Being afraid to stand up for one's beliefs in fear of "persecution"

Actually... I have this problem quite a lot. All the time I'm worried about that people will judge me generally because of my Christian faith. Most everyone in my school has the viewpoint of "accept everything we believe in or we won't respect you". I find it rather harsh. I don't want to be a robot to everything society believes, yet I don't want to be shunned and talked about behind my back.

I've surrounded myself in maybe two or three good Christian friends, though - ones I could talk about everything I believe, and they wouldn't mind (because they're generally the same way as me - afraid to speak up about their ideas in front of other people). We have good discussions, and it's comforting to know that you're not along in that situation, and that there's other people going through the exact same thing. So I'm extremely blessed.

Also, what that Biology teacher said was pretty much a contradiction in itself. It was incredibly rude. In that situation I wouldn't know what to do, exactly, considering I'm very introverted around people I don't know, but good for you in debating with things. C:

I'm incredibly sorry about your friend doing that to you. I hate that people break relations with you over something so simple as a conflicting opinion... It seems really shallow, tbh. But it's happened to me before. And it's gotta be one of the worst feelings in the world, and one of the things I'm most scared of... It's why I generally don't talk about my beliefs too much. I feel terrible about it, which is why I try to join youth at my church going out to testify to people we meet on the streets, because I know we help them... but since I don't know them, I don't care what they think of me. At the same time, it makes me feel kind of cowardly, but at least I'm reaching someone who might not have been saved, right?

I respect other people's viewpoints, but I wish they would do the same to me. That's what my thoughts are, overall. Everything would be so much easier.

I think I'll just post this little thing here too, over a discussion with my mom a while back. But I'll put it in spoilers so it doesn't take up too much space and also in case it doesn't belong here.

Spoiler:

We were talking about the Westboro Baptist Church. If you've never heard of them before, here's an exerpt from their website (that actually made me cringe because of the language they used and statements they said... so yeah just a slight warning) -

Spoiler:

"Even though the Arminian lies that "God loves everyone" and "Jesus died for everyone" are being taught from nearly every pulpit in this generation, this hasn't always been the case. If you are in a church that supposedly believes the Bible, and you are hearing these lies, then your church doesn't teach what the Bible teaches..
WBC engages in daily peaceful sidewalk demonstrations opposing the homosexual lifestyle of soul-damning, nation-destroying filth. We display large, colorful signs containing Bible words and sentiments, including: GOD HATES FAGS, FAGS HATE GOD, AIDS CURES FAGS, THANK GOD FOR AIDS, FAGS BURN IN HELL, GOD IS NOT MOCKED, FAGS ARE NATURE FREAKS, GOD GAVE FAGS UP, NO SPECIAL LAWS FOR FAGS, FAGS DOOM NATIONS, THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS, FAG TROOPS, GOD BLEW UP THE TROOPS, GOD HATES AMERICA, AMERICA IS DOOMED, THE WORLD IS DOOMED, etc.
Perceiving the modern militant homosexual movement to pose a clear and present danger to the survival of America, exposing our nation to the wrath of God as in 1898 B.C. at Sodom and Gomorrah, WBC has conducted 46,325 such demonstrations since June, 1991, at homosexual parades and other events, including funerals of impenitent sodomites (like Matthew Shepard) and over 400 military funerals of troops whom God has killed in Iraq/Afghanistan in righteous judgment against an evil nation."

Spoiler:

I choose not to hate anyone... but these people are pretty dang close to making me cross the line. I mean, protesting at funerals? Saying that troops killed overseas deserved it? In general, I don't accept homosexuality, but I have friends that are bisexual, homosexual, etc. and I love them to death. These people don't give any respect and... ugh I can't even begin to explain how much anger I feel whenever I read anything about them.
I don't believe they're really Christian, because Christians are supposed to be Christ-like, and Christ would definitely not act like that. He would love others no matter what...

Ugh maybe I should just make another rant on here about that whole subject. Unless it's already been discussed, I don't know lolol

But what I'm trying to say overall is that I think Christians are stereotyped a lot, possibly because of people like that. "Oh, you're Christian, which means you hate homosexuals. I'll make sure to stay away from you." (It's happened, sadly.)

Anyways, yeah, you're not alone on that though. C:
Just hopefully it starts getting better... Things like this just make me upset (lolol tearing up while I'm typing)
Don't know if I could give any good insight... but yeah, I could relate with you. C:

I agree whole heartedly with you sweetie.

