The Right to be Ridiculed
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“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven...” - Matthew 5:11-12
Over the past decade there has been political debate on the ‘right to ridicule’ – the question about whether we would be allowed to joke about the political and religious opinions of others, perhaps with the intention of making them aware of how ridiculous their beliefs are. Jesus, however, is more concerned with our right to be ridiculed. His words in the Sermon on the Mount suggest that ridicule or even persecution for his sake is worth it and that it should even make us glad!
This book, packed with biblical insights and practical application, investigates why ridicule for Jesus is indeed worth it and why we should not keep our faith private. We discover that there is ample reward, not just after death, but also in our life here and now. When we view all forms of persecution from the right perspective, true joy can be experienced in the midst of suffering.
…whether you are imprisoned in a North Korean camp for reading your Bible or ostracised at the water cooler for talking about God at your workplace, Jesus is absolutely worth it.
About the Author
Andrew Conway
Andrew Conway is a disciple of the Lord Jesus who has occasionally had the privilege of being ridiculed for the Master. He is also privileged to be Sarah-Jayne’s husband; Annie and Peter’s father; and the minister of Hilltown and Clonduff Presbyterian Churches in County Down. He is passionate about honouring Christ in the whole of life, including his hobbies of reading and woodwork.
Endorsements and Reviews
S. John Dixon, Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
This is a timely treatment of the eighth beatitude for today’s church. Andrew Conway has served us all well by reminding us that Jesus did not evade the issue of alerting his disciples, of all ages, to the likelihood of ridicule and worse because they follow him. He goes on to anchor that reality in the present, embracing opposition in the local situation and persecution in the world church. With careful argument, shot through with spiritual insights from Puritan thought, he sets forth the incomparable privilege of knowing Jesus which makes any ridicule or persecution ‘worth it all’. The doctrine he sets out is followed by detailed application to everyday discipleship. Flowing from our loving response to the Lord, our response to everyone else, fellow believers and those who oppose us, is painstakingly worked out in terms of personal reaction to others, character building, sharing in fellowship, engaging in worship and supremely, in becoming Christlike. Stephen’s reaction, as he was martyred, is used to encourage us that the same Holy Spirit can enable us to reflect Christ when we are ridiculed, or worse. This book stirred my mind, inflamed my heart and challenged my attitudes profoundly. I unhesitatingly commend it to you with the prayer that your love for Christ will be similarly enhanced.
S. John Dixon
Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Rico Tice, Co-founder of Christianity Explored Ministries
I found this to be a prophetic book, in the sense that I’ve got to get much better at enduring hostility as I proclaim Jesus as Lord. Andrew Conway, by thinking this issue through so deeply, has done a great service to today’s church. Buckle up, hostility is coming!
Rico Tice
Co-founder of Christianity Explored Ministries
Eddie Lyle, President of Open Doors UK and Ireland
The Right to be Ridiculed is a great reminder that, whether you are imprisoned in a North Korean camp for reading your Bible or ostracised at the water cooler for talking about God at your workplace, Jesus is absolutely worth it. This book will help you embrace, and maybe even look forward to, ridicule on your journey to become more Christ-like.
Eddie Lyle
President of Open Doors UK and Ireland
This book stirred my mind, enflamed my heart and challenged my attitudes profoundly. I unhesitatingly commend it to you with the prayer that your love for Christ will be similarly enhanced.
