likely to be much less friendly to Christian faith than anything in our country's past. It's not a question of when or if it might happen. It's happening today."

When the Catholic Church declares that everything's going to hell, you have to take it seriously. Nevertheless, complaints about oppression of Christians in American society always amaze me.

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Fred

The whole Progressive movement is an attack on a Christian world view , thus on Christianity itself..One that understands modern history can see that. It is always progressive–a slow boil.
- Cincinnatus
  
  "Progressive" is early twentieth century code for "Marxist". They replaced God and religion with their "ideology" which is "atheistic religion" by any other name. Our current president's great hero, the marxist Saul Alinsky, dedicated his book "Rules for Radicals" to Satan. Can there be any doubt why the progressive, marxist, communist, statist, socialist, national-socialist agenda has historically always produced such bloody, inhumane, anti-individual, anti-family, holocaust driven results?
  
  God cherishes each individual in a loving relationship that cannot be destroyed by the "needs of the many".
  - daves
    
    God Bless you President Obama.
Ed O

Yes but only by the jews!
I strongly suggest NUKING these stinking parasites.
- ORB
  
  Sad EdO, very SAD! Perhaps I should say Sick EdO, Very SICK!
- Kalev
  
  Yes, sick, very sick, it's a shame Admin allows this rabid anti-Semite to constantly post his rants.
- Mike Dorsey
  
  Ed you are completely disoriented in your thinking. Understand Gods word says he will uphold those who will stand with Israel and he will smite those who oppose her. If you are Arab by birth, you are the half brother of the Jew. Many millions know whole heartedly that Christ is the Messiah who came through lineage of Abraham and David that allowed himself (his humanity) to be judged in your place! God has provided a path for us all through faith alone, no merit on your part is required or can help save you other than faith alone in Christ alone as your personal savior. Please do not turn down what has been provided for you, you will be held accountable.
- Stephen
  
  You will make a fine catholic!
  
  A catholic newspaper in Spain wrote the following on the day Hitler died:
  
  “Adolph Hitler, son of the Catholic Church, died while defending Christianity. It is therefore understandable that words cannot be found to lament over his death, when so many where found to exalt his life. Over his dead remains stands his victorious moral figure, with the palm of the martyr; God gives Hitler laurels of victory.”
  
  The only thing the vatican has ever been a victim of is of facts.
- http://BELLSOUTH.NET LAMAR BERRY
  
  HAY—ED 0
  ISERAL IS THE BEST FRIEND WE HAVE. WHAT WITH YOU>
  ISERAL IS GOD CHOSEN PEOPLE WE SHOULD NEVER GO AGAINST ISERAL.IT WILL CAUSE AMERICA SO MUCH TRUBLE. READ GODS WORD.
  AMERICA AND ISERAL WAS BULT BY THE HELP OF GOD. GOD WILL NEVER ALLOW ANY NATION TO DESTROY ISERAL OR AMERICA.
  GTET YOUR BOTTLE AND HIDE.
  - bighoss
    
    What or where is this "ISERAL"? You really do have "TRUBLE" with spelling, don't you? Or have you perhaps been drinking too much from that bottle you are hiding with?
- john
  
  WRONG AMIGO IT IS ALL THE BROTHERS OF ABRAHAM ( ARABS 0
Chris

And why not? Why should I have my life controlled by a bunch of people who still believe in a skygod? Why should I support the marginalization of females. Why should I support hate of gays?

Religion is stupid and causes major problems. Religious wars are all around us and you are too stupid to see that.
The "Progressive" movement is about using current knowledge. The Christian "World View" is not a "View" at all – it's a contrived position created by men to gain control over people and threaten them with a vindictive contrived god. None of it is real.
- heath3435
  
  Chris Please explain why you think That Christians view is not a View?
- Ken
  
  Right Chris, all those "progressive" movements like fascism, naziism, communism….no thanks.
- Robert De Leon
  
  Chris:
  Are you telling that billions of Religion people are stupids?
  If you are an atheist (you look like to me) you have an absolute disadvantage: you belong to a very big minority. So majority is stupid and minority it's not. Be smarter.
  Robert.
  - A. Reginald
    
    Chris,
    There is nothing "progressive" about the "Progressive" movement. Indeed, it is not about using current knowledge, it is entirely retrogressive, taking us back to the days of idolatry! It tries to force us to worship "Mother Earth" instead of the creator who made it.
  - daves
    
    Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect).
    Mark Twain
  - http://rationalresponses.blogspot.com/ Jeff Dixon
    
    Robert De Leon says:
    "Chris:
    Are you telling that billions of Religion people are stupids?"
    
