For Christians in Burma, Faith Means Something

Imagine a country where religious freedom is stipulated in the constitution but the reality of it is vastly different.

The Constitution of Burma stipulates that ‘the national race shall enjoy the freedom to profess their religion provided that the enjoyment of any such freedom does not offend the laws or the public interest’.

That wording caught my attention as it seems eerily similar to the stated philosophy of our nation's current policy concerning Christianity and Christian rights. All religious activities are closely monitored and restricted in Burma because, "in the past, religious minorities have been politically active and…because the regime tends to view religious freedom in the context of threats to national unity."

It is that last statement that really opens my eyes for what is the primary complaint these days from our political liberals concerning Christians who have the temerity to carry their faith into the work place especially if it's a political work place? "If it wasn't for those blasted Christians, the world would be at peace, our educational establishment would be stellar, the atmosphere would be cleansed of green house gases, everyone would be making $75,000 a year and our cars would be getting 40 miles to the gallon." Pardon my sarcasm…

Another element of the situation in Burma is, again, eerily similar to our nation.

Where there used to be crosses on mountaintops, symbolizing the faith of the people, none remain. The last cross in Chin State was torn down in 2001. The children of Christians are taken from their families and put into Buddhist monasteries where the children learn to be monks. The parents are not told where their children are taken and of course it always so the children will receive a better education. The parents never see the children again.

In so many ways, the good old U.S. of A. is only a step or two behind so many countries where Christianity is effectively outlawed yet the boast of many of the nations is that they are tolerant and guarantee religious freedom to all.

We are the proverbial frog in the kettle oblivious to the rising temperature of the water in which we are lazily doing the back stroke concerned about the heels on our shoes and whether our socks match our clothes.

Sad thing is, I don't think anything is going to change--and I am referring to the "Church."