Jason Wiedel is available as a source for interviews on . . .
- Christian Persecution in America
- Changes in Christianity
- Theology
- Cultural Shifts
- Progressive Christianity
Short Bio
Jason Wiedel worked in church ministry for nearly 20 years. He currently writes about changes in Christian culture. Jason blogs at JasonWiedel.com.
Full Bio
Jason Wiedel worked in church ministry for twenty years. He worked in children’s ministry, youth ministry, church leadership, Sunday morning preaching, outreach, and foreign missions. Jason was a founder of the Virginia Festival of Creative Arts, Dramafest, and Surry Preaching Conference. He has also been a presenter for Habitat for Humanity, Leadercast, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Smithsonian Institute. In 2008 Jason Wiedel founded The Center, a non-profit, community outreach coffee shop in Surry, Virginia. The Center hosted programs for children and adults in areas of Christian spirituality and personal growth, and community development. In 2012 Jason became director of Habitat for Humanity in Surry and Sussex Counties, serving local residents with housing needs.
Jason blogs about issues of faith and culture at JasonWiedel.com. His book Persecution Complex addresses the persecution narrative embraced by many Evangelical Christians identifying it as dangerous and damaging.
Press Release
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Persecution Complex Quotes
“Who benefits from persecution? Candidates who want more votes, politicians who want more power, commentators who want more viewers, authors who want more book sales, and preachers who want more media coverage. The idea that we are persecuted, whether for religious beliefs or other ideology, is a myth perpetuated by the powerful. We should be suspicious whenever those in power claim persecution or try to rally the persecuted. We should be especially suspicious if those in power claim to have the solution to this persecution.”
“Now I have come to believe that Christians in America are not persecuted or oppressed (for the most part). I believe that what many Christians perceive as persecution is actually fear of losing their place of privilege and the exploitation of this fear by people of power.”
“The persecution narrative can only exist in an environment of pride. It takes hold when Christians insist they fully understand the truth and believe it is their responsibility to defend that truth. The persecution narrative loses its grip, however, when Christians embrace humility.”
“Most Americans do not care if their cashier says ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays.’ Most people just want an enjoyable holiday season. They don’t want Christmas to be a battleground.”
“Persecution is an offense against our religion. Injustice is an offense against the humanity of another person. We should recognize that Jesus never stood up for His religion. He never attempted to defend Himself from the persecution of others. He did stand up for justice and the righteous treatment of others. He did encourage His followers to defend and provide for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger; helpless people who were in need of a provider and an advocate.”
Quick Facts
- Jason worked as a magician, puppeteer, and children’s entertainer for 15 years.
- Jason serves on the Surry Youth Services Citizens Board.
- Jason serves on the Workforce Investment Board Youth Council.
- Jason has served as the president of the Surry County Chamber of Commerce. He currently functions on the Board of Directors.
- Jason taught theater at Renaissance School of the Arts for five years.
JasonWiedel.com 
“Jesus never ‘stood up’ for His ‘religion’? What was the ‘religion’ of the Jews/of Israel? Their ‘religion’ was the worship of God and adherence to His law as given to Moses and expanded by the religious leaders of the people. Jesus told the people in Matt. 5:17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill,” and explains that in verses 18-20. You say the underlying problem is many American Christians have become convinced they are a persecuted people. Jason, may I suggest that you have not been reading the right media reports and literature. True, American Christians have not come close to the kind of persecution that Christians in other parts of the world are experiencing but there is definitely a subtle and persistent persecution going on here. By accusing Christians of having a “Persecution Complex” I would respectfully suggest that you need to refine your definition of persecution.