-
The Biggest Fool of All
June 17, 2013 | 119 comments
-
Intervention Temptation
June 13, 2013 | 45 comments
-
Korean Déjà Vu
June 11, 2013 | 24 comments
-
Turkey Is Different
June 10, 2013 | 18 comments
-
Religion Living Dangerously
June 6, 2013 | 22 comments
Special Report
Religious Liberty Lost Worldwide
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has released its annual report.
Americans take religious liberty for granted. Unfortunately, this most fundamental freedom of conscience and action is not protected in many other countries around the world.
State repression is the most obvious assault on religious faith. Today Christians face the death penalty in Afghanistan and Pakistan in prosecutions for converting from Islam and allegedly blaspheming Mohammed, respectively.
But the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom warns that “a second and equally egregious threat to religious freedom” is the failure “to punish religiously motivated violence perpetrated by private actors.” In this case public officials become accomplices to often brutal private violations of religious liberty.
The U.S. government’s ability to promote any kind of human rights in other nations is obviously limited. Nevertheless, religious liberty is the proverbial canary in the mine. If a state won’t respect this most basic freedom of conscience, it isn’t likely to respect people’s lives and dignity in any context.
Unfortunately, there is more than enough bad news to fill the USCIRF’s latest annual report. The Commission focused on 28 countries. Worst were conditions in the 13 “countries of particular concern.” This rogue’s gallery is made up of Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
*Burma. In this poor Southeast Asian nation, explains the panel, “Religious freedom violations affect every religious group.” Christians and other religious minorities have suffered the worst. House churches were essentially outlawed last year, following a prohibition of meetings in unregistered venues the previous year.
Moreover, notes the USCIRF, “In ethnic minority areas, where low-intensity conflict has been waged for decades, the Burmese military forcibly promotes Buddhism and seeks to control the growth of Protestantism by intimidating and harassing adherents.” The junta’s periodic brutal campaigns have “destroyed religious venues, actively promoted conversion to Buddhism, confiscated land, and mandated forced labor. The Chin, Naga, Kachin, Shan, Karen, and Karenni peoples, each with sizable Christian populations, have been the primary targets of these abuses.”
Moreover, the regime routinely interferes with Buddhism, the country’s dominant faith. After large-scale protests in 2007, “the regime also began systematically to repress Burmese Buddhists, closing monasteries, arresting and defrocking monks, and curtailing their public religious activities.” Many of those arrested and detained “have reported torture, forced defrocking, hard labor, and other deprivations.”
*China. Although Beijing has been attempting to calm international fears about its rise, China’s leaders have been exhibiting their fear of religion. Reports the Commission: “The Chinese government strictly controls all religious practice and represses religious activity outside state-approved organizations. Some Chinese citizens can assemble to worship and conduct charitable projects within government-approved parameters. Unregistered religious groups, or those deemed by the government to threaten national security or social harmony, face severe violations, including fines, confiscation of property, imprisonment, and the destruction of religious sites. Religious freedom conditions for Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims are the worst they have been in the past ten years.”
Even members of officially-sanctioned churches “are not safe from harassment, detentions, and arrest due to the arbitrary nature of Chinese law an policy regarding religion,” notes the USCIRF. Unofficial groups are at far greater risk. “Though the total number of arrest and imprisonments declined in the past year, government efforts to suppress the growth and activities of ‘house church’ Protestants continue to be systematic and intense.” Perhaps most virulent has been the sustained campaign against the Falun Gong.
*Eritrea. This North African nation has been turned into a totalitarian hellhole by home grown revolutionaries, who suppress all freedoms indiscriminately. The regime recognizes but four religious groupings, and even their adherents are not safe.
According to the Commission: “Systematic, ongoing and egregious religious freedom violations continue in Eritrea. These violations include: arbitrary arrests and detentions without charge of members of unregistered religious groups; torture or other ill-treatment of religious prisoners, sometimes resulting in death; a prolonged ban on public religious activities by all unrecognized religious groups; closure by the authorities of the places of worship of these groups; inordinate delays on registration applications from religious groups; and the disruption of private religious gatherings and social events of members of unregistered groups.”
*Iran. Explains the USCIRF: “The government of Iran continues to engage in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, including prolonged detention, torture, and executions based primarily or entirely upon the religion of the accused.” Under political pressure, the regime “has increasingly manipulated the reach of its religious laws to silence, and in some cases put to death, Shi’a Muslims simply for exercising their internationally protected rights to freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief.”
Nevertheless, most vulnerable to repression are religious minorities: Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Sunni Muslims, and especially Baha’is. The latter are viewed as heretics and treated accordingly.