    Robert, the question seems to answer itself with you.
    And how much bigger is a big minority than a regular minority? Inquiring minds want to know.
- http://aol.com Ed from Florida
  
  Chris, you will be wanting all the religion you can muster on your death bed. When you face death there is nothing like believing you are going to a better place. If you don't believe in the Skygod where do you think you are going? That is right, if there is a Skygod, as you call Him, then you and all of those who think like you will know where.
- A. Reginald
  
  Boy, Chris, are you ever deluded. Yes, Chriatianity has had problems in the past. But these were not the result of the teachings of Jesus, the Christ. They were, and are, the result of some leaders turning their backs on Him to pursue their own agenda. True Christianity does no marginalize females, it elevates them. If you want to see true marginalization look to Islam. For the Muslim, the status of his wife is several notches below that of his favorite racing camel. Also true that there have been wars between Christian sects in the past. Now there is a worldwide war between Islam and Christianity. There is definitely a Christian World view, but it is not to threaten people with a vindictive, contrived god. It is to try to introduce them to the God of Creation who loves His Creation and even people, like you, who daily spit in His face. Wake up and learn that God does not send people to Hell. They get there because they are at enmity with Him and in league with Satan (Lucifer.)
  - Carlton
    
    You are right my brother;almost all religions of today dethrone s Yeshua Messiah,as if they are afraid to face the fact that such a simple way to eternal life could not not exist,just the same way the Jews in His time resentent Yeshua to be the Messiah.One thing I am sure about is that if He was not the real Deity,then one seeking initiation in the witches world would not have to denounce Yeshua Messiah,then turning a ceramic cross up-side-down,and breaking the arms to get peace with satan,now used as a peace sign.You can be in any other religion and be accepted ,but not a christian.
- ORB
  
  Sad Chris, very SAD! Perhaps I should say Sick Chris, Very SICK! Is there any difference between your expressed sick hatred and that of EdO?
  
  Not Really!
- Mike Dorsey
  
  Chris, you think because you can not physically see or hear God that he does not exist? Others apparently have perceived that he does exist! He makes himself known to those who seek him. He has shown himself to me in so many ways through out my life, there was no doubting that he was showing me he was there, that I was not alone. With a little open mindedness he will show you he is real. Research unexplainable events in peoples lives and you will start to realize there may be something to a great designer. Look at the intricate creations of butterflies, giraffes, hummingbirds and the dinosaurs. God has created so many life forms that are amazingly different and beautiful, powerful and meek. Would not it be better to live as tho God exist and find out that he does not than to live live as tho he does not exist and find out that he does? He has provided mankind a savior through faith alone, he is not going to give you a free pass if you reject his plan to justify you unto himself who has perfect righteousness.
- Virginia
  
  We have an ultra liberal in our midst!
- n2trophies
  
  Many people do not beleave in the Bible. Have you read the Word? If you had you would realize that what y8ou see happening now was written down many centeries ago. This worl turmal is nothing new to Christians. We can tell when it begain and how it will end. All you must do is read the written Word.
- Linda F.
  
  I have a confession, Chris. And I, as usual, will be honest to the point of being blunt. Sorry if this offends. But it needs to be said.
  
  Every time you accuse us of being haters and bigots, I laugh a little. Why? Because YOU, sir, are the hater. YOU, sir, are the bigot. So forgive me, Chris, if I DON'T take you seriously. And I'm more than certain that there are other people on this website who feel the exact same way.
  
  The day you stop hating on Christians, will be the day that we will take you seriously. Until then, your statements are jokes. Every one of them. And you're not exactly a great endorsement of atheism, Chris. You claim that you're perfectly happy, being an atheist. Forgive me, Chris. But you don't seem to radiate happiness. In fact, you come across as a man who is 100% discontent, 100% hateful, and 100% bitter. You are so angry and hate-filled that you mourn the death of an animal, but practically rejoice over the death of an unborn child! Now, tell me: why atheism is so great? Why should we abandon our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and join the atheist ranks, when we have seen nothing but filth, bile, and bitterness come from you and the other atheists on this website?
  
