When it comes to practicing Christianity, the Islamic state of Saudi Arabia often raises questions. For many, this is a controversial topic, but many do not know the answer. Although the practice of Christianity is tolerated, it does come with a few restrictions. For example, it is illegal for religious sermons of any kind to be publicly conducted. To understand the nuances of religious freedom in this nation, people must first examine the nation’s history and the present governmental regulations.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a largely Islamic nation. Currently, Sunni Islam is the official religion of the state. The country is home to two of the holiest sites of Islam, the Al-Masjid al-Haram and the Masjid al-Nabawi. Over the years, Arab tribes in the nation have been regularly converting to Islam and the presence of other religions has diminished. Today, most Christians living in the country are foreign western expatriates.
Over the past several decades, some significant developments have been made in terms of religious freedom in the Kingdom. In 2006, after several years of negotiations, the Saudi government signed a major agreement with the Vatican. This agreement stated that religious freedom could be enjoyed in the country, but that non-Islamic publicizing and proselytizing was still strictly prohibited. This was followed by a number of other agreements, such as one that allowed foreign residents to practice their religion in private.
However, despite these developments, it is important to note that Saudi Arabia is a nation in which the Islamic faith is still favored above in all other religions. For these reasons, Christians living in Saudi Arabia are required to abide by certain restrictions. For instance, there are no government sanctioned churches or places of worship for Christians. Similarly, although it is legal for Christians to possess and read religious material, it is not allowed to distribute or convert any religious material to non-Christians. This can be seen by recent arrests of religious preachers attempting to convert people from one religion to another. As of now, all public worship of any religion other than Islam is illegal.
Despite its strict laws, there have been numerous instances of religious tolerance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For instance, there have been several instances where non-Muslim expatriates have been allowed to build and celebrate their faith in private. Similarly, some of the state’s largest companies and organizations often arrange non-Muslim religious services for their foreign employees.
In conclusion, while religious freedom in Saudi Arabia is limited by laws, there are instances of religious tolerance. To practice Christianity in Saudi Arabia, some restrictions do apply, especially with regards to public worship or proselytizing. Nevertheless, it is possible for those living in Saudi Arabia to practice their faith in private. This is why many Christians living in Saudi Arabia have chosen to practice their faith in the privacy of their homes.
Current Challenges for Christians
Although some forms of religious freedom exist in Saudi Arabia for Christians, there are still numerous challenges. For example, there are not many rights guaranteed or protective laws for non-Muslims rights in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, religious extremists and interpretations of Islam often limit freedom of religion and other forms of expression. As a result, those practicing Christianity in Saudi Arabia have to be extremely cautious, as the country is known for its harsh restrictions surrounding blasphemy.
Moreover, non-Muslims do not have the same educational and employment opportunities as Muslims. Government and business organizations in the country favor Muslims in job placements, as well as in terms of wages and job security. This inequality has caused many Christians to either move to other countries or to remain in the country, but remain silent about their faith in order to protect themselves.
Furthermore, Christians do not have much of a voice in the political sphere. Since their voices are not heard, their issues and concerns are often not addressed in the country’s decision-making processes. This lack of a political representation and voice often leaves many Christians feeling powerless to affect any changes that would improve their lot.
Options for Christians
In spite of the difficulties that Christians in Saudi Arabia face, there are still a few options for them to practice their faith. For instance, churches and other places of worship are not allowed to be established, but individuals are still able to practice their faith in the privacy of their homes. And while public worship remains illegal, some Christians have found ways to practice their faith through social media.
In addition, some Christian practice in underground churches have been able to operate and have avoided detection. Furthermore, since the late 90s, organizations such as Open Doors and other evangelical organizations have been running clandestine churches in the country. Through the use of social media and the internet, these organizations have been able to spread the Gospel and support and equip those practicing Christianity in Saudi Arabia.
Christians living in Saudi Arabia also have the option of leaving the country if they wish. Although most are unable to obtain a visa, there are a few organizations that offer financial assistance and other resources to Christian expatriates. Moreover, organizations such as The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors have been working tirelessly to help persecuted believers in the region.
Implications of Christianity in the Future
Although it is impossible to predict the future, there are a few expectations in terms of the future of Christianity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For starters, it’s difficult to assume that the government will continue to show the same level of religious tolerance in the coming years. With the increasing number of religious extremists, the country may take a harder line on religious freedom, which could be quite restrictive for those practicing Christianity.
Furthermore, despite the progress made in terms of religious freedom, it is still a long way from reaching full religious freedom. As a result, it is likely that the number of Christians leaving the country for other places with religious freedom will increase in the coming years. Nevertheless, those who choose to remain in the country will continue to push for progress and recognition of their rights. It is also possible that there will be more opportunities for Muslims to convert to Christianity as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although some forms of religious freedom exist in Saudi Arabia, there are still numerous restrictions. Christians living in Saudi Arabia must abide by these rules and regulations, which can be difficult. However, there are options available to those who wish to practice their faith in the country. These include practicing in private and utilizing social media, as well as the resources of organizations that specialize in supporting persecuted believers. Nevertheless, the future of Christianity in the country remains uncertain, but it is certain that those practicing it will continue to seek progress and recognition of their rights.
