April 28, 2025
I was delighted to hear from Mike Griffin, Public Affairs Representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) is gaining momentum. The Georgia Senate has already passed Senate Bill 36, and the House Judiciary Committee approved the measure by a 9-6 margin. It now awaits the approval of the House Rules Committee, then must go for approval to the full House and ultimately to Gov. Brian Kemp, who has indicated that he will sign it into law.
Religious liberty is enshrined in our nation’s Constitution and in numerous federal statutes. The national Religious Freedom Restoration Act was introduced in the 101st Congress and enacted in 1993. In essence, the U.S. Constitution and the national RFRA grants all Americans the right to exercise their religion freely. There are also 29 states that have already passed their own versions of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and another ten states having similar protections in their state constitutions.
I see the Georgia bill as a possible deterrent to the ultimate persecution of Christians. Oh, I know we are nowhere near having Christians severely maltreated or victimized for their faith in the Peach State, but sometimes, decisions need to be made not just for the present but for future generations. Who knows what could happen to Christians in the Bible Belt of America in 50 or 100 years? Maybe the RFRA will never be needed to thwart religious persecution in our nation, but don’t be so sure.
The Pew Research Center (PRC) recently reported that religion in Georgia looks less Christian while secularism is growing in popularity. Surveys conducted by the PRC in 2014 and 2023-2024 show that there are 13 percent fewer Christians in Georgia and 8 percent more people unaffiliated with any religion over those ten years. This statistical reality could be the first step toward religious persecution
Those who are secularist sometimes look at those who are religious and insist that mainstream religious institutions don’t reflect their values and may register their disfavor with people of faith in a variety of ways. Conversely, religions, and Christianity in particular, have a moral code that disapproves of certain cultural mores and indecorous behavior.
For example, much of what Hollywood produces glorifies violence, greed, abusive sex, perversions, and progressive ideologies. In an article entitled “Television’s negative portrayal of Christianity”, Rilee Sikorski and Kallyn Gaul express concern over the negative Christian portrayal in modern-day television and cite Young Sheldon as an example. Family Guy and South Park are also mentioned as shows that negatively stereotype Christianity. Since there are more people today who have little to no first-hand experience with Christianity due to its decline in America, these portrayals can certainly affect people’s understanding of Christianity and what it means to follow Jesus. These TV programs very likely give people a low view of Christianity and even a disdain for religion in general.
A segment of society characterizes those who embrace Christianity as self-righteous, simpletons, opponents of science, backward, old-fashioned, and sanctimonious do-gooders. Atheist Noah Lugeons, in his column, Belittling Christians, states, “My goal as an atheist is to marginalize religion.” This marginalization of believers could be the second step toward religious persecution.
The marginalizing of Christians evolves into seeing people of faith as narrow-minded, intolerant, bigoted, homophobic, reactionary, opponents of human freedom, and unwilling to toe the line in the cultural revolution that rules the day. At this stage, Nativity scenes are not welcome in public places, the Ten Commandments are off limits, and Bibles are no longer distributed in public schools, and when death and disaster comes, a moment of silence is substituted for a public prayer in sports arenas and public gatherings. This restriction may represent the third stage of religious persecution.
Then, in stage four, comes the criminalization of religious groups and individuals. The Little Sisters of the Poor, a Christian charity, has been relentlessly prosecuted over their beliefs against paying to provide abortifacient contraceptives. Jack Phillips, the baker, has been in and out of courtrooms because he refused to make the most profane cakes, because of his Christian convictions.
Barronelle Stutzman, a florist, was eventually forced into retirement because she would not compromise her convictions as a Christian and participate in a celebration that violated her principles. Coach Joe Kennedy, a former high school football coach, was fired for praying at midfield after games.
Georgians know well the story of Kelvin Cochran, the former administrator of the United States Fire Administration and former Atlanta Fire Chief, who was fired from the Atlanta fire department after he wrote a book for members of his church expressing views on sexuality, adultery, and homosexuality.
Hopefully, stage five of religious persecution will never come to the United States or Georgia, but if current trends continue, pastors could face heavy fines for “hate speech” when telling the truth about the perversions and sins so clearly outlined in the Bible. Additionally, the price for holding fast to Biblical truth could result in the loss of employment, lawsuits, fines, incarceration, and even martyrdom.
The incremental steps toward stage five of persecution seem very remote today, but we must take the long look and do what is right for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If present trends continue, it is almost certain that the Christians in future generations will face greater stereotyping, increased marginalization, and even potential persecution. We must prepare those who come behind us to be valiant soldiers of the cross and unashamed ambassadors for Christ.
And just maybe, the passing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act will stay the consternation of its opponents and help secure our liberty to worship and serve our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
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J. Gerald Harris is a retired pastor and journalist who served as editor of The Christian Index for nearly two decades. You can reach him at gharris@loveliftedmehigher.org.
