Update II: Mark Tapscott:
It is true that the Church has grown most intensely from ground watered with the blood of martyrs, especially during the Roman persecutions and during the Reformation, as detailed in John Foxe’s classic “Book of Martyrs.”
Bloggers like Malkin and Barber have been all over this story, but President Bush said nothing about Rahman during his news conference this morning. But then none of the mainstream media reporters there asked him about it, either.
Update (3/21): Call the White House at 202-456-1111.
Brian Mattson has put together a petition. Michelle Malkin has more info here and here.
Prior to the Reformation, popes and kings interpreted the Bible for their predominantly illiterate followers, and they misused that power to drum up sectarian and ethnic wars. The Reformation brought Christianity closer to its founding text, and the printing press spread literacy. The Bible and especially the New Testament isn’t militaristic universally across time—in fact, it’s often argued (incorrectly) that the New Testament is pacifist. Christ Himself never wielded a sword against anyone, and did heal a man that one of His own followers wounded—and this, the night before His crucifixion. The New Testament is neither militaristic nor pacifist; one of the first Gentile converts was a soldier in the Roman army and he was not commanded to quit his job. The plain text recognizes the occassional need for military force, but never ever preaches conversion by the sword.
A good grasp on what the Bible actually teaches is a blessing in and of itself. Read the whole post.
————————————————————————————————————————-
A former Muslim’s family turned him in for becoming a Christian, and now he faces the death penalty unless he denies Christ. From the Herald Sun:
Islamic sharia law proposes the death sentence for Muslims who abandon the religion. Afghanistan’s new constitution says “no law can be contrary to the sacred religion of Islam.”
…
He would be charged with abandoning Islam, Mr Mawlavizada said.“The prosecutor says he should be executed on the basis of the constitution,” Mr Mawlavizada said, who added that Mr Rahman could come back to Islam…”If he does not … he will be punished,” he said.
Over the past 2,000 years, millions of Christ followers have been killed, and Abdul Rahman will likely be added to the list. Before Christ returns, countless others will be martyred. Unlike Islam, Christianity doesn’t require its adherents to kill those who renounce the faith. While believers are permitted to fight in wars and defend themselves, we are not permitted to murder for any reason.
Beginning in Acts 6, we read about a man called Stephen, considered the first martyr in Christendom. After Christ was murdered, his disciples continued to preach and teach, and the number of believers grew. Acts is also where we read about the formation and expansion of the Christian church.
The unbelieving Jews of the Sanhedrin arrested Stephen for blasphemy. Knowing he would be found guilty and sentenced to death, Stephen gave a rousing speech (in Acts 7) about Israel’s deliverance from physical slavery in Egypt, a sign pointing to deliverance from spiritual slavery through the Messiah. Just as their forefathers doubted Moses, many Jews also doubted Jesus. But others believed.
As he was being stoned, Stephen was recorded to have said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” He asked God to forgive his murderers. One of the witnesses to his stoning was Paul (Saul), a Christ hater who would become one of the greatest apostles and lead a mission to spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. (See maps of his first, second, and third journeys.) It is believed that Paul was murdered for the faith under Nero’s reign.
Christians, unless you live in the Middle East or Africa or anywhere Muslims rule, it’s doubtful that you’ll be murdered for believing in Christ, but remember the saints who are. Pray for them to remain strong and encouraged. Ask God to give them a calm heart and mind, knowing that he can use even evil for his divine purpose. Who knows how many people will be converted as a result of Rahman’s death? Perhaps one of his murderers will take up the cross and follow Christ, just as the Apostle Paul did!
Rahman’s reward will be great. He will be face to face with Christ.
The marytrs cry, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” That blood will be avenged. Remember this when you hear others talk about God’s love but ignore his righteous wrath.
(The Stoning of St. Stephen by Rembrandt)
Update: In writing this post, I didn’t meant to imply that people should do nothing to help Abdul Rahman. I wanted to provide a biblical perspective on this story. Contact The Voice of the Martyrs and the White House. Also see International Christian Concern. Make your voices heard.
Dawn Eden has more. (Thanks, Jewels)