*Iraq. The Commission details how Christians and other religious minorities suffered after the U.S. invasion: “Systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations continue in Iraq. Members of the country’s smallest religious minorities still suffer from targeted violence, threats, and intimidation, against which they receive insufficient government protection.” These smaller communities “also experience a pattern of official discrimination, marginalization, and neglect,” while religious violence continues between Sunnis and Shiites.
About the Author
Doug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. A former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan, he is the author and editor of several books, including The Politics of Plunder: Misgovernment in Washington (Transaction).
Letter to the Editor View all comments (27) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Doug Bandow
More Articles From Special Report
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/12/07/religious-liberty-lost-worldwi
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
The Spectacle Blog
Democrat Dan Maffei Blames Budget Cuts for Girl’s Rape, Mother’s Murder
Robert Stacy McCain | 6.18.13
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
JP| 12.7.10 @ 7:54AM
Canada and certain European nations should be added to the list.
PJ| 12.7.10 @ 8:58AM
The United States should also be put on the list too, maybe part of the "Warning" category.
Sandra| 12.7.10 @ 10:40AM
Let's start with the USA and Canada first where it is increasingly made difficult for the faithful to practice and pass on to the next generation their faith.
Of course, most of Europe, is already there. Where there is a vacuum "something else" will fill it, in this case, even the Atheist Creed of the Communists are falling to the "Religion of Submission"
uke| 12.8.10 @ 7:25AM
Earth to Wingnut: You can practice your silly superstition anywhere you like. It is fortunately being made more difficult for you and your ilk to shove than nonsense down everybody else's throats whether they want it or not.
You can sing to fairies all you like in your church, in your living room, in your car, even standing in line at Burger King. The evil atheists aren't stopping you from doing that. But if you do it in public, we're going to point and laugh, because religion is nothing but weapons grade stupidity.
When you take your sky fairy off my currency, and out of my Pledge, then I'll listen to your whining with a little more sympathy. Until then, suck it up.
Jesus loves you| 12.8.10 @ 1:34PM
Uke, you provided a good example of someone who walks in spiritual darkness, with name calling, belittling, condescension, and fear of light. You mock what you do not understand. When you were in school, did you mock your teacher in calculus class and laugh at the fairies of differentiation and integration? Calculus is a mystery to those who don’t want to learn about it. Christianity is a mystery to those who are perishing by their walk in spiritual darkness. Change your mind. Change your direction. Turn to the light.
Melvin| 12.7.10 @ 8:21AM
As long as Christians allow themselves to be slapped around and knocked to the earth. The persecution will continue.
History proves that Christians didn't thrive by turning the other cheek all the time.
Ryan| 12.7.10 @ 9:16AM
An oversimplification.
Christianity is actually BOOMING in China right now, and spreading West across the country.
It has often spread more under persecution than otherwise.
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.7.10 @ 8:46AM
Doug,
Thanks for the update. Having spent considerable time in the third world, I experienced the "ghetto" religious activity.
Sharia Law truly is a bitch to live under.
MoeBlotz| 12.7.10 @ 9:17AM
Islam has so much to offer the infidels that once we accept Allah and his prophet,then read the Koran we will learn all that is good for us.
Ralph| 12.7.10 @ 10:26AM
Is this the "Nancy Pelosi" approach to religion?
MP| 12.7.10 @ 9:25AM
And herein lies the problem. Note the use of the term 'infidel'. Understand that the term is used in Islam to define anyone who is not a practicing muslim, subject to oppression, discrimination, attack and death if you do not submit to their rule or convert to their religion (BTW, did you know that the literal definition of the word Islam is submission?).
Our only hope is education and action. Political correctness needs to die a swift and natural death. You can be assured they are not constrained by any kind of 'correctness'.
Petronius| 12.7.10 @ 10:29AM
There's more to religious persecution than just the state sponsored variety of proscription, prohibition, disruption, and extermination. Try advocating self reliance and individual social autonomy at any Liberal but formerly Catholic university and see how long it takes before you get thrown off the campus. And while one needn't gainsay gay rights, do not dare to oppose it. Grape koolaid anyone?
ann| 12.7.10 @ 10:32AM
I too believe that the US should be added to the "warning" category. Each time I turn around there is another assault by some progressive, liberal athiest on my Christian beliefs and the courts in the US seem to agree. It is frightening and heartbreaking. It seems the only religion that is tolerated in the US is Islam.