I think the most painful part of this is I do love my friends to death - she was one of my closest.
I believe my words to her were on the lines of "Please don't hate me - I respect you for what you believe - I'd never ask you to change that - but I don't want to be dishonest. Because you're my friend and I care about you to bits and pieces I felt I owed you the truth - I voted no because I'd be lying about who I am..."

She told me that she'd vote no for something if it made me happy...

Which stung a lot actually - I've turned the cheek on a lot of things over the past. And I mean I would give up my life for my friends. However to me Jesus has to come first. (Its really hard to explain the importance of living your life for God to people who have no background of religious faith.

I tossed and turned about it all night, and despite feeling like garbage - I feel i've done the right thing. The story of Peter comes to mind....

Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crowed he would deny him three times. Peter returned with a "No waay dude you're like my king, my brother, my best friend - there's no way I'd do something like that." And well we all know what Peter did. . .
Me - just pretending that I supported my friend and so forth for her sake was being like Peter - denying Jesus in my heart. Until I told her the truth I was no better than Peter. At the time - nothing would have made me happier than to throw my arms in the air and go "You know what? Our friendship means so much to me I'll ignore this part for you." But ultimately - that would be saying - that my friendship was more important to me in Jesus.

I understand that as Christians we are to be like that man (i forget his name) and take up the cross along side Jesus. Carry and share the burdens. a Christians we have to be like Jesus and take up out crosses and endure the lashings.
This was just one of those lashings.

But boy does this one hurt like anything.

Ugh, that just sounds... Ugh. It makes me upset for you because I don't see a reason for her to be acting like that if she's your friend D: Like... if you accept the fact likes a certain thing, then can't they accept the fact that you don't like it? It's just differing opinions, and you were so polite about how you expressed yourself D:

I think you've done the right thing, too. Stating how you feel really takes a load off, and generally makes you feel better after a while. Cause then you don't feel like you're hiding anything C:

Also, that's a really good analogy of the situation. I like it a lot~

Yeah, and the pain might go away after time, but it's hard to forget things like that...
And what I think about in situations where that's happened is that, even if I lose a friend, I still have God to talk to about all of my problems, because he understands all of them, and will still love me when I tell them to him C:

Ehh I had a long discussion with Lamb over it - which was good cause he's a natural objective eye - I needed that.

I understand where she's coming from over it - i understand how upset I made her... And why it would be upsetting. Done a lot of soul searching over it.
I feel like I'm a lousy friend and that I betrayed her - her feelings are natural.

It's not easy to explain to a person who has no sort of religious background what having a personal relationship with Jesus is about. In fact - to their perspective it just sounds completely nuts. I get that.

But I did what i could - i deliberately didn't fight my case - merely explained where i was coming from.

Hoping time will mend things - and she'll be able to see more clearly where i'm coming from and how i didn't want to hurt her - it was the reason i have gone along with things so long is cause i didn't want to hurt her.

Even if it doesn't - I'll have to live with the consequences for the stand I've made I've accepted that. I just wish things could have played out differently

It is a good rant. I agree, why do we get gunned down on every corner?

By the way I saw that exact poll on Facebook, I don't answer polls anymore though, but I definitely would have pushed the "no" button without second thought. I'm used to getting gunned down, friends or no. Thing is I understand why they do that, they are not rebelling against "us" Christians, they are rebelling against God, and because they see God in us by what we stand for, they hate us because they hate God.

It's hard and it stings when people mock and scorn us. But it is to be expected, and while I don't "enjoy" it there is a sense of honor that comes with bearing it for Christ, I find that if I keep silent, or don't speak up the guilt within be grows. I need to shout it out! And it's healthy we are meant to! Also when it comes to non-Christian friends, it's hard I know. My simple solution is to not make close friends with non-Christians, I have many good Christian friends, and while I care and respect many of my non-Christian friends I know and expect them not to respect me or my beliefs. One of my neighbors who's a friend always comes over, swears, talks about bad things along the lines of him and his girlfriend... Stuff like that, and his terrible music taste. I tell him what I believe, and to zip his mouth when he starts swearing, sometimes give him a box, and he respects that. He still mocks God sometimes, and all which REALLY irks me but... I can't see him ever coming to God unless God reaches out and changes his heart, it's not up to me. No matter what I do it will not change if he's saved or not. That is a VERY important doctrine to realize, that will help us in our choice of friends, and also how we deal with people. We are to "speak the truth in love" though, so not be all harsh and all, but we are also not to be partial. Favoring people, being unbalanced 1 Timothy 5 21 says: I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in the spirit of partiality.

