Persecution takes many forms. It doesn’t have to be torture, exile, execution, etc. Persecution can be stigmatization, ostracization, or prosecution.
How many soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and coastguardsmen are Christians?
In 2003, 67.53872% of the military was identified as some denomination of Christianity (Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodox). The next largest subset of declared religious affiliation within the military at that time was 26.92228% as “No Stated Preference.”
According to a 2012 Department of Defense set of statistics on religious identification, 92.36% of all members of the United States military consider themselves to belong to a Christian denomination.
Good luck prosecuting just 10% of those should they choose to share their faith openly within their unit. I say – bring it. Let’s see that come down into practice.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
forward into battle see his banners go!
At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
but the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never against that church prevail;
we have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
this through countless ages men and angels sing.