End Times Persecution Strikes America

A shift in cultural morality has led to an increase in hostility and persecution against Christians worldwide.

No longer is biblical morality considered acceptable or even welcome in a “modern” society.

Now, appellate courts are blatantly ruling against the religious freedoms the United States were founded on and allowing the intentional targeting of Christians who do not bow at the altar of gender ideology.

In New York state, Raymond Zdunski found himself terminated from his job for refusing to attend mandatory LGBTQ training in 2018.

Zdunski has been in court ever since his firing as an account clerk for Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES.

The original lawsuit was dismissed in 2022 by District Court Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford saying Zdunski’s claims were “unsupported.”

“Plaintiff’s unsupported assumption that Defendants believe him to be ‘bigoted’ due to his religious beliefs is insufficient to support an inference of discrimination,” Crawford said in his ruling. “In sum, no facts in the record support a finding that Mr. Zdunski was terminated because of his religion; rather, the evidence in the record supports Defendants’ position that his termination was due to repeatedly refusing to attend a mandatory employee training.”

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the judge’s ruling this week, supporting the religious discrimination occurring within New York, claiming Zdunski did not provide “sufficient evidence.”

“It just seems like the country is against the Christian way of life, and it’s for everything else,” Zdunski said in response of the ruling. “We’re not allowed to practice our way of life but anyone else can, it seems.”

It seems that way because that is exactly what is happening in the U.S. these days, and according to Scripture, it’s only going to get worse.

This blatant persecution should not come as a surprise to Christians, as Jesus’ own words say that the world will hate them because it first hated Him, but believers should be prepared for the coming spiritual warfare.

Meanwhile, the company claimed that Zdunski was “insubordinate” because he was not willing to compromise his faith.

“Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES is committed to providing educational and employment opportunities in an environment free from unlawful discrimination, including harassment and intimidation,” David O’Rourke, Ph.D., District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer, claimed.

“The plaintiff in this matter was terminated for insubordination after he repeatedly refused directives to attend a mandatory cultural competency training program that was designed to facilitate a safe environment for both students and staff consistent with Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES obligations under New York State and Federal laws. We agree with the decisions of both the United States District Court and the Court of Appeals and remain committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff.”

Could you imagine an employer saying this about anyone of faith other than a Christian?

Meanwhile, Zdunski’s lawyer, Kristina S. Heuser, pointed out the glaringly unconstitutional ruling violated her client’s rights “for no other reason than his refusal to be indoctrinated with anti-biblical teaching.

“Though the lower courts did not find in his favor, we are not deterred and will seek redress from the U.S. Supreme Court,” she added.

“We are very disappointed that the Second Circuit decided the matter incorrectly,” Heuser said. “This country was founded upon and for religious freedom, but these days people of faith—particularly Christian faith—are among the most discriminated against in our nation. Mr. Zdunski sought a religious accommodation to avoid a training his employer was requiring aimed at teaching ‘cultural sensitivity’ toward transgender persons.

“Mr. Zdunski was an account clerk,” Heuser continued. “He worked on spreadsheets in a cubicle. The training was not even remotely related to the requirements of his job. The Left will stop at nothing to force their ideology upon everyone, including stripping people of their livelihood if they do not submit to their beliefs. Mr. Zdunksi refused to violate his sincerely held religious beliefs by submitting to teaching that contradicts what Scripture teaches, which is his absolute right under prevailing federal law. The Court’s ruling was clearly erroneous, and we intend to petition the United States Supreme Court to hear Mr. Zdunski’s case.”

Thankfully for Zdunski, the Supreme Court is currently filled with pro-freedom Justices.

But this may not be the case forever.

Heuser is correct in pointing out the political targeting of Christians within America these days, but the problem goes much deeper than political and cultural hit jobs.

Satan is paving the way for his war on Christ and the establishment of the beast and false prophet. The spiritual warfare against Christians is not stopping, or even slowing down, but is instead ramping up for the End Times showdown that the book of Revelation warns Christians about.

The warnings in Revelation are not meant for Christians to hide nor cower in fear, but to strengthen and reinforce their faith in Christ during times of severe persecution.

Those times are indeed coming, and in some ways are already here. The question remains: are Christians ready for the coming tribulation that will engulf the entire world? {eoa}

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.