A common charge made against Christianity is that it forces belief on others. Ravi Zacharias asserts, “The complaint might be that Christianity strips individuals of their freedom by imposing rules and morality. The complaint might also be that Christianity has forced its beliefs and values on whole societies" (108). Examples include:

• The Inquisition, which was a tool of the medieval church to hunt out heretics, people accused of holding less than-orthodox beliefs. In 1252, Pope Innocent IV officially sanctioned torture to extract the truth from suspects, and by 1498, more than two thousand people had been burned at the stake in Spain alone.
  
• Scientists whose discoveries were said to conflict with the Bible who were silenced by the church. Galileo (1564-1642), for example, was sentenced to permanent house arrest for teaching that the earth revolved around the sun.
  
• The Salem Witch Trials (1692), which resulted in twenty people being executed. The “witch hunt” began after several young girls said they had been taught occult arts by adults in the community.

These events and many more have led people to conclude that Christianity forces its belief on others using excessive force if necessary. Believers should not attempt to explain away or justify these deeds, but clarify that these sinful acts do not accurately represent the aim of Christ and the message of Christianity.

First, Jesus never forced belief. He made it clear that He wanted willing followers. After many no longer followed Him in John 6, Jesus turned to the twelve and said, “Do you want to go away as well?” Peter responded willingly, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68).

Also, God’s word calls for Christians to speak the truth in love. Peter asserted, “In your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:15-17). Jesus’ immediate disciples did just that. Eleven of the twelve were martyred for the message they professed, but from their ministry came willing followers who were prepared to pay the price for the cause of Christ.

Zacharias, Ravi. Jesus Among Other Gods. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 2000. 108-109