I fail a lot granted, I don't speak out when I should, I can get obnoxious other times. I get shunned and ridiculed. Yet it never really stops me, we just need to learn to expect it, and to stand up for the truth no matter what. I know I'll be rebuked and deserted, put down, rejected. BUT What do we live for? mammon? (money) hedonism? (pleasure?) Sure speaking up and taking God's side will perhaps lose us these things. BUT We will gain infinitely more in Heaven, our one and only true home, we are wanderers in a wasteland. Heaven is our home. And we can only get their by Jesus grace, mercy, and work on the Cross. That is why He is our hope. Our true joy, and even amidst the persecution we can rejoice knowing one day we'll be in a place were all our tears will be wiped away and happiness will abound! It's a comforting thought.

But remember, if you live for yourself and pleasure and social standing and having friends and all that... Nup, you can't you can take Jesus narrow way or one of the board ways, and they all lead to destruction. And flip it can be lonely, and you "miss out" on all the things people who hate God indulge in, vile passions, evil monetary gains, power seeking... So while we lose out on earth we gain in Heaven, and I would like to say that while we may "lose" those things on earth, we gain the joy and knowledge and happiness that is from Christ, and that is worth a LOT LOT more! We have hope, Atheists have no hope, theirs is a religion of hopelessness, for indeed if you believe that after you die is nothing, (like the Sadducees did) Then there is really no hope, nothing to live for except self. And I much rather have that hope. And the fulfillment of that hope when I reach Heavens gates! XD

I know this will sound generic, this is Tintin again generic Bible bashing dude. But I think the key here is the Bible, if we immerse ourselves in the Bible daily, and seek Jesus, (who is the key of the Bible) If we really study the Word, and learn all about Jesus and His justice and truth, and about what He's done on the Cross and all its implications, (I find having a couple weekly Bible studies with a group or a good Christian friend really helps) This will really strengthen ones faith and we will be able to stand against anything, even death. And we will reign victorious with Christ, for He has conquered death and death has no power over us! Nor does shame, for He bore all shame so that we need not be shamed, He bore the sin of the world so that we could be free of it and all it's consequences and implications. (eternally) though sometimes if we sin on Earth God corrects us like a loving Father. But you get the whole picture? We are children of God, joint-heirs with Christ! That is our hope. Imagine a child of God! And while earthly parents also want the best for their children they often don't know what's best, or if they know, they don't have the power to give it to us. BUT God is both omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (all present) He both knows exactly what we need, and had the power to make it happen. And He DOES make it happen, for does not it say that in the Bible? "And all things work for the best for those that love Him(Christ)"

Also I think another reason why people hate Christians is because deep down they know they are wrong, their conscience pricks them. They know somewhere that what they are doing is wrong, yet they are so given into their evil that they won't (and can't) see it and change their ways unless God softens their hearts. But in rebellion because of knowing they are in the wrong they lash out, and it says at the beginning of Romans after the big list of what God's given the world over to Romans 1:32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give heartily approval to those who practice them.

Anyway I have probably rambled on enough, I hope some of what I said and hopefully the Bible verses sink in. And remember if every you get down there's the loving God just waiting for you, with that old dusty Bible sitting on the shelf, or the becoming-well-worn one sitting on the desk. Either way it's there, and it won't disappoint, if we come humbly and with the right view and seeking fellowship with the Father.

Some more Bible verses on persecution below, and I also put a discussion I had on Facebook in some group about homosexuality. Hope they help!

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, - Matthew 5:44

Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. - Matthew 24:9

Also a passage from Psalm 71 The whole Psalm is great, so are the two before it. If your down I highly recommend chowing a few Psalms! They really help!

12O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, hasten to my help!

13Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.

14But as for me, I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.

15My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the sum of them.

16I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

17O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.

18And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.

19For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?

20You who have shown me many troubles and distresses
Will revive me again,
And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

21May You increase my greatness
And turn to comfort me.

