For generations, Americans assumed the greatest threats to religious freedom would come from laws banning churches, confiscating Bibles, or preventing people from worshipping. Instead, the pressure has arrived in a quieter—and arguably more effective—form. Increasingly, Christians are discovering that faithfully holding to biblical convictions can carry a professional cost.
A recent federal appeals court ruling in Oregon illustrates just how dramatically the cultural landscape has shifted.
Roderick Theis, a public school counselor and Christian, lost his job after refusing to remove books from his office affirming the biblical understanding that human beings are created male and female. Among the books were He Is He, She Is She, and Johnny the Walrus, a satirical children’s book addressing gender ideology by well known Conservative columnist Matt Walsh.
After students asked about the books and Theis shared them outside of formal counseling sessions, school officials terminated his employment. This month, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision, concluding that because he was acting as a government employee, his speech was not protected under the First Amendment.
On one level, this is a dispute over workplace policies. On another, it reveals something far more significant.
The issue is no longer simply whether Christians are free to believe what the Bible teaches. Increasingly, the question is whether those beliefs can be expressed in certain workplaces without risking one’s career. What was once regarded as a widely accepted understanding of human nature is now, in some settings, viewed as inappropriate—or even harmful.
That should concern far more people than Christians alone.
This Isn’t Really About Three Books
At first glance, this appears to be another dispute over transgender ideology in the public schools. But if that’s all we see, we’ll miss the much bigger story.
Rod Theis wasn’t accused of mistreating students. He wasn’t fired for incompetence, harassment, or neglecting his responsibilities. According to the school district, the problem was that he quietly displayed books affirming the belief that people are created male and female—a view shared not only by Christians, but by virtually every civilization throughout history until only the past few years.
That should give us pause.
The real question isn’t whether someone agrees with Theis’ beliefs. The question is why those beliefs are increasingly treated as unacceptable in places where other viewpoints are openly celebrated.
Something fundamental has changed.
For decades, Christians were told they were free to believe whatever they wished—as long as they didn’t force those beliefs on others. Today, in many institutions, simply expressing those beliefs can itself be viewed as harmful. The issue is no longer coercion. The belief itself has become the problem.
That represents a profound cultural shift.
When Truth Becomes Harm
Perhaps the most remarkable change isn’t that biblical beliefs are being challenged. Christians have always expected opposition. What’s different today is how those beliefs are increasingly being reclassified.
The progression has been subtle but unmistakable.
First came the call for tolerance.
“You don’t have to agree.”
Then came the expectation of silence.
“Keep those beliefs private.”
Then came the demand for affirmation.
“Use the preferred language. Celebrate every identity.”
Now, in a growing number of workplaces, schools, and professional settings, simply affirming what the Bible teaches about humanity may itself be considered harmful.
That is far more than a cultural disagreement. It is a complete reversal of how truth is understood.
The debate is no longer merely over biology or psychology. It is over authority. Who has the right to define reality? Scripture? Nature? Government agencies? Professional organizations? Or each individual for themselves?
