How many Christians have been martyred since 1900 compared to earlier history?
A survey indicates that since 1900 more Christians have been martyred than during all the preceding centuries back to the time of Christ. According to the survey, this modern martyrdom exceeds earlier history combined. The context describes thousands today being tortured, killed, and enslaved in various parts of the world.
Les explains that while Paul endured perils, weariness, hunger, cold, and nakedness for the Gospel, most believers today have had it relatively good, though the future is uncertain if the Lord does not come. He notes that thousands upon thousands of Christians are presently tortured, put to death, and sold into slavery in other parts of the world. He cites a survey indicating that since 1900 more Christians—using the term loosely for anyone ascribing to New Testament Christianity—have been martyred than in all the rest of the time back to Christ. He connects this to ruthless communism in Russia for 70 years, the Nazis in Germany, the Chinese, and situations in Africa.