Christianophobia Explained--by Popular Demand

I've decided to start a new blog entry to explain my christianophobics entry that's created so much press. Some of the comments show a clear lack of understanding about the piece and I feel the need to expound further. The blog actually describes the absurdity of both terms: Christianophobia and homophobia. Now before you jump down my throat--hear me out.

Christianophobia is a new term being investigated by the United Nations to describe persons who persecute and discriminate Christians around the world. They've also included the term Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism and a host of other "phobias" unique to each religious or human category. And yes, homophobia is one of them. You'll be surprised to know that many Christian organizations in the United States do not agree with the use of the term Christianophobia. They feel it redundant to classify each religion separately. And I agree.

Although persecution and discrimination of Christians in America does happen (how many church burnings are taking place in Alabama right now?) you need to look to other parts of the world to see the real scope of the problem. In India, for example, it is against the law to convert to Christianity in some states and believers are forced to "reconvert" to Hinduism. In Iraq, Christians living in the oldest Christian community in the world are leaving in droves to escape church bombings, kidnappings, and attacks by Islamic militants. In some places, Christians fear for their safety just as homosexuals do in this country. I could list many more examples.

Let's take a look at the definition of homophobia. According to Webster's dictionary, homophobia is defined as "an irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuals." Aversion can be described as "a feeling of repugnance toward something with a desire to avoid or turn from it." Basically, the definition of the term tells us that anyone disagreeing with the behavior is afraid of it. This is incorrect. Just as it is incorrect to assume that anyone that disagrees with the Christian lifestyle is christianophobic. Starting to get the picture? Simply because a Christian uses their religious beliefs to form their opinions does not mean they are phobic. And if you believe they are, then you must deduce that anyone feeling repugnant, or disagreeing with the Christian lifestyle is christianophobic.

In conclusion, let me say that I don't believe we need all of these labels to describe persecution. It happens to many cultural, religious, sexual communities. And it is just as wrong in every one of them. Now please, keep the comments focused on discussion of this issue.

To check out the blog that started it all, please visit my blog.