There is this attempt within our mainstream way of living to silence the critics. There is a movement that desires to eradicate any voice of dissent. This is evident with the ‘cancel culture’ revolution, which is the phenomenon of promoting the “canceling” of people, brands, and even shows and movies due to what some consider to be offensive or problematic remarks or ideologies.

But what we are witnessing in the latter days of this unconventional year of 2020 is not just a cancellation of alternative views or the suppression of free speech. It is an outright crucifixion.

Let’s take a brief look at the scenario given to us in the Holy Scriptures in Mark 15:6-15: “Now at the feast, he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged[a] Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

There was no valid reason given by the mob on why they wanted to crucify Jesus Christ. They simply wanted the man who was a criminal who had committed murder. They wanted to silence that which they could not control. We all know what took place at the crucifixion. It was a graphic display of violence, rage, anger, and hatred. It involved not only mocking, but spitting, torture, and the nailing of hands and feet to a cross that, to this day, embodies freedom, liberty, and unconditional love.

This is why, to those of us who proudly wear the label of believer, this modern-day persecution and cancellation of ideas and thought should come as no surprise. After all, we want to be like Christ, right?

While our experiences pale in comparison to what the sinless Lamb endured, we are experiencing levels of pain and anguish simply because of the road we shamelessly choose to travel. These radical extremists are trying to crucify our religious liberties. They are wanting to prevent you from worshipping at your local church, using a pandemic to blanket their true intentions. They are casually calling individuals ‘homophobic’ and ‘racist’ for holding traditional conservative views.

This extreme, anti-christian movement is blatantly crucifying our beliefs and what we treasure the most, ultimately re-crucifying the One who created them.

They have no desire or will to hold a civil dialogue. They’re not interested in hearing an alternate perspective. Instead, they embrace mobster behavior and gang-like tactics by destroying not only ideas but also physical property, landmarks, territories, and the very nation in which they reside.

This is a war that is being fought not because we are in a hostile presidential election cycle. That only comes every four years. But this is a daily onslaught that is forcing believers to be on their knees in prayer more frequently than in previous times.

This is why the believer must be courageous as never before. They must be ready to engage in spiritual warfare as never before. They must be alert and aware as never before.

The crucifixion of our beliefs doesn’t just affect us, but the generations that will follow us. If you think I’m engaging in some trivial hyperbole, look at what’s been shoved down the throats of children in schools: transgenderism, gender identity, and an academic agenda that serves as an assault on traditional beliefs.

But if we are to follow in the footsteps of Christ, we must expect to suffer for His sake. We must be willing to endure this suffering and to fight back for as long as it takes because the cause reaches much farther than just ourselves.

Demetrius Minor

Demetrius Minor is a minister, author, and political commentator. He is a former radio talk show host and television personality. He is also a member of the Project 21 advisory board of black conservative leaders across the United States. He and his wife, Riesa, serve on the leadership staff at Tampa Life Church in Tampa, FL.