  Let's face it. A life without God is a life without joy and peace.
- JPM
  
  Since when has any christain tried to control you or your thoughts? It appears to me that it is the other way around. No one that is christain is trying to control you but you and others like you are trying to control all who are christain. Try telling the truth for once in your life.
Dorris

No the Christians are Not ,Americans have always been CHRISTIANS,But I do think the Muslims are because they are creating a lot of undue problems to call attention to themselves.
They believe you have the right to Kill any one of your family members if they Don't abide by their rules. they have the right to have (ans this is in the Quran) 4 women in their marriage one they Merry and 4 than are in the side line in case the main wife don't follow their demands,In the Christian faith we call the consenting ADULTRY.
They just have a lot of things in their culture that we as Christian don't believe.
They profess to be peaceful and yet they are always creating dissension among people,I am sorry I don't call that a true belief I do see a resemblance in that and a cult.
I wonder if we went to a country that held their belief in the Quran ,and as Christians we went into their country and demand to put a Baptist,Lutheran, Methodist,NON Denominational churches how do you think that would be excepted?
Keep in mind they say they are a peaceful people, want to check it OUT?
This is getting to the point of being rediculous.
- daves
  
  Haven't you read about the 10 virgins and the bride groom in the bible? (Matthew 25)
  
  And this?
  All who curse their father or mother must be put to death. They are guilty of a capital offense. (Leviticus 20:9)
  
  Just because they are in the bible doesn't mean all Christians abide by these things. The same is true of Muslims and what is in the Koran. I have a few Muslim friends and they are great people. It saddens me to see the misinformation being spread about them.
  
  Yes there are some bad Muslims, there are about 1.5 billion of them in the world. It's tough to weed out all the psychos..
Winston

Yes, from within and without.
Katie2011

"religion" is not contrived by men. It originates with God and brought to understanding and love by Jesus. Jesus is The Way.
Any group can call themselves a 'religious' group, but if not built around God and Jesus, its just a group of people with a view.

Yes, Christianity is IS under attack no matter your denomination.

Ed, Jesus was a Jew His whole life. He brought fulfillment of the prophesies to the Jews and went on to include all mankind in his salvation promises. If you condemn Jews, you condemn Jesus. Just so you know.
- daves
  
  Under attack how?
  
  Matthew Chapter 6:
  "5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Vern

Of course we are under attack, we have an illegal alien, muslim terrorist in the whitehouse that would see the filthy flag of Islam fly over America, all muslims are jew and christian haters and should be deported from our land. Onward christian soldiers, its past time to make a stand and fight. obama has done away with our national day of prayer but invites all muslims to bring their filthy rugs to the whitehouse lawn so they can bow to their allah, is this their idean of freedom of relegion? They use our constitution against us and deny our freedoms as they demand theirs.
- bighoss
  
  You are far too misinformed and biased to make any kind of credible contribution to this discussion.
Ken

I'm sorry, but I have a hard time feeling under siege as a Christian in America. I can go to church when I want, read my Bible when I want, spout off on sites like this when I want, watch Christian TV channels, buy Christian books at the local Christian bookstore, irritate my atheist friends…..I think we need to stop our whining, stand up for our Constitutional rights where we need to, and take advantage of the freedoms we have.

Maybe part of this taking advantage should involve more in the way of prayer and support for our fellow Christians who really ARE being oppressed in this world. In many countries, you're fortunate if professing faith in Christ ONLY gets you disowned by your family and ostracized…more likely you may find yourself without a job, imprisoned or even killed.
- Laur
  
  Ken,,,,It is that way now but wait a few years. I pray for all christians, that in the day we WILL have to stand up for Jesus that we will have the strength and love to die for Him if we have to. Obama is doing such a good job of having this happen it won't be that far away. Muslims like to kill. And he is killing our country as a muslim.
  - Ken
    
    My ongoing prayer is that if it ever comes to that , God would give me the strength to stand firm and not wimp out.
    
    But we're not there yet. Getting laughed at by Hollywood know-it-alls, being insulted by people like Chris on Zionica.com or even fending off nusiance lawsuits by groups like the ACLU is hardly material for Foxe's Book of Martyrs. As I said, we need to stop our whining and use the rights we still have.
- Virginia
  
  I agree that Christians are under seige. The liberals are doing everything they can to destroy our young people in the school system, they are forcing immoral sins such as abortion, homosexuality, etc. on our society against our wills, etc. Many Christians are being attacked in various ways, no prayer allowed at school events, etc.
- bighoss
  
  You are right on target here, Ken. What we have in spades on this forum is complaint not by the "persecuted," but by the PARANOIDS!
- D C A
  
  Don't try buying a bible at Sam's club ,, they took them off the shelves
Billy F.

