We must see attacks on Christianity for what they are

The martyrdom of Israel Folau, the reprimanding of two Christian AFL players, the absurd discrimination complaint against the ADF — attacks on Christianity are coming fast and in many forms, writes Miranda Devine.

Parishioners of St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York are counting their Easter blessings today after police thwarted an alleged arson attempt by a 37-year-old university professor.

The threat came days after Notre Dame cathedral was ravaged by fire, although prosecutors say it was most likely an accident, caused by an electrical short-circuit.

MORE FROM MIRANDA DEVINE: Notre Dame is a lesson in preserving what matters

But the blaze came on the heels of a spate of attacks on Christians across Europe, with France’s intelligence service, SCRC, reporting 875 acts of vandalism against Catholic churches in 2018 alone.

Days after the Notre Dame cathedral fire in Paris, a New Jersey man was arrested after entering St. Patrick's Cathedral carrying two cans of gasoline, lighter fluid and lighters. Picture: AP/Richard Drew

Attacks on Christianity come in all forms. The martyrdom of rugby star Israel Folau for posting a Bible quote on Instagram is one example. The admonishment by AFL chief Gillon McLachlan of two Christian players, Gary Ablett and Matthew Kennedy, for “liking” Folau’s post is another.

So is the absurd Australian Human Rights Commission inquiry into the “right” of an atheist to be an army chaplain.

Israel Folau with his wife Maria Folau at Kenthurst Uniting Church after a Sunday service. Picture: Hollie Adams

Justin Murray, who says “praying to me is nothing but talking into the air” has lodged a discrimination complaint against the Australian Defence Force because it requires chaplains be from “an endorsed denomination or faith group”.

MORE FROM MIRANDA DEVINE: Virtue police punishing Folau are missing the point

As Catholic former army officer Bernard Gaynor says, if the complaint is upheld, chaplains will become the equivalent of a political commissar: “Instead of providing for the religious needs of religious defence members, the chaplain will be responsible for enforcing politically correct agendas.”

An atheist chaplain is as incongruous as a vegan butcher.

What, seriously, is the point?

@mirandadevine