"Read it before it becomes illegal!"

That's the warning on the cover of the new book, "The Criminalization of Christianity," out in bookstores this week.

While the phrase is catchy, it's hardly a joke, according to some local Christians.

Mars resident Ross Conley, who helped research and edit the book, said there is an ongoing assault on Christians and it can't be ignored.

"There's a lot of attacks on Christian believers in an attempt to silence us," Conley said.

The book was written by Faith2Action executive director Janet Folger. Conley serves as communication director for the group.

Faith2Action is a nonprofit group that lobbies for Christians in the government and private sectors.

Folger said

she knew she had to write the book after hearing a speech in 1997 by Bob Knight. Folger said that at the time, she thought Knight was going overboard with his ideas. But now she believes he was right on target.

"And I have a whole book of evidence to prove it," she said.

Knight is director of the Culture and Family Institute, a branch of Concerned Women of America, which bills itself as the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

The book discusses several examples of what Folger calls the homosexual agenda and how it is infringing on the rights of Christians to speak about their beliefs and practice their faith openly.

"They want to do away with the Bible," she said. "It's not just happening in Sweden, it's not just happening in Canada, it's getting closer to here."

The book offers more than just examples of what Folger and Conley have called a growing problem.

"It's not just about saying there's a problem," Conley said. "It's also about asking what we can do about it. And sometimes that means getting on your knees in prayer."

His two favorite chapters in the book, Conley said, are "12 Different Lessons From God" and "Lessons From Ronald Reagan."

"They're full of practical suggestions," he said. "Things we can actually do to make a difference."

Conley said he isn't aware of much resistance to the book when it was being written or published, but added Folger took a huge risk in completing it.

"Janet described it as a sort of spiritual attack," Conley said. "Several other people had started similar books on this topic but never finished them because it's a hot-button issue."

Folger said not many people knew she was writing the book until it hit the bookstores this month, which is probably why she didn't receive a lot of flak prior to its publication.

However, since it came out, she has received a few unflattering responses.

"I've gotten some e-mails so far," she said. "They've mostly been the usual stuff, telling me that I'm hateful and bigoted."

Folger has gotten some positive responses from people about the book, including those who said they are scared by some of its content because they feel it is true.

"The most recent comment I've gotten is that this book is scary," she said. "We are closer to being imprisoned for what we believe. We are seeing the message of the Gospel silenced."

Citing topics like the separation of church and state and a Swedish priest who was jailed for speaking out against homosexuality, a review of Folger's book on Amazon.com asserts Christians are being "singled out" in an "assault on morality."

Conley said part of his job was to check and double-check all sources in the book for accuracy because of the sensitive issues discussed within the book's pages. Folger also was required by the publisher to get written consent from anyone she quoted in the book.

The measures were taken to keep people from coming back later and saying they did not make comments or provide information for the book if it becomes too controversial, Conley said.

He said people should make an effort to read the book for many reasons.

"Sometimes people need to be aware of things we face as Christians and things we can do to make a difference," he said. "If we continue to be silent … we could be facing fines or jail sentences for practicing our faith."

Obviously the book will appeal to Christians. But Conley said it is his hope non-Christians will read it as well.

"It's certainly our prayer that some will read it and place their trust in Christ as the Holy Spirit leads them," Conley said. "Anyone who is interested in our rights to free speech as Americans should be interested."

Folger presents the Gospel on pages 235 to 237 and also pages 30 and 185 for non-believers.

Folger said the book is a must-read for everyone, not just Christians.

"It doesn't read like a heavy research piece," she said. "It's easy to read except the material is so stark. It will shock you and it will scare you."