Christophobia: The Unseen Bias No One Talks About
When Criticizing Christianity is Free Speech — But Criticizing Islam is Hate Speech
Introduction: A Double Standard Hiding in Plain Sight
In a world where “Islamophobia” is a recognized term — used to describe discrimination or criticism against Islam — there is another term that is rarely mentioned: Christophobia. But what does it mean? And why is it so rarely discussed?
If “Islamophobia” is defined as an irrational fear or hatred of Islam, shouldn’t “Christophobia” mean an irrational fear or hatred of Christianity?
If attacking Islamic beliefs is considered “hate speech,” why is attacking Christian beliefs considered free speech?
Is there a double standard in how these two faiths are treated in the public square?
This post explores the concept of Christophobia, how it appears in New Zealand and other Western countries, and why the selective use of “Islamophobia” and the silence around “Christophobia” exposes a dangerous bias.
What is Christophobia? Defining the Unspoken Bias
Christophobia: An irrational fear, hatred, or prejudice against Christianity or Christians.
It can take many forms:
Mocking or insulting Christian beliefs without consequence.
Attacking Christian symbols, such as crosses or churches.
Silencing Christian perspectives in public debate, while promoting others.
But Isn’t Criticism of Christianity Just Free Speech?
Yes — and it should be. But the problem is that criticism of Christianity is almost always considered free speech, while criticism of Islam is often treated as “Islamophobia.”
A Double Standard:
You can mock the Bible, but you cannot question the Quran.
You can criticize Jesus, but you cannot criticize Muhammad.
You can challenge Christian teachings on morality, but you cannot question Sharia law.
Where Does Christophobia Appear?
1. In Media Coverage:
Christianity is often portrayed as outdated, intolerant, or oppressive.
Stories of Christian leaders who make mistakes are headline news, but stories of Muslim leaders with radical views are ignored.
The media is quick to highlight the sins of Christians, but cautious about criticizing Islam.
2. In Public Debate:
Christian symbols are being removed from public spaces, while Islamic symbols are promoted as “cultural diversity.”
Christian views on morality, family, and sexuality are mocked, while Islamic views are treated with respect.
Christian speakers are de-platformed or canceled, while Muslim speakers — even with radical views — are given platforms.
3. In Education:
Christianity is taught as “history,” while Islam is taught as a “living faith.”
Christian teachings are often presented critically, while Islamic teachings are presented respectfully.
Christian holidays are becoming secularized, while Islamic holidays are promoted as cultural events.
4. In Hate Speech Laws:
Criticism of Christianity is almost never considered hate speech.
But criticism of Islam — even respectful, well-reasoned criticism — can be treated as “Islamophobia.”
In some countries, Christians can even be arrested for “hate speech” simply for expressing their faith.
Why Does Christophobia Matter? The Danger of Selective Sensitivity
The selective use of “Islamophobia” — but not “Christophobia” — reveals a dangerous bias. It shows that in the eyes of the media, governments, and even some human rights groups, some beliefs deserve protection, while others do not.
Free Speech Becomes a Double Standard: If you can criticize Christianity but not Islam, you don’t have free speech — you have protected speech.
Resentment Builds: Christians and other faith groups begin to feel like second-class citizens, while Islam is given special protection.
Honest Debate is Silenced: People become afraid to criticize Islam for fear of being labeled “Islamophobic,” but feel free to attack Christianity without any fear.
Is Christophobia Real? Some Real-World Examples
Desecration of Churches: In France, churches are being vandalized and even burned — but the media downplays it.
Blasphemy on Social Media: Anti-Christian memes, jokes, and insults are everywhere — but criticism of Islam is strictly monitored.
Bias in Education: In some schools, students are taught about the beauty of Islamic art, but Christian history is treated as oppressive colonization.
Censorship in Public Debate: Christian speakers are de-platformed for expressing biblical views on gender or marriage, but radical Islamic speakers are given a pass.
If Islamophobia is Wrong, So is Christophobia
If it is wrong to insult Muhammad, it is wrong to mock Jesus.
If it is hate speech to criticize the Quran, it should be hate speech to mock the Bible.
If Muslim beliefs must be respected, Christian beliefs must be respected too.
But There Is Another Way: True Free Speech
All religious beliefs should be open to criticism — including Christianity and Islam.
Protect people from discrimination, but not ideas from criticism.
Respect should be earned — not demanded, and not enforced by law.
Conclusion: The Hidden Bias That No One Talks About
Christophobia is real — but it is almost never mentioned. While “Islamophobia” has become a recognized term, Christophobia is ignored, even though Christians around the world are persecuted, mocked, and silenced.
If New Zealand is serious about free speech, it must recognize that religious criticism is not hate — it is part of an open society. And if Islam is protected from criticism, Christianity must be too.
Or better yet — let’s protect people, but leave ideas open to challenge.
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