Walkthetalk| 12.7.10 @ 11:27AM
The list is incomplete. It actually includes every country in this world to some degree. The reason for this is simple. Sin. There are two kinds of people on this earth, those who focus on death, and those who focus on life. These focuses are the result of the path you choose. The dominant path, the broad path transits a land of spiritual darkness. The narrow path, the path less traveled transits a land of spiritual light. People are born in the dark path and must repent, turn to the light (turn to Jesus) to escape. This is a choice everyone is given. People will display the attributes of the chosen path. If it is the path to death, they will lie, hate, kill (abort, commit violent jihad), envy, be driven by imagined fears, and exhibit an extreme hatred of God and what he does. Since Jesus is not within the grasp of these people, they reach for Christians, God's people (those on the right, not liberal "christians"). They can not help themselves. Their attitudes are a product of their path to death. Christians can't reason with them (they don't speak that language). Their minds are dulled, their sight is occluded by the darkness, their feelings are numbed, and their sense of right and wrong is inverted. Good to them is bad, and bad is the good action. Thus, when they persecute or kill Christians those are considered as good actions. It is obvious now that the list should include all the people on the path of death. It doesn't matter what religion they adhere to: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Christianity, these people will persecute those on the path to life. Countries are listed as culprits in this article, but the people in spiritual darkness also control systems to wield power to assuage their fears and attack their "enemies:" Communism, Socialism, Liberalism, Progressivism, and even Christianity, converting it to a social gospel (social justice, peace, and utopian "christianity").
The current American regime acts in a manner that targets Christians. It is currently dominated by those committed to the dark path to death. Some even want to kill America. The thing for the people of light to do is to armor-up. The attacks will continue. They must exercise their spirits. They must get in spiritual shape and read their Bibles. Remember, "If they persecuted me (Jesus) they will persecute you." and "They hated me (Jesus) without a cause." If any want some assistance go to www.christforamericans.com Don't be caught unaware. Don't be afraid. Be strong in the spirit.
DEGinTN| 12.7.10 @ 7:42PM
walkthetalk - an excellent explanation - I will be passing on to others - this needs to be read. God Bless
Pelligrino| 12.8.10 @ 12:31AM
WalkTheTalk, there have been many posts today in all the Am. Spectator articles. The above was the best. You are correct. I experienced that kind of "dark path" all around me for years while working and living in Europe. Despite all the greatest standards for living that mankind has ever known, my work colleagues, neighbors, university students, even the parents of kids I coached....all were downcast, despondent -- ALL THE TIME. (It was like someone had shot their family pet, the dog --- but everyday.)
There was workplace discrimination against a Believer. You'd never speak openly of churchgoing or any tenets of Christian faith. It was taboo. Anyone displaying any real signs of Christian faith was usually promptly considered a loony like a Jim Jones cultist.
And this was in the best of the best places to live and work. Amongst the very educated. Amongst the successful, the privileged.
So I would agree with you "WalktheTalk," there are MANY countries and world places that need to be on the USCIRF list.
Satan does indeed prowl about as the lion seeking whom he may devour.
But, the Good News: Jesus is the answer. He never fails.
Thank you for your post, WalkTheTalk
Occam's Tool| 12.8.10 @ 12:51AM
Pellegrino,
I experienced the same thing while living in New Zealand, which has horrible child abuse and one of the highest adolescent suicide rates on the planet. Uber-secular, and is fighting to abolish Kosher at this time.
Hell is the absence of G-d. That is all that is required.
TWS| 12.9.10 @ 12:47PM
You display a complete ignorance of religious history here. Christians have been well know to persecute non-believers, or even other Christians of different denominations. Look at the Spanish Inquisition and how they treated Jews and Muslims.
Or look at the history of England in the 1600 and 1700's - Anglicans, Presbyterians, Catholics and Puritans were at war with each other over control of Parliament and influence over the crown. That war a major influence on America's founders, who saw the need to keep religion and government separate.
So how are Christians "walking in the light" when they condone, or are ignorant to, war and atrocity done in their name?
Ken (Old Texican)| 12.7.10 @ 12:12PM
Walkthetalk,
That sermon should be preached...and walked...in every church member in the country.
Well spoken!
KyMouse| 12.7.10 @ 3:49PM
I suppose that all of the governments listed have this in common: They cannot bear the thought that people place any allegiance above the one they are commanded to owe to the state.
Christianity is the most hated religion of all because it teaches the eternal worth of the individual, that each of us is ultimately accountable to God, and that He is our ultimate benefactor. Also -- that each of us will outlive, in eternity, every government and state.
Anathema!
Neighborhood Marxist| 12.7.10 @ 5:41PM
One reason you must have overlooked is that G-d's commandment "thou shalt not steal" stands in the way of progress. In a Marxist utopia, there is no property except that of the collective. Your labor also belongs to the collective. How exactly does one steal when there are no possessions?
