Religious persecution is perhaps one of the most painful realities for millions around the world. The nature of religious persecution varies from discrimination to violence, even death, leaving deep scars in the lives of the victim and the community at large. In this article, multiple ways that religious persecution affects people’s lives will be discussed, with a particular focus on Christians and other religious minorities around the world under persecution.
The Emotional and Psychological Effect
Religious persecution does not affect a person’s safety alone; it also touches on their emotional and psychological well-being. Living in perpetual fear is often common among people who face constant threats or hostility because of their faith. In the Middle East or South Asia, where oppression is severe, children and adults are greatly traumatized. The fear of getting arrested, attacked, or ostracized for the practice of one’s religion often leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. The hidden practice of one’s faith keeps identity struggles with further damaging mental health.
The Persecution of Christians: An International Issue
The persecution of Christians indeed heads the list of the world’s pressing challenges. In North Korea, Nigeria, and other parts of the Middle East, there are Christians subjected to systematic oppression, violence, and even killing simply because of what they believe. The mass killings, abductions, as well as violent forced conversions by radical movements such as Boko Haram in Nigeria prove to be a living testament to this reality. Similarly, in countries like Iran and China, government policy makes religious expression illegal, and Christians are automatically sentenced to jail time, tortured, or forced labor. The suffering of persecution for Christians is one example of how religious persecution differentiates the problems religious people face where there is a serious lack of religious freedom.
Loss of Livelihood as Well as Ruin of Economy
The persecution of religious people comes with an important monetary cost to individuals and communities. People are forced to leave their homes for persecution, so even the thought of leaving their jobs, businesses, and properties behind is nothing. The loss of livelihood is doubly tragic in persecution when the entire community is targeted based on faith, a reality borne out for the Rohingya Muslims who are denied existence in Myanmar, making hundreds of thousands flee to neighboring countries. In doing so, many have lost their homes as well as the ability to support themselves. Economic ruin because of religious persecution leaves families in poverty, sometimes for generations, as they struggle to rebuild their lives from scratch.
Forced Displacement and Refugee Crisis
Religious persecution accounts for the leading cause of forced displacement worldwide. A refugee who flees religious persecution often must leave home with very little time to pack up property or even say a final farewell at home. They will often seek asylum in neighboring countries and, in some cases, even continents with perilous travels. Religious intolerance is the cause of a pressing humanitarian challenge – the refugee crisis. So many people are displaced because of religious violence. From Syria to Myanmar to South Sudan, refugees spend many years in camps with very minimal facilities for basic needs like food, water, and medical care.
Social Fragmentation and Community Breakdown
Religious persecution breaks up the social fabric of entire communities. When violence or exclusion is targeted at a particular religious group, most of the old social fabric is torn apart. Neighbors often turn into enemies, and quiet neighborhoods become fractious neighborhoods. Social cohesion breaks down to where mistrust and hatred are perpetuated, sometimes even for generations. Ongoing religious strife in states such as Iraq or India does not halt religious persecution by deep divisions that will prevent reconciliation and peace.
Conclusion
The human toll of religious persecution is staggering. From emotional trauma for individual persons to the enforced mass displacements of an entire community, the impacts of religious intolerance pass beyond mere bodily violence. The crackdown on Christians and other minority faiths exhibits the pressing need to witness collective action in such a manner around the world, confirming that individuals may live freely without fear of persecution based upon their beliefs. Intergovernmental law establishes the base for the protection of religious rights; however, much more has to be done to hold not only governments accountable for their doings but also organizations. Now is the time for an international, collective activity meant to protect the most vulnerable and forward the cause of religious freedom for all.