I guess we need to clarify what it is to be persecuted then. Does it require a systematic abuse, perpetrated by a large group or government? Is one's death or torture necessary? Is it not accurate to say that Dan Cathy, the CEO of Chick-fil-A, is currently being persecuted?
Wow, I appreciate definitions and questions that may clarify here, MaryC!
I was just wishing for it.
But I've enjoyed these TDT threads in the past many times with the sharing of people's thoughts and experiences. I've read amazing, sometimes exceptional and top drawer posts on
some of these TDT threads.
This can be a troublesome topic for believers, I think.
I've known and seen believing men (like I am guessing Jefferson is, see his post) stand up and dare the world to try to stop them or shut them up or anything.
And I've seen people who did not do nearly as much as Tot described become targets as she became one.
The origin of the word persecution appears to be tied to pursuit once you follow through to the legal word "sue." May have to ask a lawyer about that. But if so "persecution" apparently means - to "follow through"- which may mean "chase down" here.
Matthew 24:28
says
Wherever the body will be, there will the eagles be gathered.
Do your translations say that?
Mine don't and I use three.
If you're a Presby you may know of the concept about the verse about the birds nesting in a tree means the tree is the church and the bird unbelievers, yes?
But once they went that way they (which may be right, I dunno) and
then popular Christianity went after them (which includes all you non Calvies too, :chuckle: ) then they couldn't do what I think is right with Matthew 24:28.
I do not think the body is a corpse, but alive and the word for the birds there should be eagles not vultures.. Because eagles are predators.
So I think that spiritual activity can draw spiritual activity of the opposite kind.
So I think Tot was getting a type of a taste of persecution. And so was Jefferson.
But I believe Paul told us to live quiet lives and work so we wouldn't be putting ourselves in danger all of the time.
But outside of Christianity and its position on this earth - people can be persecuted for race and beliefs and who knows what else too, I guess - and couldn't a single one person persecute another or a group on his own?
ps
Regarding Dan Cathy, the CEO of Chick-fil-A, they may've indeed been trying - but I'm hoping that has ended.
Has anyone heard otherwise? Is it still going on?
been chased by a bottle wielding 70 year old. Had I guy set light to a waste bin outside the office where I worked the night shift, he then climbed on to the roof and threw slates at passers by refusing to come down unless that crazy Jesus freak [me 
