Persecution
Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 2.4.5
Christians Facing Persecution
In some parts of the world, Christians have faced persecution on account of their faith, just like many of the apostles.
Persecution throughout history
- Christians have faced persecution from the earliest days of the Church, such as in the persecution of the Roman Emperor Nero in the 1st Century.
- This persecution continued to the present time, for example with Christians being persecuted in some Communist countries.
- Sometimes, Christians face imprisonment and even violence for their beliefs, such as members of the Christian Church in China.
Honouring the persecuted
- Christianity has always honoured those who have the courage to continue to proclaim their beliefs even in the face of persecution. Many Christian martyrs are honoured as saints.
- A modern example is St Maximilian Kolbe who was sent to Auschwitz and died there, because of his work providing shelter for refugees.
No violence
- Persecuted Christians usually try not to resort to violence in the face of persecution, believing the willingness to suffer to be a better witness to the Gospel.
Test yourself on Persecution
When did Christians first face persecution?
Christianity has always honoured those who have the courage to continue to proclaim their beliefs even in the face of persecution. What are many Christian martyrs honoured as?