It may seem as though the world is tearing itself apart.

In the last year we’ve seen headlines about a cover-up of gang rape in the United Kingdom, campus activism and unrest, attempted assassinations, and fraudulent elections in Brazil and Venezuela (but you were thinking somewhere else, too).

We’ve been told the next pandemic may be at hand, that democracy may be at risk. Phrases like “medical mandates, “the right to choose,” and “indoctrination of children,” are not part of our public parlance.

For every issue, you can find plenty of contention. Matters of faith and politics are particularly difficult as they evoke strong emotional responses. The conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have created significant divides, both politically and spiritually.

After September 11, 2021, there was much talk about Islamophobia. The Western nations, I believe, went out of their way to show the world they could separate issues of faith from extremism. However, it now seems we are having difficulty separating Judaism and those of Jewish descent from the actions of their government. The right of ordinary Israeli citizens to defend themselves from an unprovoked attack was questioned.

Last September, 145 Democrats voted against a House bill to deport illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes. They apparently believe that stopping foreign criminals from crossing a border is wrong. Who voted for these people?

Christians have largely avoided persecution in the West so far. Based on the opening ceremony display at the Olympics last year, that may be changing. (It was just in good fun, right?)

Christians in Pennsylvania have been arrested for being pro-life. Ten states currently support gender-affirming medical procedures. A Louisville politician said support of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ is dangerous. What’s next, a moratorium on silent prayer?

Living in the bible-belt will not exempt you from these issues. If anything, be prepared to be on the front lines for the next volley of chaos. Here are some of the issues that will continue to be discussed and debated: the sanctity of life, medical choice, the education and raising of children, the right to speak freely about your faith, and the freedom to worship.

I believe these issues are important to people of faith. The sanctity of life is particularly important as it is often invoked in debates over abortion and euthanasia. A culture that is willing to kill for the sake of convenience will surely exploit those who cannot defend themselves.

Medical choice — the ability to choose what medicines and procedures you will accept of your own free — is important, provided it does no harm.

The education and raising of children are a sacred responsibility. Proper education cannot take place unless everyone is free to worship and speak freely about their faith. Public schools must involve parents. Transparency is paramount.

Are those with religious convictions being persecuted? It does seem that some matters of faith are being singled out. The Christians are next.

— Mark Doggett is a retired professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Kentucky University.