Cultural and Religious Limits
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and one of the toughest countries to practice Christianity. Being the home of two of the world’s holy cities – Mecca and Medina – faith plays a huge role in its culture. Since the Islamic faith is followed by nearly all Saudis, the country has limited tolerance for Christianity. According to the U.S. State Department, “freedom of religion is not recognized or protected under the law and is severely restricted in practice.” Christianity and other non-Islamic faiths must be practiced in private settings and not openly expressed.
Saudi Arabia has no official written laws criminalizing conversion from Islam to Christianity, and legal protections are virtually nonexistent. Society continues to look down upon anyone who converts, as it’s considered to be a betrayal of one’s religion and culture. Everyone has to practice the same religion, which is Islam. Conversion is not accepted by the government, and Saudis are discouraged from changing their religion and worshipping any religion other than the Islamic one.
Saudi law strictly prohibits non-Muslims from performing religious rituals. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic theocracy, and any attempts by non-Muslims to practice their faith in public is strictly prohibited. This includes both religious ceremonies and conversions. The Saudi government has taken some steps to enhance religious freedom in the country, but there are still no laws or institutions in place to protect religious rights or conversions over to Christianity, and Christians in Saudi Arabia are not legally allowed to meet for communal services orown places of worship.
Legal challenges faced by followers of Christianity are dangerous. The legal system in Saudi Arabia is largely based on the Koran and its teachings, and any challenges to the laws or interpretations face severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Christian converts have been known to be interrogated, tortured and held without charge, with some Christians remaining in prison for life.
Political and Ideological Views
The Saudi government has a deeply conservative Islamic ideology that stretches beyond the borders of the country. It actively uses its wealth and influence to spread its brand of Islamic ideology to countries across the world. This has resulted in a reluctance to consider any reforms to religious freedoms. Even though the country is moving forward in terms of some social reforms, law enforcement and government bodies are still highly conservative and could be expected to crack down hard on those who challenge their authority.
The government denies there is any discrimination against non-Muslims, but reports of persecution of Christians by the country’s law enforcement are often heard. People living in remote parts of the country do not receive the same rights and protections as those living in the cities. In rural areas, evangelical Christian believers often experience different forms of persecution and discrimination based on their faith, with authorities often violently breaking up religious gatherings and detaining those involved.
Christians in the country must also be careful in terms of political expression. By law, no criticism of the ruling family or the Islamic faith is allowed, and those who violate this law risk imprisonment and sometimes even worse punishment, such as torture and execution. In 2016, the country’s foreign minister harshly criticized US President Obama’s open policy on Christianity in Saudi Arabia, calling it a “red line in our relationship”.
Reaction of International Atheists
The Saudi government’s treatment of Christians has been widely denounced by the international atheist community. According to Atheist Republic, a professional atheists’ organization, the Saudi government’s refusal to recognize freedom of religion is a violation of basic human rights. They point out that Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries in the world that does not even recognize the existence of atheists, and has failed to create a legal framework for non-believers.
The United Nations has been critical of the Saudi government, calling for it to provide religious freedom to all, including Christians. They also call on Saudi authorities to stop the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, and encourage the country to be more tolerant and open to different beliefs, especially when it comes to peaceful expression of faith.
The International Humanist and Ethical Union has also spoken out against Saudi Arabia’s treatment of religious minorities. In a recent statement, the IHEU accused the Saudi government of “streamlined legal indoctrination towards a state-sanctioned religious uniformity” and urged the government to take steps to protect the rights of religious minorities, including Christians.
Impact of Economic Sanctions
Economic sanctions imposed by international organizations against Saudi Arabia could have a significant impact on the country’s attitude towards Christianity. Sanctions usually hurt the ruling class more than the average citizen, as they often include asset freezes, travel bans and even restrictions on the flow of funds. Such measures could lead to economic hardship, which could in turn lead to a loosening of restrictions against Christians and other religious minorities.
In addition, economic sanctions could put pressure on the Saudi government to reconsider its current stance on religious freedom. International organizations could also use sanctions to push the government to start negotiations with religious minorities and put an end to the persecution of Christians in the country. This could create a more tolerant atmosphere and facilitate the opening of churches and other places of worship.
Impact on the Expatriate Community
The majority of Christians living in Saudi Arabia are foreigners, and often face the brunt of persecution from the government. This has resulted in a significant exodus of those belonging to the Christian faith from the country. The problem is not only due to the lack of religious freedom, but also because of restrictions on rights like freedom of speech and assembly, which make it difficult for foreigners to feel comfortable in the country.
Those belonging to the expatriate Christian community have often been subject to discrimination and unfair treatment, having to hide their faith or practice their religion in secret. This has driven many away from the country and made them more wary of living in a Muslim-majority country. Such experiences have also led to increased criticism of the Saudi government, both domestically and internationally.
Impact on Social Attitudes
The influence of the Saudi government on social attitudes can be seen in the country’s attitude towards Christianity. Many Saudis view the spread of Christianity as a threat to stability, believing that converting to Christianity could lead to a break down in social order. This has resulted in a reluctance to accept Christian converts and an increase in discriminatory practices. For example, Christians can face difficulties in obtaining jobs, as many employers view them with suspicion.
In addition, those practicing Christianity in the country often experience harassment from their families and communities. This harassment can be physical, verbal or emotional, ranging from being called names to being threatened or ostracized from society. Such experiences can be deeply traumatizing and can lead to psychological problems and depression.
The lack of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia clearly has a huge impact on the country’s social attitudes towards Christians. However, a combination of international pressure and economic sanctions could lead to changes in the country’s stance on religious freedom, and could lead to a more tolerant atmosphere in the country.
