We Live in a Bed of Ease

We Live in a Bed of Ease

➤Thank God for America and for those who cry “foul” at every point when she drifts from her constitutional foundation. Because of that, we know nothing about the everyday threats faced by more than 5 billion other people around the world.

Before we get to one of the most recent alarming headline stories, consider the following data:

Some live under explicit, state-enforced religious rule or authoritarian control that functions as a secular religion.

These restrictions come from two primary sources:

• Direct Theocracy or Religious Law: Governments basing law on a specific faith (e.g., Islam, Hinduism).
• Authoritarian Atheism/Ideology: Governments that regulate religion to ensure loyalty to the state (e.g., Communism).

Islamic Rule and Sharia Law

Many millions of people live under strict interpretations of Sharia Law, particularly in countries such as Afghanistan (under the Taliban), Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Mauritania.

In these nations, religious law governs daily life and imposes severe limitations on religious freedom, especially for Christian minorities.

Beyond these theocracies, there are numerous countries with constitutional provisions that heavily favor Islam, including Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Globally, over 1.9 billion people identify as Muslim.

Secular Religion (Communism and Authoritarianism)

China, with over 1.4 billion people, is an atheist communist state that imposes heavy restrictions on religious practice.

North Korea, with an estimated population of 26 million, operates under a regime that actively persecutes all forms of religion.

Other examples include Cuba, Vietnam, and Eritrea.

Religious Nationalism: Hinduism and Buddhism

India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, has seen a rise in religious nationalism.

In Southeast Asia, countries such as Burma (Myanmar) and Sri Lanka have experienced movements aligning Buddhism with national identity.

These movements have led to the oppression of religious minorities.

Other Restricted Areas

In Russia, the close relationship between the state and the Orthodox Church creates an environment where strict limits are placed on non-traditional religious groups.

These restrictions illustrate how state favoritism toward a particular religion can constrain the religious freedom of others.

Summary of Global Restrictions (2026 Data)

• 5.4 billion+ people live in countries where religious freedom is restricted by the government.
• 59 countries have high or very high levels of government restrictions on religion.
• The countries with the highest levels of restriction include China, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

One Recent Case in Point

Child Kidnapping Approved by the High Court

A 12-year-old Pakistani Christian girl, Maria Shahbaz, made headlines recently when Pakistan’s high court stood behind her kidnapper, who also forced her to convert to Islam and marry.

All young girls in Pakistan have become easier prey.

(Not to be confused with a similar case involving a 14-year-old Pakistani girl (2020), Maira Shahbaz, with a similar name.)

Why this Ruling Matters

A constitutional court ruling of this kind does more than resolve one case.

• It emboldens abusers
• It discourages families from seeking justice
• It confirms that minority girls are vulnerable targets

A Chilling Effect Among Christian Families

For Christian families with young daughters, this creates a climate of fear and helplessness.

Parents worry not only about kidnapping itself, but also about whether authorities will protect their children.

Christian leaders and advocacy groups have responded with grief, anger, and resolve.

We should respond with great thanksgiving to God for America, and with fervent prayer for Maria, her family, and for all the young girls of Pakistan.

And how many Christians will be targeted and murdered throughout the world this Easter weekend?

Watching His plan unfold,

Mark S. Case