Great points!
Feeling persecuted is tied to their identity. Being part of a religious group that sees itself as a minority in a broader society (they are NOT a minority ... yet) can create a strong sense of distinctiveness and the feeling of being persecuted can become an important part of their religious identity, leading to a heightened sensitivity to perceived slights or challenges to their beliefs. Kinda like here on Imgflip...
Throughout history, Christians have experienced periods of real persecution, from the early days of the church under Roman rule to more recent instances in certain countries. These historical experiences shape their collective memory of suffering, even if current circumstances don’t reflect any real level of "persecution." In some parts of the world, particularly in Western societies, Christianity has historically been the dominant religion. As secularism has risen, and as society has become more skeptical of their silly and childish beliefs, some Christians feel like we are marginalizing or attacking their deeply held identity. This IS NOT persecution, but more like the loss of social privilege than actual harm or oppression.
Many political narratives can exaggerate the sense of persecution to galvanize support or to frame policy debates in terms of defending religious freedom. It can make some Christians feel as if their faith is under siege, even though the situation is more about cultural change. Change they don't like one bit because they may no longer be at the top of the totem pole.
Media outlets too can amplify this sense of persecution by framing stories in a way that emphasizes Christians' struggles, whether through portrayals of opposition to Christian views in politics or culture, or through focusing on incidents where Christians feel their rights are being restricted -- even though they aren't.
Particularly within evangelical and fundamentalist circles, there’s this eschatological belief in the "end times" where Christians may face significant persecution as part of bible prophecy. This belief create a mindset where any opposition or criticism of Christianity is seen as part of a larger pattern of end-time persecution.
Persecution, like their god, is all in their heads for the most part. Just my simple act of NOT BELIEVING is sometimes called persecution. I'm accused all the time.