The Catholics may be feeling that they are under siege; because of Nancy Pelosi. She Claims to be a Catholic; and yet she supports abortion and criticizes the Catholic Church for their standing against abortion and homosexuality. She may not think of us protestants as Christian at this time. She seems to be picking on her own religious choice for now. What she fails to realize is GOD's stance on those same issues; which may put her into eternal punishment after all. Maybe she should start reading the collection of books that many people fail to read…..The Holy Bible.
Laur

Catholics, unforunately were the first false religion after Chris died for His church in 33A.D.- Matthew 16:18 "I will build My church". The Bible relates to this in I Timothy 4:1-4 "Some will turn away from the faith. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat foods which God created to be eaten with thanksgiving by those who know and believe the truth".
Many other false religions started after that. Colossiansl. 1:18 "Christ is the head of THE BODY the CHURCH" .
Ephesians 4:3 "There is one BODY" Romans 16:16 "the Churches of Christ greet you"

It is very serious to do what Christ laid out in the New Testament if we want to be eternity with our Precious Lord. The alternative is eternity with satan. Don't just do what your ancestors did or believed, search for yourselves.
- Mike Dorsey
  
  It is very serious to do what Christ laid out in the New Testament if we want to be eternity with our Precious Lord. The alternative is eternity with satan. Don't just do what your ancestors did or believed, search for yourselves.
  
  He laid out for all man kind to "Believe in my and you will be saved". "For you are saved by grace, through faith, it is the gift of God lest any man should boost." We are not saved by works but by non-meritorious faith alone in Christ alone.
  - Laur
    
    Buried with Him in baptism you arise in the newness of life. Romans 6:3-4 That is when LIfe begins in Christ, the Church. Yes, Believe in me and you will be saved………..if you do everything I say,
maryallen

Christianity is not the problem. Religions should be neutered since they do not teach the grace of God for salvation and living the Christian way of life; they have some type of “working” for their salvation and do-goodism to please their god. The sad part is that most churches today have become religious instead of Christ-like.
- http://youtu.be/aVT3w5oZHHg Despeville
  
  " Religions should be neutered since they do not teach the grace of God for salvation "
  ~Maryallen
  
  'Pure and undefiled RELIGION before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
  ~God in James 1:17
Kalev

Roman Catholics aren't Christian, they are idolators.
David

Catholics feel they are under siege because in truth these are the Biblical "last days". People such as Pelosi are proof of the influence of the anti Christ. I may be Catholic but I strongly have positive views of Mr. Graham's proclamation that " The spirit of the antichrist is sweeping the earth." The BIBLE states that "Satan is the prince of the power of the air." The U.S. has been suppressing Prayer, references to GOD and virtually everything "Holy". There have been tornadoes, many earthquakes and so,called " sink-holes. The Bible states that "they" will come out of the ground like locusts. "They" refers to the evil things or maybe even "demons." THRE IS DEFENSE FOR ALL THESE NEGATIVE ENTITIES. IT is called PRAYER. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
- Laur
  
  Mr. Graham is so famous yet he won't answer my emails I sent to him nor did his dad. They say to take Christ into your heart and you are saved. That is important but you have to follow up by being baptized into Him ( I Corinthians 12:12-14)
  "Buried with Him in baptism you arise in the newness of Life" (Rom 6:3-4) The only way to get into the church which Jesus died for. (Matt 16:18)" I will build my Church" (Colossians 1:18) " He is the Head of the Body, the Church"
  (Ephesians 4:3) " There is ONE Body" Romans 16:16 "The churches of Christ greet you"
- daves
  
  Last Days are near? How could you possibly know? Jesus says you cannot know.
  
  Show me a text that supports the claim that the church will be raptured before a future Great Tribulation.
  Show me a text that puts a gap of indefinite time between the 69th and 70th weeks of Daniel’s prophecy (9:24–27) and between Revelation 3 and 4.
  Show me a New Testament text that clearly shows that Israel becoming a nation again is the timing key for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
  Show me how Jesus’ use of “this generation” in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32) means something different from the way “this generation” is used by Jesus in every other instance.
  Explain how time words like “near,” “shortly,” “quickly,” and “at hand” mean something different from they are used in the Bible and ordinary speech.
ORB

There is no question but what Christianity is under serious attack, both by the humanists/progressives/Marxists and by many in the judiciary, in particular the Federal Judiciary. Perhaps an even greater threat comes from the rising tide of Islam. However, we should expect nothing less. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, told us:

John 15:20, KJV
20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

John 16:33, KJV
33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Jesus christ speaking through the Apostle Paul tells us:

Romans 8:35-37, KJV
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
JudyY

Yes they are. That question didn't need asked as it's apparent just by watching and reading about what's going on in our country. God is being phrased out of everything. For hundreds of years God was a part of who and what we were. Now there are Communists and atheists who want the whole country change to suit them. Why are we supposed to give over our country to them anyway? We should stand up and fight for our God and our country. Israel will be needing us too but our Communist president won't be helping them. Or should I say Muslim though it seems that the Communists and Muslims are on the same side at the moment.
Stephen

“Adolph Hitler, son of the Catholic Church, died while defending Christianity. It is therefore understandable that words cannot be found to lament over his death, when so many where found to exalt his life. Over his dead remains stands his victorious moral figure, with the palm of the martyr; God gives Hitler laurels of victory.”

