Matthew Spence was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy from 2012 to 2015. He recently wrote an Op Ed in the Washington Post entitled “I was a closeted Christian at the Pentagon” — meaning, for those confused, he hid his Christianity on the job.

It’s a fascinating read, both from the perspective of a Christian and that of a government official. It’s interesting to see Spence discuss how he felt pressured to hide his Christianity, the impact that had on him spiritually, and what happened when he decided he wasn’t going to do that anymore: 

I feared how coming out as a practicing Christian would define me. I worried that my bosses, peers and subordinates might associate me with American officials who have spoken of US military engagements in the Middle East as “crusades ” or with the Islamic State’s declaration of holy war. I feared that talking about my faith would detract from the logic of my arguments…

One friend said. “But when you say you’re a Christian, people assume you’re judging them, not that you’re called to work for something larger than yourself…”

I determined that I was needlessly living a double life. I started thinking of myself as a Christian in the Pentagon. I didn’t wear my faith on my sleeve, but I looked to my religious values to hold myself more accountable, make myself more thoughtful and help shine a light on suffering I might otherwise overlook…

Recognizing that there’s a role for faith in a time of war made me a better policymaker…

In truth, Spence’s “change” in perspective appears to have been largely internal, which would seem to mean he really didn’t come “out” of the closet.

Still, atheist blogger Hemant Mehta scoffed at Spence’s description of his self-imposed exile, claiming being a Christian in government service was a non-event in a pay-for-click blog post:

Coming out as Christian in the U.S. — even when you’re working for the government — is just not a big damn deal.

Mehta, who has had no experience as a Christian or government official (though he was a math teacher), declines to explain where he gained his insight. He’s also wrong.

Somewhat ironically, Mehta and other activists — even atheists who claim to depend on unbiased “reason” — cannot acknowledge that the peer and societal pressures to conform are essentially universal.  Not only do the conforming social norms not include Christianity, they are often anti-Christian. Rather, for these activists to succeed in their crusade, this pressure has to be reserved as a vehicle for victimization only for others who want special treatment in society — and it is necessary for Christianity to be viewed as both majority and favored for them to maintain their victimhood.

Mehta uses this very point [emphasis added]:

Try coming out as an atheist, where people think you’re immoral no matter what good things you do. Try coming out as gay or lesbian, knowing people (usually conservative Christians) would deprive you of equal rights if they had the power to do it. Try coming out as trans, where people (usually conservative Christians) will deny you access to the proper bathroom if they can.

In other words, “people think” something about you when you label yourself.  That’s universal, despite Mehta’s desire to reserve it for atheists or homosexuals — his “special” groups.  While Mehta is content to stereotype Christians and society’s view of others, he refuses to even acknowledge that “coming out as a Christian” might mean “people will think” something about them.

Mehta’s basic position is that because Spence is a Christian, he cannot, by definition, experience any societal pressure or discrimination. Where’s the “reason” in such a statement, or the evidence for it? Mehta doesn’t provide any. It’s just assumed.

Try this, Hemant:

Try coming out as a Christian, knowing people (usually gays and lesbians) would deprive you of equal rights if they had the power to do it.

Unlike Mehta’s “argument,” this isn’t conjecture. Homosexuals, often via state governments, have explicitly deprived Christians of their rights — including their rights to live in accordance with their religious beliefs and to express those beliefs.

While that was probably not an issue for Spence, who apparently leans “progressive,” to completely ignore its reality is to reveal an unbridled bias that undermines Mehta’s attempt to claim a reasoned argument.

To the point, there are certainly Christians in public service who intentionally “hide” their faith. As noted in Christian Fighter Pilot is not an Oxymoron, there are certainly cultures and institutions within the government hostile to the Christian faith or where the Christian faith is not welcome. Spence’s concerns were not without reason.

That said, Christians in public service need to develop the strength of faith to stand for Christ. It isn’t always easy, and there may be ramifications simply for living accordance to your faith.  But you must choose this day whom you will serve, and you must decide what is truly important in your life — and whether you are ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Repeated at the Stars and Stripes.

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