Some more Bible Verses on Persecution

Spoiler:

Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.
(1 John 3:13)

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
(John 15:18)

No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. (John 15:20)

All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Mark 13:13)

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
(Romans 12:14)

Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:13)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
(2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (1 Peter 2:20)

It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17)

If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (1 Peter 4:16)

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:14)

Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. (Luke 6:22)

Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. (Isaiah 51:7)

Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. (Psalm 119:69)

Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to the faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:19)

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:29)

Dear friends, do not be surprised if the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
(1 Peter 4:12-13)

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.
(Matthew 5:11-12)

Spoiler:

(names aren't exact and none of the people are from the forums except me)

First at the start of this thread a dozen people were openly mocking God and Christians, I'll give you the topic and then only the important posts but just to give you an idea. Hope it helps. But they sure love taking digs at Christians though boy oh boy!

Bill: This seems to have died a little bit, so im going to try to re-ignite things with a potentially inflamatory question. If the christians here believe that the bible is the true and absolute word of god, why do you not go around enforcing the stoning of homosexuals?

Me: Why you ask? Interesting, I just wrote a huge post about this somewhere else a few weeks ago.

First it is true that in the Old Testament, (and the New) it says homosexuals deserve death. "The wages of sin is death" I would like to add that homosexuals were not the only people stoned back in OT times, also adulterers and the like, sinners... So it'd be better to phrase it, "Why don't Christians go around enforcing the stoning of sinners if one believes that the Bible is the absolute Word of God?"

The reason why is simple, in the Old Testament, God commanded the people to carry out judgement, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, and all that. And that while in the New Testament it still makes it clear that sinners (which includes homosexuals according to the Bible) still deserve death. BUT because of what Jesus has done on the Cross he taugh us to love and forgive, instead of exact judgement. God is now the judge. So while sinners still deserve judgement (which is everyone, because face it, were all sinners) those who turn to Jesus will be shielded by him. But everyone else will have to face the judgement after they die that they missed out on, on Earth, unless they repent. That's why we don't go around stoning people. We long for everyone to come to repentance before its to late.

Bill: OK. 2 questions then. 1. Were people who stoned homosexuals back then justified in doing so? 2. Why then does it say in the new testament that everything in the old testament must be adhered to?

Me: Good questions. They would have been justified because God ordered it. Stoning homosexuals now would not be justified though, because we are not under law but grace, and stoning someone by the law would violate grace.

Could I have a reference for the verse you speak of in the second one? I had the understanding that the purpose of the law (the OT Law of Moses) was to point out mans sin, and show us how much in need of a Savior we are. According to the Law as nobody can fulfill it everyone would be judged and go to Hell. That said the Law is good, yet we cannot attain to it. Thus it condemns us. Which is why Jesus had to die otherwise there would be no hope.

Sam: Do you think Gods orders ever need justification? It's like Abraham and God's order to kill his son. Don't you think a wise a just God would rather we did what is morally right and not what is commanded to us?

Sam: and im sure you could argue that it doesn't really matter because we are talking about a god that HAS given those orders that reward faith over morals, but im not sure if that is a resonable answeer

Bill: sorry my mistake you are absolutely right, it is in relation to the laws of moses and not the whole old testament. However, jesus does say that god is perfect, which surely means that his laws are perfect and within keeping with his character. How then, do laws like stoning gays become invalid?

Sam: doesn't his second paragraph, first statement attempt to answer that?

Me: @Sam If you look closer at the story of Abraham and his son, you will see God never intended for Abraham to kill his son, Abraham would have, it was a test from God, to test his faith. It was the Lord that stayed his hand, not Abraham's second thoughts. I don't see how Abraham trusting God, and obeying him was more faith then moral based? He knew God would provide an offering, at least he told his son as much when the boy asked him where it was. Not a very good answer I know but... Is it unjust to test someone's faith? Remembering God never planned or intended the death of his son.

@Bill It's okay, Seamus is right in that I attempted to answer that above. The law is still valid but doesn't apply. Yeah kind of an oxymoron I know... It's like I said with being under grace and not law. Roman's and I think Galation's and lots of other NT books speak about the finer parts of that though.

Anyway, nice discussion. But it's getting late, and my brains gone to mush, so I'll have to get back to you later. This post has almost more holes then a Swiss cheese lol...

Conrad: The last paragraph of that post was the only one that made any sense

So yeah, that's my little discussion, was a bit hard seeing I had a 40 degree C fever while I was discussing, also a couple people liked that last comment which was a snipe at me, but then I guess I didn't really know them and I expect that kind of behaviour from such people. But yeah I kinda botched it at the end... Now I've forgotten what I was saying in reply to this topic... >_<

P.s. Just now I was listening to some Christian music, and that neighbors kid was over, and when my Christian song came on he turned his speakers up really loud and said "this music is way better." Subtly dissing Christianity

Yet another friend "unfriended' on facebook - Not that I truly care cause we weren't close but more the whole situation no longer makes just sad but also angry. (Not that I'm proud of this)

For years I've put up with people (him especially) telling my my beliefs - the stuff that makes me who I am was stupid and no longer valid. I've been mocked numerous times for other people's humour "Oh that's right you're Christian!"
And I turned the other cheek - I've always believed that people are allowed their own opinions. It wont change who I am - or change my standings with them.

But the second i make a stand for who I am - I'm instantly shunned. I'm a horrible person who society should despise.

Am I a lesser person?

Am I not an equal human being just cause i believe in traditional values?

The minute i express what's deep in my heart - I'm not only shunned by society - I'm shunned by the people whom I care about.

btw - I liked this

The reason why is simple, in the Old Testament, God commanded the people to carry out judgement, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, and all that. And that while in the New Testament it still makes it clear that sinners (which includes homosexuals according to the Bible) still deserve death. BUT because of what Jesus has done on the Cross he taugh us to love and forgive, instead of exact judgement. God is now the judge. So while sinners still deserve judgement (which is everyone, because face it, were all sinners) those who turn to Jesus will be shielded by him. But everyone else will have to face the judgement after they die that they missed out on, on Earth, unless they repent. That's why we don't go around stoning people. We long for everyone to come to repentance before its to late.

more like your more of a better person by standing up for yourself... >_> and omg, its seems like no one can be anybody's friend by being different... xD

which is why i say what i always say lol I DON"T CARE WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. seriously i don't. if it makes you a happy person to believe whatever, than tada! your happy! and i respect people who stand up for what they believe in. ^_^

so yay! even though you may have different beliefs than me, that should never get in the way of being friends! ^_^ being different is what is awsome!

so yay! hopefullly you don't misunderstand this post.. xD that i still like to be friends! yay!

Sugar Rush wrote:more like your more of a better person by standing up for yourself... >_> and omg, its seems like no one can be anybody's friend by being different... xD

which is why i say what i always say lol I DON"T CARE WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. seriously i don't. if it makes you a happy person to believe whatever, than tada! your happy! and i respect people who stand up for what they believe in. ^_^

so yay! even though you may have different beliefs than me, that should never get in the way of being friends! ^_^ being different is what is awsome!

so yay! hopefullly you don't misunderstand this post.. xD that i still like to be friends! yay!

OMG I HATE YOU WE'RE NEVER GUNNA SPEAK AGAIN - loljoke

Of course we're still friends Sugar ^_^
Cause i mean that's my position all along
I aint gunna force what I believe onto other people
I just ask that other people don't slash me down for what i believe - cause it's who I am? See?

which.. wasn't that what i had just said? XD

Hence why I said I agree with you silly.

XD lol indeed i am silly.. xD *slaps self with his iron pot*

You know what - I'm really really annoyed that people take the bible out of context and throw it in my face. >.>

For those of you who say that "The bible doesn't say it is a sin" I googled the verse that this article is trashing.
which is this
Leviticus 18:22
“‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."

Okay ...
Now lets read this disgusting article which people claim means the bible loses all it's credibility.
It really really angers me that people do this - cause it's PEOPLE who are reading into this wrongly. Not they way God has written it.

http://allthingsqueer.co.za/archives/religion/60.html

>.> This was posted by yet another friend of mine on facebook

And given what happened last time I feel too uncomfortable to bring this up again.

So i came here - the scared truth-zone. Where no one is judged badly upon what they stand for.

Love you all

Maybe one day i wont be such a coward.

Edit:
Decided i didn't want to be a coward and posted what i thought
(This will probably slap me in the face soon but I have faith)

Print screened it so you could see my exact response

nice post, *here and on facebook.. xD* though i kind of wish i could've read the whole thing, for it kind of cuts off on the right side a tad... *pokes it*

but yay! this means a job for me to make more fun of stupid people! yay! lol *ish jokin*

on a more serious note... xD i'm just gonna say that humanity as a whole is just plain stupid... >_> you have the small minority that ish smart and caring and whatnot... but as a whole... we're the biggest baddest group of retards around... XD

but yay! go star for standing up for urself! u need to do it more often.

Im pleased to say - it went well - there was a healthy discussion with no haters - it was a nice feeling.