There are numerous religions in this country, and all deserve respect. But in modern society, one religion often isn’t treated with the same consideration: Christianity.
While tolerance for other faiths has been encouraged (rightfully so), Christians have become increasingly marginalized.
Christianity has 2.3 billion members worldwide – the largest religion in the world.
With so many different Christian denominations and ways to express Christianity, not all Christians will agree they’re marginalized. And of course, being respectful doesn’t mean that one needs to believe in or agree with Christianity – part of free speech involves respectfully disagreeing.
However, creating a hostile or mocking environment where Christians are unable to be authentic to their core beliefs or where they feel they cannot express those beliefs is inappropriate.
Highlighting this phenomenon, I spoke to several Christians at Liberty while writing this article. They all have had similar negative experiences related to their faith, and two specifically asked to remain anonymous due to how others may react to their comments, which includes bullying, loss of friends, and general negative interactions with peers and teachers.
Liberty’s core values are about uplifting and supporting one another, treating each other with respect, and learning from differences. It’s disappointing that some feel they can’t be authentic, since that’s a principle this school strives to uphold.
Creating an environment where some students can’t express themselves limits open dialogue and the sharing of perspectives, which serves to develop understanding and foster critical thinking. Even when disagreeing, openly sharing ideas allows for an exchange of thoughts, leading to a more-full worldview.
Of course, this phenomenon is not limited to LIberty. Similar issues have arisen across the country.
A few examples are businesses who are ruined because they chose not to go against their faith, a high school football coach who is fired after kneeling in a personal post-game prayer, and Christians being mocked for suggesting prayers after tragedies. Punishing or belittling others like this is unfortunate, especially when it seems that often people rush to validate and support the practices of any other non-Christian denomination.
This isn’t intended to shame anyone, or call anyone out. And certainly, no one should feel compelled to support or follow any religion, but showing similar respect and dignity towards followers of all different denominations (as well as to people who follow no religion at all) is essential to creating a more kind and understanding society, which we’re in desperate need of in our current times.