The only thing the vatican has ever been a victim of is of facts
buck

Those who would abandon the US Constitution must first minimize Christianity as that was the basis of understanding in America at that time it was written and the main reason for abandoning the constitution is so they , rather than GOD can claim responsibility for our rights and thus get control them .
buck

What asylum did Stephen escape from ? One could not get any further from Christianity than Hitler the horrible .
Nancy Sternberg

All those who have claimed Jesus as their Lord are under attack in this nation. And Chris, if you think its bad while Christians are here wait till they are gone! Satan will be loosed from his prison then. It is because of the Christians here that the Holy Spirit is still on this earth that you have the freedom you have.
bill

over 2000 years ago JESUS tells us one world order and people like you who will turn on god
SkepticalOtto

"Are Christians under siege in America?"
Yes by President Obama and other members of our slipshod government
- Tout
  
  SKEPTICAL And what are you doing about it ?
http://www.orovalleychristianreader.com John J Flanagan

Someday Christianity will be illegal in America, because the society is bent on enjoying abortion, same sex marriage, promiscuity, materialism, and true believers have become a minority or remnant. Where there is a conflict between the word of God and the desires of the society, the followers of Christ need to be purged. Persecution is benign at this time, but as you watch the removal of symbolic crosses, legal challenges to religious expression in universities, more and more movies and other entertainment programs dispensing anti-Christian messages, you will eventually see a more intense persecution. The readiness of the society to attack Christian values against deviant and same gender marriage is already apparent, and all it will take is more hate crimes legislation to make Christian values illegal in the schools, workplace, and in the legal system. I have no doubt in my mind that persecution will come to America.
- Tout
  
  to JOHN FLANAGAN. Do you just sit there ? I started a procession in this city of 115.000 people. 50 People praying,singing,carrying 90 cm statue of Our Lady to church for crowning. I started this by going,praying thru 4 streets,alone. The 7th time (2008) more people joined.Now we have a yearly procession. I prayed regularly at public Mary-statue downtown, hanging sign"Whether glad,sad or wary,rest a while, say a Hail Mary".And more public actions as a Catholic.Always receive H.Communion on tongue,not in hand. Always make sign of cross before eating,also in restaurant, alone or with others who don't.God sees what some Catholics are willing to do in public.Bring God to the people.
Mary

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE WHOLE WORLD — PEACE — LOVE — JOY — AMEN!

HARDEN NOT YOUR HEART ( :-]
- mary charlene Hinson
  
  Thank you Mary for blessing America. I don't know why all America don't go around and say God Bless America. They talk too negative about our country. That will bring a curse instead of a blessing. Peace, Love and Joy to America , Amen, Amen and Amen.
Dave

Time to start singing onward chirstian soldier loudly.Time to bring back the true chirstian soldiers the Crusader's
Bud MacGuire

Petros (Peter) is the Greek word meaning rock, which is the namethat Our Lord gave to the apostle Cephas, whom Our Lord Jesus chose to be the first head of His church saying "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I shall build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail agianst it." Thus did Jesus Christ establish His church , which has, as He promised, prevailed even unto today , more than twenty centuries later, as He promised it would, for the salvation "of many".
- Tout
  
  BUD MACGUIRE Yes.But the people do well to obey God,for He can punish us if we forget to do so.Prayer should not be kept within 4 walls. I go and pray openly the rosary at a Mary-statue downtown. Some pedestrians come, touch the statue. I visited Turnhout(Belgium)in 2004,prayed the rosary at Jesus'statue on the central marketplace in public.The statue in very bad shape. Back in Canada, wrote to 100+addresses and the Mayor that the statue had to be replaced. Was replaced by new one in 2006. I went back,prayed there again alone a rosary. Nobody dared to stay with me.People had forgotten,they spent 3 wars without damage. 1914, 1940, 1944. Are we thankful to God ?
joe

satan has succeded in spreading everywhere the great apostasy, by means of his subtle workof seduction, which has brought many to be alienated from the truth of the gospel to follow the fablesof the new theological theories and to take delight in evil and in sin, sought after as an actual good. messege from our blessed mother.
joe

socialism and the progressive left and liberal politicians have corrupted our government and destroying america, our national security and law enforcement, our god given freedom and liberties, our prosperity and way of life, and our u.s. constitution.