The rise in attacks on churches across the United States, as documented by the Family Research Council (FRC), signals a distressing trend that goes beyond mere acts of vandalism to something more insidious: a cultural war on Christianity. In their recent report, the FRC highlights a staggering 800 percent increase in hostility towards churches over the last six years, culminating in an alarming 915 incidents from January 2018 through November 2023. This surge in attacks coincides with a broader societal shift that increasingly marginalizes Christian beliefs and those who hold them.
The doubling of incidents in 2023 alone, particularly in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, is not only a reaction to a controversial legal ruling but also a manifestation of a deep-seated disdain for core Christian values within certain segments of our society. The targeting of churches, often through vandalism and other forms of intimidation, sends a clear message that Christianity is under siege, not just from fringe elements but also from those in positions of influence who view traditional religious beliefs as antithetical to their vision of a progressive America.
This growing hostility is further exacerbated by elite smears and political targeting that paint Christians as extremists or threats to democracy. The FBI’s pursuit of domestic extremists within church congregations and the minimal investigation into church firebombings reveal a startling double standard. While pro-life demonstrators face prosecution for public prayer, acts of violence against churches receive comparatively little attention from law enforcement and the media.
Moreover, the narrative of “Christian nationalism” being peddled by some media outlets as a dire threat to democracy is a gross misrepresentation of what many Americans believe. The portrayal of those who argue that our rights are derived from God, not government, as extremists or nationalists is not only historically ignorant but dangerously divisive. This rhetoric aims to ostracize and demonize those who adhere to the founding principles of the nation, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence and deeply rooted in the belief in inalienable, universal rights bestowed by a higher authority.
The concerted effort to frame Christianity and its adherents as antagonists in the culture wars threatens to erode the very fabric of American liberty. The principles of freedom of religion and speech, cornerstones of the American Constitution, are at risk of being subverted by those who seek to silence dissenting voices to advance progressivism.
As we witness the escalation of attacks on churches and the vilification of Christian beliefs, it is incumbent upon us to defend the foundational ideals of our nation. We must stand firm against the forces that seek to undermine our freedoms and recognize that the preservation of religious liberty is paramount to the continuation of the American experiment. The path forward requires a reaffirmation of the enduring values that have sustained our republic: faith, freedom, and the inalienable rights endowed by our Creator.
