I have heard the stories of people like Tyndale who were killed for what they believed or did as Christians. I have heard about missionaries who cannot tell where they are because of the danger it would put them in. And about Christians who risk jail time for having just one page of the Bible. However, I did not realize that Christians were targets in a lot of countries, and that violence was not the only weapon used against them. John L. Allen, Jr.’s book, The Global War on Christians, reveals how much they are persecuted today.

He begins by explaining a few misconceptions people have about whether there is a war against Christians, and how terms can be massaged a little to make it seem like it isn’t as bad as it is. After that, the book is split into 3 parts, which describe persecution that has happened and is happening around the world, some myths about what the persecution is and isn’t, and then the results and responses that occur.

He gives plenty of details about what is happening, but not so much that you get numb to the problems. He gives that as his intention in the introduction. I read about events that happened recently, but that I had not heard of until now. In the final section, he goes a little further than just telling what is wrong, he gives suggestions about what an average person can do to help. They’re nothing wild, prayer, spreading the news, and voicing concern to government representatives to name a few.

I think that more Christians need to be aware of what is actually happening, and see what can be done to help their brothers and sisters.

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for this review.