Christian Persecution (Chruch Bombed Dec 3, 2023)

The Christian Word expresses sorrow and anger over the attack and calls for prayers and action to stop the persecution of Christians around the world. 

The recent church bombing in the Philippines

 which occurred on December 3rd, 2023, was a deadly attack that occurred on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in Marawi, the country’s largest Muslim city. A bomb exploded during a Catholic mass at a gymnasium in Mindanao State University, killing at least four people and injuring more than 50 others. The Philippine Government has condemned the act and has blamed foreign terrorist organizations. MSN has reported that the Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility advising it targeted Christians. The attack came after the Philippine Military launched an airstrike which killed 11 terrorists.  Yahoo news reported that the bombing was the worst attack on Christians in the Philippines, where they make up 80% of the population. The church bombing in Marawi was a tragic reminder of the threat and suffering that Christians face in many parts of the world.

Here in the USA, violent attacks and church bombings have occurred in Christian places of worship, often motivated by religious hatred, extremism, or terrorism. Family Research Council reported 69 churches were attacked in the first 3 months 2023. Some of the attacks involved vandalism, arson, gunshots, and bomb threats. The attacks occurred in 29 states, with North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee having the most incidents.

Church bombings are a serious threat to the freedom and safety of Christians around the world, as well as to the values of peace and tolerance that all religions should uphold. The perpetrators of these attacks often seek to instill fear, division, and hatred among different faith communities, and to undermine the stability and security of the countries where they occur. The international community and the civil society should condemn and combat these acts of violence, and support the victims and their families. The churches and their members should also remain resilient and hopeful, and continue to practice their faith and serve their communities.

Theory; Terrorism strikes a Philippine Church; You ever thought why the Muslims hates the Jews and Christians so much, Here is a something you may want to think about. Ishmael was born to Abraham and Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. He was the firstborn son of Abraham, but not the son of the promise, which was Isaac. He was circumcised as a sign of the covenant, but was later banished by Sarah. God promised to bless him and make him a great nation. Ishmael lived in the wilderness of Paran, and became an archer. Ishmael of the Bible in the Muslim faith, as he is considered to be a prophet and an ancestor of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Ishmael is also believed to be the son of Abraham and Hagar, and the brother of Isaac, who are all important figures in the Abrahamic religions. Ishmael is also associated with the sacred site of the Kaaba in Mecca, which he and his father built according to Islamic tradition. Ishmael, being abandoned by his father Abraham (Jew, the chosen of God) and sent to live in the wilderness may have played a big role in the Muslims hatred for Jews.

• Biblical References: The author cites several verses from the Bible to support his views, such as Matthew 5:10-12, Romans 12:14, and Hebrews 13:3. Gensis 16:12