October 2018 Persecution Magazine

Iran:
Government Control
Slipping as the People
Thirst for Freedom
This year, Iran has faced historic levels of protests as
citizens demand increased freedoms.
By Claire Evans
This year, a hopeful thirst for
freedom has defined Iran.
Protests, which started in late
December of 2017, continued
throughout the spring and summer,
spreading to every corner
of the country. This large outpouring
of unrest is historic,
with far-reaching implications.
For almost 40 years, Iran has
been governed by the religious elite who have ruled
the country with an iron fist. They have built a wall
defining their citizens’ religious identity as Islamic,
with serious consequences for breaching their code
of conduct. They have entrenched the country within
the grave socioeconomic consequences of poor governance
decisions.
The Iranian people are weary of the regime’s protectionism,
and are eager to tear down the barricades
that define every aspect of their life. Their search
for political liberation includes a desire for spiritual
freedom, which has led to a number of opportunities
for the Church to grow, even as religious persecution
intensifies.
“The youth have rejected the spiritual and moral
authority in Iran. They see no future for themselves,
so they want to experience all the freedom
that they can,” explained Tat, who leads a ministry
for Iranian Christians.
Often, because normal expressions of personality
and opinion are heavily censored, Iranians are
forced to explore them in secrecy. This opens the
door to darker pursuits. Depression and addiction to
drugs and alcohol are all too common. These vices
have created a culture of harshness reinforced by a
brutal regime.
This year’s protests should not be interpreted simply
in socioeconomic terms. It is not just a cry for
political freedom, but also a cry for spiritual freedom.
Many Christian ministries have taken this opportu-
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OCTOBER 2018
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN