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It seems not a day goes by when the Freedom From Religion Foundation or some other atheist, secularist or humanist group isn't attacking a Christian prayer meeting, demanding the take down of a nativity scene or working to ban some other form of Christian expression. Indeed, the war on Christmas is raging even now.
American Christians aren't looking to trample your rights to believe (or not believe) whatever you want to believe (or not believe). So why are some atheist activists so driven to wage war against all things Christian each and every Christmas season? And why does that battle have to continue throughout the year at football games and other public events where Christians simply want to display a Bible verse on a sign? Why are you fighting so hard against a God you don't believe exists?
If you are American atheist, you should count your blessings.
According to a study from the International Humanist and Ethical Union, any public expression of atheism can be viewed as blasphemy and carry criminal penalties in countries like Russia. The "Freedom of Thought Report," claims that the "hate speech" against atheists does not come exclusively from reactionary or radical religious leaders, but increasingly from political leaders, including heads of state.
"In 2014, in addition to laws such as those targeting 'apostasy' and 'blasphemy,' we have seen a marked increase in specific targeting of 'atheists' and 'humanism' as such, using these terms in a broadly correct way (the users know what they are saying) but with intent clearly borne of ignorance or intolerance toward these groups," the report reveals.
I stand for Jesus Christ, which means I don't stand for humanism, atheism, secularism and all the other "isms" that are coming against the gospel of Christ and separating people from God's love. That said, I'm not against atheists or your God-given right to believe what you want to believe (or not believe). And I am imploring you to stop spending your time trying to chip away at the foundations on which America was built, which include freedom of speech and freedom of religion that allow you to deny Christ without going to prison.
Think about it for a minute, if America becomes more like other nations in the world, you may very well face more persecution here. America is a free country. Why do you work so hard to make it less free for Christians, who would be among the first to defend your right to believe—or not to believe—whatever you choose?
Atheists, you are welcome to shun Jesus Christ and even to kick against the goads (see Acts 26:14). Like Franklin Graham recently said, the war on Christmas is a war on Christ—and you can't win that war. God highly exalted Jesus, and and gave Him the name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:9-11).
Although Jesus died for you, He will not force His will on you. He loves you and He's given you freedom of religion—or freedom from religion if that's what you want. But I'm praying that His love will encounter your heart in an undeniable way and you would become like Saul-turned-Paul on the road to Damascus, turning away from persecuting Christians to preaching the gospel with passion.
Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale and author of several books, including Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft, and The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
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