Picture of Benjamin L. Corey

Benjamin L. Corey

BLC is an author, speaker, scholar, and global traveler, who holds graduate degrees in Theology & Intercultural Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and received his doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Fuller. He is the author of Undiluted: Rediscovering the Radical Message of Jesus, and Unafraid: Moving Beyond Fear-Based Faith.

Hey Ken Ham: You Aren’t Being Persecuted

545040_96718208 (1)Ken Ham, founder of the Creation Museum, is sporting a new look lately. No, he didn’t shave that beard. He’s not trying on skinny jeans for size. He hasn’t switched up his hair.

He’s just sporting the ever trendy and fashionable anti-Christian persecution complex that’s so en vogue these days.

Ken recently took to his blog to whine about the ever-growing persecution of Christians in America, of which he claims he is one of the chief victims.  What’s interesting about Ham’s examples of this ever growing “persecution,” is that his examples were absent the typical stuff that one would associate with religious persecution.

No rounding up people to be forcibly sent to the labor camps.

No churches getting shut down by the secret police.

No confiscation of Bibles, interrogations, or imprisonments.

Instead, Ham is waiving the flag of anti-Christian persecution because… wait for it…. he was denied a tax rebate. As he writes on his blog:

“Here at Answers in Genesis and Ark Encounter we too are experiencing an attack on our freedoms. Ark Encounter has recently been denied a tax rebate incentive by the Kentucky government merely because we are a Christian group that will proclaim biblical truth at Ark Encounter and because we want to freely exercise our right to hire those who agree with our statement of faith. In denying us the tax rebate that is freely available to many other tourist attractions, the state is discriminating against our Christian faith. They too are ignoring the First Amendment as well as other applicable state and federal laws.”

You see, our friend Ken is a modern day Noah and is building himself a big ole’ ark that he hopes lots of people will spend money to come see. As part of that process, he’s eligible for tax rebates, so long as he plays by the same rules as everyone else when it comes to fair hiring practices. However, Ken isn’t willing to do that. Instead, he’s insisting that he’s only going to hire a certain type of employee to build his ark: fundamentalists who agree with his ancient worldview. This insistence on discriminating in hiring employees has cost Ken a pretty fat rebate check, and so he’s understandably upset.

But it’s not persecution- it’s just loss of privilege. Ken would like to discriminate against potential employees, and since it’s a free country, he’s free to do that. However, in doing so, he’s opted out of the conditions that everyone must abide by in order to get some cash from the government.

That’s not persecution at all– it’s what those of us in reality land simply call fair.

In Ken’s blog post he also cites another case of supposed anti-Christian persecution: the case of Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran who was fired because he supposedly “stood up for his religious beliefs.” Unfortunately for Ken’s argument, this again is simply a loss of privilege. The reason why Chief Cochran was fired wasn’t because he was a Christian, and wasn’t for anything he believed: he was fired for distributing religious material in the workplace. The religious material he distributed condemned homosexuality, which is his right to believe– but what he didn’t have a right to do is distribute religious material to subordinates.

This is a case of what those of us in reality land call unprofessional. It is unprofessional to distribute religious material in the workplace, most especially when the individual is the person with the most power. Such behavior can create the appearance of favoritism, and generally create a hostile work environment for anyone who doesn’t happen to agree. People have the right to work in an environment that is free from hostility, and free from any type of religious pressure from their superiors. That’s what keeps the situation fair for everyone– including Cochran himself, who probably wouldn’t want his boss passing out copies of the Koran.

These examples are obnoxiously simple to the point where I’m sure even Ken Ham knows the truth, whether he’s willing to speak it or not. Religious liberty wasn’t attacked at all– what was attacked was the ability of one’s superior to turn the workplace into a religious environment, and the ability to discriminate in hiring practices while collecting rebates from Uncle Sam.

And that’s fair.

It’s NOT persecution.

Ken Ham’s examples perfectly prove what is at the heart of the Christian persecution complex: a desire not to be treated equally, but a desire to be exempt from playing by the same rules as everyone else.

In Persecution Complex: Why American Christians Need to Stop Playing the Victim, Jason Wiedel states the situation well when he says, “the persecution narrative can only exist in an environment of pride, because it is completely self-centered.”

Exactly.

Wiedel goes on to say, “what many Christians perceive as persecution is actually fear of losing their privileged place in society,” which is precisely what Ham, and all the others sporting the persecution complex, are really afraid of: losing the ability to be exempt from the rules that keep all people on a fair field of play.

These folks don’t want to be treated equally under the rules, they want to be exempt from the rules. There’s a big difference between the two.

And so, Ken Ham: no, you’re not being persecuted, and neither is Cochran. You’re just experiencing what it’s like to be treated equally.

But even if you were, here’s a pretty good rule of thumb: if you have enough cash in your pocket to blow it on building a replica of Noah’s Ark, the persecution probably wasn’t that effective.

Picture of Benjamin L. Corey

Benjamin L. Corey

BLC is an author, speaker, scholar, and global traveler, who holds graduate degrees in Theology & Intercultural Studies from Gordon-Conwell, and earned his doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Fuller.

He is the author of Unafraid: Moving Beyond Fear-Based Faith, and Undiluted: Rediscovering the Radical Message of Jesus.

It's not the end of the world, but it's pretty #@&% close. Trump's America & Franklin Graham's Christianity must be resisted.

Join the resistance: Subscribe to posts and email updates from BLC!

Also from Benjamin L. Corey:

Books from BLC:

What you think

Post Comments:

106 Responses

  1. Профессиональный сервисный центр по ремонту бытовой техники с выездом на дом.
    Мы предлагаем:ремонт крупногабаритной техники в москве
    Наши мастера оперативно устранят неисправности вашего устройства в сервисе или с выездом на дом!

  2. mitolyn is a natural dietary supplement specifically outlined to enhance metabolism and support weight loss. Its potent blend of ingredients works to increase energy levels, promote fat burning

  3. mitolyn is a natural dietary supplement specifically outlined to enhance metabolism and support weight loss. Its potent blend of ingredients works to increase energy levels, promote fat burning

  4. Профессиональный сервисный центр по ремонту бытовой техники с выездом на дом.
    Мы предлагаем:сервисные центры по ремонту техники в мск
    Наши мастера оперативно устранят неисправности вашего устройства в сервисе или с выездом на дом!

  5. equilibrado de ejes
    Aparatos de ajuste: esencial para el rendimiento suave y óptimo de las maquinarias.

    En el campo de la innovación avanzada, donde la efectividad y la estabilidad del sistema son de máxima trascendencia, los equipos de balanceo desempeñan un tarea fundamental. Estos equipos dedicados están creados para ajustar y fijar piezas dinámicas, ya sea en maquinaria productiva, medios de transporte de desplazamiento o incluso en aparatos domésticos.

    Para los técnicos en mantenimiento de equipos y los ingenieros, utilizar con dispositivos de balanceo es esencial para proteger el funcionamiento suave y fiable de cualquier dispositivo giratorio. Gracias a estas soluciones tecnológicas sofisticadas, es posible limitar notablemente las vibraciones, el ruido y la tensión sobre los cojinetes, extendiendo la duración de piezas importantes.

    También importante es el papel que cumplen los aparatos de ajuste en la servicio al comprador. El ayuda especializado y el conservación regular usando estos sistemas habilitan brindar asistencias de óptima excelencia, elevando la agrado de los clientes.

    Para los responsables de empresas, la contribución en estaciones de ajuste y dispositivos puede ser clave para aumentar la eficiencia y eficiencia de sus equipos. Esto es particularmente trascendental para los dueños de negocios que dirigen medianas y intermedias organizaciones, donde cada elemento importa.

    Además, los sistemas de ajuste tienen una amplia uso en el área de la seguridad y el gestión de estándar. Permiten identificar probables errores, reduciendo arreglos caras y problemas a los sistemas. Además, los resultados recopilados de estos dispositivos pueden emplearse para optimizar procesos y mejorar la exposición en motores de investigación.

    Las áreas de aplicación de los sistemas de balanceo cubren diversas industrias, desde la producción de transporte personal hasta el supervisión ecológico. No importa si se considera de importantes elaboraciones productivas o modestos establecimientos de uso personal, los equipos de balanceo son esenciales para asegurar un rendimiento productivo y libre de paradas.

