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OMG!!!!! This qualifies as one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever read. Congratulations.
Yeah, if your the one doing the persecuting, it sure does. Ask the Pagans of old Europe, ask the Native Americans how strong the have become due to being persecuted andbeings forced to give up their language, their home, and of course their religion. I feel sick.
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Chewbacca, I find this attitude most bizarre. You are stating an account of someone's personal experience is "one of the most ridiculous statements you've heard?"
Are you calling me a liar?
I'm sorry but it's true. Perhaps I should have been more accurate and said: Persecution, suffering and hardship have strengthened ME. I used the word "us" inclusively, as in all followers of Jesus. If you are indeed following his words, that is a promise we can rest assured on. In my experience, the promise has held true.
Whatever persecution has done to other faiths and cultures is not relevent to my experience. I cannot comment on the inner strength Amerindians did or did not gain because I have no experience of suffering while following Amerindian theology.
You can ridicule my personal experience all you like. Water off a ducks back I'm afraid. I am the one who has grown as a result of the negative experiences in my life. I would not change a single one. There is nothing - not even the darkest paths I have walked down - that I would change.
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As far as "Pagans of old Europe" my heritage is Celtic. As you're probably aware the Druids and Bards were prominent social forces in Celtic society. I identify with the Bardic traditions of my people, but put that musical expression of faith into my Christianity rather than the paganism of my ancestors.
I am well aware of the RACIAL persecution my people have been on the receiving end of. Whether at the hands of the Pagan Romans, Pagan Germans, or Pagan Vikings, the Celtic's probably lost more territory in Europe than any other people other than the Basques.
Interestingly, the Vikings only stopped their incessant raids after the message of salvation through Christ reached Scandinavia.
Anyhow, I've said enough. My experience is that the promises of the Bible hold true, and that suffering, persecution and harassment have only strengthened me. You can see the truth in matters physical. Muscles grow through resistance. Through being put under pressure.
So too spiritual muscles. Emotional muscles. Character. Perseverance. Patience. Necessary ingredients for success.