Christian Persecution

Christian persecution dates back to the early days of Christianity when Saul, subsequently renamed Paul, thought he was protecting Judaism by assisting those who were torturing and killing Christian believers. The New Testament Book of Acts tells how Paul's life suddenly transformed. While retaining his Judaism, he became a follower of Jesus and wrote many of the books that comprise the New Testament.

Sometimes Christian persecution arises from within the official church. In the 1500s, William Tyndale experienced such persecution in England. Determined to provide a Bible citizens could understand, he translated the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into English. Because the church allowed only a Latin translation of the Bible, Tyndale had to smuggle this Bible into England. It was during this era that the Puritans, in order to escape persecution from the established church, left their homes in England for America, by way of Holland. Following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, the Soviet government banned Bibles and forbade the practice of Christianity until the 1990s.

Christian persecution continues to exist worldwide. In countries closed to Christianity, Christians cannot worship or mention the name of Jesus without being severely punished, imprisoned, or put to death. Persecutors often identify these believers as members of a dangerous sect. Christians suffer persecution in China, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, Laos, and in the Muslim nations including Sudan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and many other locations. Despite persecution, true Christians continue to practice and share their message of love, and to hold to Zechariah's belief that the Messiah will come soon to the Mount of Olives in Israel to alleviate suffering. This hope has grown since 1948, with Jews returning to their homeland.

The newest wave of Christian persecution has risen from within the ranks of the denominational churches toward Christians who support Israel. Persecution of Christian Zionists emerged when, in 1948, Israel became a nation.