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==Examples of restrictions on religious freedom in the West==

==Examples of restrictions on religious freedom in the West==

:''See also: [[Christian persecution]] and [[Homosexuality and Religious Liberty|Homosexuality and religious liberty]]''

:''See also: [[Christian persecution]] and [[Homosexuality and Religious Liberty|Homosexuality and religious liberty]]''

Despite the fact that many people, particularly left-wingers, consider the West to be the "free world" due to leftist policies, Christians and others who espouse conservative or unpopular views (which interestingly were considered mainstream only a few generations prior) have experienced increasing levels of persecution in Western countries, whether socially or legally. Increasingly, it is considered "dangerous" or "evil" to hold legitimate biblical Christian or conservative views that (despite the fact they are completely legitimate and sincerely held) contradict the leftist "consensus" or to pass them on to the next generation.

Despite the fact that many people, particularly left-wingers, consider the West to be the "free world" due to leftist policies, Christians and others who espouse conservative or unpopular views (which interestingly were considered mainstream only a few generations prior) have experienced increasing levels of persecution in Western countries, whether socially or legally. Increasingly, it is considered "dangerous" or "evil" to hold legitimate biblical Christian or conservative views that (despite the fact they are completely legitimate and sincerely held) contradict the leftist "consensus" or to pass them on to the next generation. Even Christians who faced persecution in the third world noted the increasing hostility toward Christianity in the West.<ref>Richardson, Valerie (July 12, 2019). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jul/12/pastor-imprisoned-turkey-astounded-growing-hostili/ Pastor formerly imprisoned in Turkey 'astounded' by mounting hostility to Christian faith in U.S.] ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved July 13, 2019.</ref>

Due to their belief in the "[[Idea of Progress]]", left-wingers and even [[establishment]] "conservatives" believe that humanity is advancing and improving. Since they consider theologically conservative and orthodox Christianity to be "outdated," "archaic," or "narrow-minded," they believe that wiping out biblical Christian beliefs will only enhance progress and remove an obstacle to the betterment of humanity. Thus, despite the total lack of evidence, biblical Christian beliefs thought in love are increasingly considered "[[hate speech]]" or a "[[hate crime]]." Left-wing organizations such as [[Americans United for Separation of Church and State]] have fought against religious freedom for Christians in the United States.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (February 22, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/22/anti-christian-group-declares-war-on-religious-freedom-in-trumps-america/ Anti-Christian Group Declares War on Religious Freedom in Trump’s America]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 22, 2018.</ref> Having a winsome attitude when dealing with liberals does little-to-nothing to persuade them to respect religious liberty for Christians.<ref>Walter, Andrew T. (November 13, 2018). [https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/cultural-winsomeness-will-not-be-enough-for-christians Cultural winsomeness will not be enough for Christians]. ''Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission''. Retrieved December 13, 2018.</ref>

Due to their belief in the "[[Idea of Progress]]", left-wingers and even [[establishment]] "conservatives" believe that humanity is advancing and improving. Since they consider theologically conservative and orthodox Christianity to be "outdated," "archaic," or "narrow-minded," they believe that wiping out biblical Christian beliefs will only enhance progress and remove an obstacle to the betterment of humanity. Thus, despite the total lack of evidence, biblical Christian beliefs thought in love are increasingly considered "[[hate speech]]" or a "[[hate crime]]." Left-wing organizations such as [[Americans United for Separation of Church and State]] have fought against religious freedom for Christians in the United States.<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (February 22, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/22/anti-christian-group-declares-war-on-religious-freedom-in-trumps-america/ Anti-Christian Group Declares War on Religious Freedom in Trump’s America]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 22, 2018.</ref> Having a winsome attitude when dealing with liberals does little-to-nothing to persuade them to respect religious liberty for Christians.<ref>Walter, Andrew T. (November 13, 2018). [https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/cultural-winsomeness-will-not-be-enough-for-christians Cultural winsomeness will not be enough for Christians]. ''Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission''. Retrieved December 13, 2018.</ref>