The Worldwide Attack on Religious Freedom
The Threat to Freedom of Speech
There is a growing boldness among those who seek to suppress free speech. Figures such as John Kerry, Tim Walz, Hillary Clinton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kentanji Brown Jackson, Letitia James, and their supporters in the academic and media sectors have been clear in their desire to undermine the First Amendment's safeguards.
This is not a theoretical danger. The Western world has used the legal system as a weapon to penalize individuals like Steve Bannon, Julian Assange, Mark Steyn, Douglass Mackey, VDARE, Roger Ver, Pavel Durov, and others who refuse to comply with the Washington establishment.
However, there is a more insidious, and significantly less publicized, attack on free speech underway.
Christianity Under Siege
Christianity is facing increasing hostility in the West, a fact that may seem exaggerated due to the media's reluctance to cover the issue.
In the UK this week, British Army veteran Adam Smith-Connor was found guilty for silently praying on a public street. When questioned by police about his activities, Smith-Connor explained that he was praying for his son. His silent prayer near an abortion facility was deemed a violation of UK censorship laws, despite his efforts to avoid giving the impression of approaching or engaging with anyone entering or leaving the facility.
The judge ruled against Smith-Connor based on the observation that his hands were clasped and his head slightly bowed during his silent prayer.
Religious Persecution in Canada
While the UK uses its legal system to target peaceful prayer, the Canadian government has been complicit in the widespread destruction of Christian homes.
Following a 2021 hoax that claimed mass graves of Indigenous children were buried beneath Canadian churches, dozens of churches have been set on fire by arsonists. Despite the debunking of these claims, the arson continues, with figures such as Justin Trudeau, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton failing to condemn the misinformation that led to this destruction.
Religious Freedom in the United States
From the Jacobins in France to the Bolsheviks in Russia, Christianity has often been the focus of revolutionaries and societal malcontents. The United States has long considered itself immune to the religious persecutions seen in Europe, but the response to the Covid pandemic has challenged this belief.
In 2020, instances of religious persecution were evident across the country. In Kentucky, police issued notices that attendance at an Easter service was a criminal act. In Mississippi, citations were given to a church congregation that hosted a drive-in service, despite all attendees remaining in their cars. In Idaho, Christians were arrested for removing their masks to sing psalms outdoors.
In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo threatened residents with hefty fines for attending drive-in services. In California, the Santa Clara Health Department used GPS data to monitor churchgoers, partnering with a data mining company to create a digital boundary around a local evangelical church.
The Supreme Court and Religious Freedom
Around the country, churches were deemed non-essential and prohibited from opening, while businesses such as marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, abortion clinics, and lotteries were protected as essential services.
The Supreme Court upheld these attacks on religion until the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the subsequent appointment of Amy Coney Barrett in October 2020.
The Role of Religion in Society
Christianity poses a threat to the regime because it calls for faith in something greater than the state and adherence to a creed more concrete than the ever-evolving slogans of socially fashionable talking points. The attack on religion is not an unintended consequence of the war on free expression, but a fundamental aspect of the drive towards tyranny.
Bottom Line
The assault on religious freedom is a global issue that transcends borders and cultures. It is a fundamental aspect of the broader struggle for free expression and individual rights. As we reflect on the current state of religious freedom, it's important to consider the implications of these actions for the future of our societies. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.