Marksman| 12.7.10 @ 7:08PM
Your argument is specious. I shall express this by relating the two-cow economy/government. Before Marxism takes over, you have two cows. The Marxist government comes and takes one of your cows and gives it to fellow Marxists. Marxism (through those who espouse it) steals the cow using government regulation and laws. Thus Marxists flaunt G_d's Commandment.
Occam's Tool| 12.8.10 @ 12:49AM
Mr. Neighborhood Marxist: there were plenty of private possessions in Russia---if you belonged to the right class.
Ask the Kulaks how things can be stolen when there are no possessions. Ask the skeletons below the bloody earth of the Gulags. Ask the millions killed during the Stalinist Terror.
Musch can be stolen in a Marxist regime; most of all, freedom and life. Marx was the worst Jewish person ever to walk this planet.
Pelligrino| 12.8.10 @ 1:08AM
KYMouse, well said.
May I give you examples of where we have this within our own land? Spefically within an institution within our land that is -- to my great puzzlement -- always held in the highest esteem by Americans in these surveys (surveys that I would daresay none of us ever see or participate in ).
Where you see this (hatred for Christianity and Christians) applied daily: Our US military.
Secular commanders are on the "dark path" that WalkTheTalk describes above. No wonder; they come from our secular universities and a society that says "There is no God."
And these commanders -- ones with rank and great say in how and what is done -- are MANY.
Just as you are not going to have a Dean of the School of _____________ newly installed at your nearest liberal bastion University, so too will you not have today a general or admiral appointed to lead X division or Y battlegroup.
It is very, very rare indeed to find a Christian believer in any positions of upper leadership within our US military. (and I mean true believer, not the ones who pay lip service to it like a slippery politician)
You as the Christian believer soldier/trooper/airman/marine are thus a problem. Sometimes a really big problem. Yes, moral issues crop up daily in the topsy, turvey, never-slow-down, very hectic everyday active duty unit.
I personally had about half my commanders who truly saw their role as my god. Subservience in all things was the unstated requirement.
And you could endeavor to be the best trooper or officer in the unit (while trying to not compromise your Christian values), trying mightily to do ALL that commander wanted....and it was never enough.
You were still the problem. You were the non-convert, thus targeted for more work, more pain, more grief.
Your only hope of relief from this? Convert to him as your god.
(This should sound bizarre to you. Even as I write it, it is. But it is true. Over and over, true.)
I imagine that it is this way in many professions in life, many workplaces.
The difference is that the US military commander has a much sharper set of laws under the UCMJ that can be applied in many, many ways. (And the normal US Constitutional protections for US citizens do not -- most frequently do not -- apply.)
The UCMJ offers broad say-so in all things for commanders. And most of this never comes under any US public scrutiny.
Chrisitianity is indeed the most hated religion. Despite being an overall very, very benign one, one that requires its adherents to be charitable and have the demeanor of servanthood. It is a very loving faith. Love is an action verb. And it teaches me that I should obey my masters (whether good or bad).
In today's US military, all of that is not enough. The Christian remains the problem -- just as in a theocracy like Iran or Islamic totalitarian state like Saudi Arabia or the former secular USSR. You are the target.
Until you denounce your faith and prove it by deeds.
A small example: We will indeed have fully gay involvement in our military in just 4-5 short years time. If you, as a Christian officer, were to be in a place within the Pentagon to help share opposition to this (part of the officially stated duties of your office), well, let's just say mildly that you are in a world and position of unending hurt.
Unless you convert.
The God of the Bible is not your god. You see, it is your commander and your commander's commander.
Remember this when you pray for our troops and their families this Christmas season.
The issues they contend with are every social issue of our day. Every moral quandry imaginable crops up in just a short 4-5 year stint in our Armed Forces. And YES all of these impact everday unit readiness, troop morale, and our effectiveness to win on the battlefield.
If you have a true Christian friend in the military now, write him or her. Write them often. Encourage them. Let them know that you are a willing and listening ear.
Yikes!| 12.8.10 @ 5:01PM
So that's why the U.S. military did not protect the Iraqi Christian minority from the continual persecution and attack by the Iraqi Muslims. I always wondered about that. Seems to me that we need more Christians in the military willing to fight on all fronts, physical and spiritual.
San Jose Electrician | 12.8.10 @ 4:26PM
It is sad that there are still many countries that don't have religious liberty and have to be tortured/abused if don't follow the rules. It's ridiculous.
San Jose Electrician