Some evangelicals in the United States persist in the bad habit of confusing criticism for persecution. In so doing, they make much of themselves and make little of the many people of faith who are actually persecuted around the world. Mike Pence, with his wife, are the chief perpetrators of the persecution complex that grips parts of evangelicalism in the US.
At his recent Liberty University commencement address Pence said, “Throughout most of American history, it's been pretty easy to call yourself Christian. It didn’t even occur to people that you might be shunned or ridiculed for defending the teachings of the Bible. But things are different now.” Pence demonstrates how truly American he is and how Christian he isn’t. His Christian faith should inform him that if he is, in fact, persecuted, that he will be blessed, whether in the US or elsewhere.
But, of course, Pence isn’t being persecuted; he’s being criticized. As a Christian he should expect that, and as a politician he should expect that. But it’s far easier to whip up the crowd by lamenting that he is being ridiculed for his faith. Pence has invited criticism by his unwavering support of an ignorant, immoral, dishonest, dishonorable, corrupt and corrupting president. If that criticism turns at points to ridicule, he should ask himself why. After all, his faith has a prescription for the problem. It’s called repentance. And if Mike Pence wants to truly be a Christian leader, he will repent and call other evangelicals to repent of their corrupt and hypocritical support of Donald Trump.
Until that time, Mr Pence should read the Bible he claims to espouse and learn what persecution really is, and then, since he sits in a seat of immense power, perhaps do something about those who truly suffer it.
At his recent Liberty University commencement address Pence said, “Throughout most of American history, it's been pretty easy to call yourself Christian. It didn’t even occur to people that you might be shunned or ridiculed for defending the teachings of the Bible. But things are different now.” Pence demonstrates how truly American he is and how Christian he isn’t. His Christian faith should inform him that if he is, in fact, persecuted, that he will be blessed, whether in the US or elsewhere.
But, of course, Pence isn’t being persecuted; he’s being criticized. As a Christian he should expect that, and as a politician he should expect that. But it’s far easier to whip up the crowd by lamenting that he is being ridiculed for his faith. Pence has invited criticism by his unwavering support of an ignorant, immoral, dishonest, dishonorable, corrupt and corrupting president. If that criticism turns at points to ridicule, he should ask himself why. After all, his faith has a prescription for the problem. It’s called repentance. And if Mike Pence wants to truly be a Christian leader, he will repent and call other evangelicals to repent of their corrupt and hypocritical support of Donald Trump.
Until that time, Mr Pence should read the Bible he claims to espouse and learn what persecution really is, and then, since he sits in a seat of immense power, perhaps do something about those who truly suffer it.
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