  6. is a carefully developed dietary supplement designed to naturally support individuals dealing with sciatic nerve discomfort while promoting overall nerve wellness.

  7. Just wish to say your article is as surprising The clearness in your post is just cool and i could assume youre an expert on this subject Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work

  8. buy cbd oil tincture make available a at the ready and enjoyable way to experience the effects of this compound. These gummies fingers on in diverse flavors, potencies, and formulations, providing users with controlled dosing and long-lasting effects. Many consumers appreciate them as a service to r ‘rest, pain relief. In any way, it’s vital to waste them responsibly, as effects may pilfer longer to rebound in compared to smoking or vaping. Always make sure of dosage guidelines and ensure compliance with regional laws sooner than purchasing or consuming.

  9. I recently tried mood thca , and I’m really impressed with the quality. The effects were serene, calming, and literally what I was hoping for. The variety of options also allowed me to find something made-to-order in the direction of both relaxing evenings and fecund days. Indubitably recommend for anyone seeking significant results!

  10. I’ve recently started using https://elevateright.com/delta-8-pre-rolls/ , and they’ve exceeded my expectations. From Delta 8 products to HHC products, the benefits are undeniable. They help reduce urgency, improve slumber, and unvaried expedite minor aches. What I love most is that they’re natural and don’t get away me sympathies numbed or elsewhere of it. The rank of hemp products makes a tremendous contrast, so I always look benefit of trusted brands. Whether you’re restored to hemp or experienced, these products are a game-changer pro whole wellness.

  11. I’ve recently started using https://elevateright.com/product/delta-8-softgels/ , and they’ve exceeded my expectations. From Delta 8 products to HHC products, the benefits are undeniable. They boost break down lay stress, recondition have a zizz, and all the same opulence child aches. What I ardour most is that they’re standard and don’t get away me intuition numbed or absent from of it. The rank of hemp products makes a tremendous remainder, so I unceasingly look in the course of trusted brands. Whether you’re restored to hemp or savvy, these products are a game-changer for complete wellness.

  12. I’ve recently started using thca flower , and they’ve exceeded my expectations. From Delta 8 products to HHC products, the benefits are undeniable. They forbear restrict stress, recondition catnap, and all the same ease minor aches. What I enjoyment most is that they’re natural and don’t get away me feeling groggy or off of it. The quality of hemp products makes a tremendous remainder, so I perpetually look in the course of trusted brands. Whether you’re new to hemp or sophisticated, these products are a game-changer in the service of whole wellness.

  13. https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/pages/can-thc-gummies-be-consumed-with-alcohol sire become a go-to for me, present a available, scrumptious scraps manner to charge out of CBD’s benefits. I rise how judicious they are, so I can brook them anytime, anywhere. Personally, they’ve helped me decrease and improved my drop quality. I also like that each gummy has a break the ice amount of CBD, which makes it cosy to run down my intake. An eye to anyone interested in irksome CBD, gummies up respecting a uncluttered starting point. Unbiased a douceur: lead for a dependable mark to ensure grade and effectiveness!

  14. + Делаете результаты через преодоление
    и страдания
    + Больше не испытываете эмоций
    + Не можете построить долгие отношения, проще без них, партнёры всё время не те
    + Тащите всё на себе, нет времени на жизнь
    + В конфликте с родителями, общение холодное или его нет вовсе
    + Тащите всё на себе, нет времени на жизнь
    + Испытываете эмоциональное и/или физическое выгорание
    + Больше не испытываете эмоций
    + Делаете результаты через преодоление и страдания
    + Делаете результаты через преодоление и
    страдания
    + Не можете построить долгие отношения, проще без них, партнёры всё время
    не те
    + Вечно в поиске себя, не знаете чем заниматься
    или боитесь идти в свою реализацию
    + В конфликте с родителями, общение холодное
    или его нет вовсе
    + Чувствуете, что страсть и любовь ушли из отношений
    + В конфликте с родителями, общение холодное или
    его нет вовсе
    https://t.me/s/psyholog_online_just_now

  15. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  16. I am an investor of gate io, I have consulted a lot of information, I hope to upgrade my investment strategy with a new model. Your article creation ideas have given me a lot of inspiration, but I still have some doubts. I wonder if you can help me? Thanks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Books from BLC: