Religion In America Attacked Twice As Much In Last Three Years Indicates New Report

By Julie Brown Patton
Abe Lincoln Second Inaugural Address
The 2016 report conducted by First Liberty Institute documents rising instances of religious hostility in America.  First Liberty

The number of hostile acts against religious freedom in America has doubled in the past three years, according to a new report issued by lawyers at Texas-based First Liberty Institute, an organization founded in 1997.

Entitled "Undeniable:  The Survey to Hostility in America," the report documents attempts to suppress or threaten religious liberty. The first section of the report is devoted to how "hostility to religion harms every American."

In the first edition of the survey in 2012, the team of First Liberty analysts found a total of 600 attacks against religion. The latest research indicates the number of attacks has skyrocketed to 1,285, based on events compiled from court cases and press reports.

"The religious liberty of Americans is under attack like never before," Kelly Shackelford, president and CEO of First Liberty Institute, said in a statement. "These attacks are coming from all directions, against America's churches, in our school, in the military, and in the public arena."

"The good news is, even though the number of attacks has risen, the Constitution hasn't changed," Shackelford added. "Religious liberty is still our first, foundational freedom. And when Americans stand up for their rights, they can win."

Shackelford said she believes hostility toward religion is eroding the bedrock on which stand vital American institutions, such as government, education, the military, business, houses of worship, and charity. Hostile attacks on religions have the potential to wash away the ground that supports other rights, including freedom of speech, press, assembly, and government by consent of the people, she added.

First Liberty Institute representatives believe the loss of religious liberty ruins individuals and families and erodes the foundation of other rights, reports The Daily Caller.

In one of the cases highlighted by the report, Bremerton High School suspended Joe Kennedy, a football coach, for following up the end of a game with a prayer, a practice he had continued for seven years. Other cases counted came from military examples of people trying to suppress religious expression. When Lance Corporal Monifa Sterling refused to take down a Bible verse she had displayed in her workspace, the Marine Corps court-martialed her. First Liberty Institute is involved in the court case to fight the decision. At another high school, cheerleaders were prevented from listing Bible verses on banners to encourage players. The cheerleaders sued and the judge said the school erred and overstepped its authority. The school has since appealed the decision.

"The good news is that the vast majority of the hostility to religion you will read in this survey is unlawful," Shackelford said in the introduction to the report. "It succeeds only because of its own bluff and the passivity of its victims."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories