We certainly shouldn’t worry that God’s plan will be hindered, and I personally think this bill is a storm in a teacup too. But that doesn’t mean we should just disengage and wait for the persecution to roll in (we haven’t become pre-millennialists have we?!). As Trevor says, it’s not that we don’t fight: we choose our battles. Not that we don’t speak up, but that we make sure we are informed first.

There is still a place and a need for the valiant souls like Justin Martyr who are not afraid to stand up for the Christian way against a hostile ruling power, and better them with their own arguments.

The basic message I got from the 4 hours worth of talks was that persecution makes the church stronger – the more persecution there is, the more Christians need each other and are forced to work together. It almost has a purifying effect on the church as they become more reliant on God for the rights that we take for granted. As much as I enjoy and appreciate a comfortable environment in which to practice my faith I wonder how long it will last in this present climate – but change wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.

It does raise again the question of what kind of a state is most favourable to the gospel? I think a good impirical case can be made to say the more state persecution the more effective the gospel, though obviously the less comfortable the life of believers. The church in China increased 100 fold under Mao!

The other camp (which, through reading the bill I tend to lean towards) are those who say that it won’t make a difference at all. Its not as if we are going to stand up in church on Sunday and encourage our people to kill or attack all the muslims, hindus etc. in our towns and cities.

Joe…