Persecution and the Absence of Christianity

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 16, 1907

Persecution and the Absence of Christianity

That was a stinging remark made editorially in a recent issue of the Chicago Israelite. We quote:—

It is one of the anachronisms of the twentieth century that religious persecutions have practically died out the world over, and exist to-day only in countries professing to be most Christian.

It is fitting to remark, however, that this anachronism is not due to Christianity, but to its absence in those professing it. It is due to the amount of paganism which professed Christians have brought with them out of the Dark Ages. In proportion as that dark heritage is disposed of, the desire to persecute ceases. Persecution is opposed to the most fundamental principle and all the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink,” said the Saviour; but nowhere does it read, “If thy friend or thine enemy disbelieve thy doctrines, scourge him, fine him, and cast him into prison.” It is a libel on Christianity to claim to be following Christ while persecuting men for their belief.