Difference between revisions of "Christian persecution"
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'''Christian persecution''' has occured from the very beginnings of [[Christianity]] and continues today. Currently more than 200 million Christians around the globe suffer imprisonment, abuse and sometimes death because of their faith.<ref>[http://www.greaterthings.com/News/Christian/Persecution/ International Persecution of Christians]</ref> | '''Christian persecution''' has occured from the very beginnings of [[Christianity]] and continues today. Currently more than 200 million Christians around the globe suffer imprisonment, abuse and sometimes death because of their faith.<ref>[http://www.greaterthings.com/News/Christian/Persecution/ International Persecution of Christians]</ref> | ||
| − | Early [[Christian]] persecution was severe in Ancient [[Roman]]. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly murdered by [[crucifixion]] and being put in arenas with [[lion]]s. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors | + | Early [[Christian]] persecution was severe in Ancient [[Roman]]. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly murdered by [[crucifixion]] and being put in arenas with [[lion]]s. The emperor [[Nero]] was one of the most notorious persecutors. |
This persecution continued up through the fourth century, when Constantine's [[Edict of Milan]] in 317 A.D. promulgated a doctrine of religious tolerance. In 393 A.D., Christianity became the state religion of Rome, gaining strength after Constantine's conquest of Rome from his fellow ''caesars'' of the time.<ref>"... in 391 AD, Christianity became the official, and only, state religion of the empire." [http://www.hyw.com/Books/History/Rome__Le.htm The Legacy of Rome] </ref> | This persecution continued up through the fourth century, when Constantine's [[Edict of Milan]] in 317 A.D. promulgated a doctrine of religious tolerance. In 393 A.D., Christianity became the state religion of Rome, gaining strength after Constantine's conquest of Rome from his fellow ''caesars'' of the time.<ref>"... in 391 AD, Christianity became the official, and only, state religion of the empire." [http://www.hyw.com/Books/History/Rome__Le.htm The Legacy of Rome] </ref> | ||
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During the [[Protestant Reformation]] many [[martyrs to the faith]] were persecuted and murdered by the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. | During the [[Protestant Reformation]] many [[martyrs to the faith]] were persecuted and murdered by the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. | ||
| − | In contemporary period, | + | In contemporary period, Christians continue to be persecuted around the world today in [[communist]] countries like [[China]], [[Islamic]] countries and [[Hindu]] majority country like [[India]]. In [[South Asia]], Christians are persecuted in [[India]], [[Nepal]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name=CSWSA>[http://www.online2.church123.com/christiansolidarityworldwide2/region3.htm South Asia]</ref> |
==India== | ==India== | ||
Revision as of 20:02, February 14, 2008
Christian persecution has occured from the very beginnings of Christianity and continues today. Currently more than 200 million Christians around the globe suffer imprisonment, abuse and sometimes death because of their faith.[1]
Early Christian persecution was severe in Ancient Roman. In Ancient Rome, Christians were most commonly murdered by crucifixion and being put in arenas with lions. The emperor Nero was one of the most notorious persecutors.
This persecution continued up through the fourth century, when Constantine's Edict of Milan in 317 A.D. promulgated a doctrine of religious tolerance. In 393 A.D., Christianity became the state religion of Rome, gaining strength after Constantine's conquest of Rome from his fellow caesars of the time.[2]
Deep divisions remained within the Empire. Examples include:
- The Altar of Victory affair.
- The removal of avowed polytheists from office.
Persecution generally ended in the Roman Empire in 317 A.D., with the Edict of Milan.
During the Protestant Reformation many martyrs to the faith were persecuted and murdered by the Roman Catholic Church.
In contemporary period, Christians continue to be persecuted around the world today in communist countries like China, Islamic countries and Hindu majority country like India. In South Asia, Christians are persecuted in India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.[3]
India
Hindus form the religious majority in India. In India, Christians have faced repeated attacks from Hindus.[4] Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons, aged 8 and 10, were burned to death in Orissa following in 1999 by Hindus.[4] In 2007, Hindus attacked churches in the state of Orissa.[4]
Pakistan
Christians in Pakistan have come under increasing attack in recent years.[5] In 2004, three Christians were killed due to attacks by Islamists.[5] Several Christian leaders in Baluchestan received threats.[5] The Blasphemy Laws of Pakistan under Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code is used as a tool for Christian persecution.[5] Some of the madrassas in Pakistan promote Islamic terrorism.[5] President Pervez Musharraf recently in a speech called for scrutiny of the Blasphemy laws and to reform the madrassas.[5]
People's Republic of China
In People's Republic of China, Christians face fines, imprisonment, torture and forced labour.[6] Churches are often shut down,[6] confiscation of church property is prevalent.[7]
References
- ↑ International Persecution of Christians
- ↑ "... in 391 AD, Christianity became the official, and only, state religion of the empire." The Legacy of Rome
- ↑ South Asia
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Hindu Extremists Attack Indian Churches, Torch Home of Prominent Christian
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Religious freedom update - Pakistan
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 China
- ↑ Persecution Of Christians Around The World