During a Family Talk program to promote his wife’s “National Day of Prayer” effort, James Dobson floated a claim by a pastor that Christians must prepare for imminent and severe persecution and that pastors may spend the rest of their days in prison. While Dobson didn’t name which pastor told him that, he asked his guest Greg Laurie of Harvest Ministries whether he was onto something. Laurie argued that America is experiencing “a complete, total moral meltdown” that seems to “be happening at an accelerated rate.”

Dobson: If I’m reading the mood of the American people at this time, especially Christians, there is great concern for the welfare of our nation. I think more than I’ve ever seen in my adult lifetime. One pastor whom you would know, I won’t name him, he said to me this week, ‘we’re losing ground morally all the time,’ and he said, ‘I’ve told my people get ready for persecution because it’s coming, it’s coming to everyone who is a vocal believer in Jesus Christ,’ and he said that he really expects to end his life in prison. I don’t know if you would put it that way but are you also aware of a growing anxiety or angst that’s out there at this time?

Laurie: Well there is no question Dr. Dobson that there is a complete, total moral meltdown happening in our country and it seems to be happening at an accelerated rate right now, almost shockingly so. This is due to just a lack of knowing God. I think the only ultimate thing that could turn our country around right now is a revival, we need an awakening and we’ve had them in our nation in the past when things also were very dark and we need another one.