Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
Yusef Nadarkhani is a Christian pastor in Iran who was arrested in October 2009 and sentenced to death for apostasy. Even though he converted to Christianity as a 19-year-old, his family history is held against him.
Back when he was first arrested and sentenced to death, the international outcry was substantial. Now that his death is imminent, the United States has been sadly silent, even as leaders of other countries condemn what is about to happen.
Under Iranian shariah law, the verdict can be overturned if the convict repents and renounces his faith. Nadarkhani was given three or four opportunities to do just that. He declined, confessing his faith in Christ. He has a wife and two young children.
Rumors swirled yesterday that the death sentence may have been lifted, perhaps in exchange for lifetime imprisonment (which is still, of course, an abomination). However, those are just rumors and some groups are worried that they were floated simply to get the non-U.S. international pressure off their backs.
I can't imagine why the United States is not speaking out in this situation. The execution of any human being for his religious beliefs, no matter what those beliefs are, is unacceptable and should always be condemned by all civilized people.
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May '10
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
Mollie Hemingway, Ed.
I can't imagine why the United States is not speaking out in this situation. The execution of any human being for his religious beliefs, no matter what those beliefs are, is unacceptable and should always be condemned by all civilized people. ·
It's for exactly the same reason that the Justice Department won't prosecute racial crimes against whites. In the leftist's world view, whites and Christians are the power groups that need to be taken down in order for due equality to be established.
This pastor is just collateral damage in the war to right historic wrongs against Muslims.
Edited on Sep 29, 2011 at 8:22amNov '10
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
Is there someone we should write to? Thanks for reminding us about this man. He is in my prayers.
Apr '11
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
Why would pagans come to the aid of a Christian?
Nov '10
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
How much condemnation by other Muslims of this judicially sanctioned murder--especially in freer societies--is taking place?
Suppose a gang of militant Christians, firmly in charge of a theocratic state, tried to kill a Muslim citizen who had the temerity not to recant his religious beliefs.
I would imagine a lot of other Christians round the globe would object strenuously.
Moreover, not only would they be fervently opposed to the evil act itself, they would be deeply ashamed of the implied perversion of their faith.
Furthermore, that the murderous militant Christians called themselves Christians would not act as a bar to condemnation. If anything, it would intensify condemnation.
So, how much are other Muslims condemning Nadarkhani's pending murder?
To the extent that they are reasonably free to condemn it (e.g., as they would be in, say, Turkey), the extent that they actually do condemn it is a barometer of how much Islam is a moderate and civilized religion, as opposed to a cruel and barbarous one.
I am not here asserting anything about the nature of Islam. What I am asserting is that here lies one source of empirical evidence as to its nature.
Edited on Sep 29, 2011 at 8:50amMay '10
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
Aodhan, Fred Harris and katievs all expressed my thoughts eloquently. I second what they say.
Put it another way: Islam gets a pass that no other group would ever get it behaved the same. This double standard is the supreme scandal of our day.
May '10
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
In Islam, a child of a Muslim man is, by birthright, a Muslim. To renounce that birthright is to be murtad fitri, the worst type of apostate. This, of course, describes our President. Yet no Muslim cleric has denounced him for it and no Islamic court, not even in the most extreme countries on Earth, have tried him for it in abstentia. Why? To quote the great Queen Claire, "It's not a conspiracy...." Is it?
Obama can not defend internationally what he claims he is guilty of himself.
Edited on Sep 29, 2011 at 9:49amApr '11
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
My prayers go out to this man. It's hard to imagine this sort of persecution, growing up in a nation where Christianity is approved of or at worst, merely tolerated (depending on where you live).
Maybe that's why we have trouble speaking out for such men. We do not conceive of the conviction it takes to hold onto his beliefs in the face of death. Our post-modern society sees belief so fluid that it seems strange to many that anyone would refuse to convert to save their life.
Aug '10
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
Making apostasy a capital crime is barbaric. Unfortunately it's a barbarism that is not restricted to our enemies but is shared by a certain kleptocratic client state where we have 100,000 troops and have suffered 1,700 dead and 14,000 wounded.
May '11
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
Mollie Hemingway, Ed.
Now that his death is imminent, the United States has been sadly silent, even as leaders of other countries condemn what is about to happen.
Fox News is running a story that the White House has condemned this pastor's possible execution, and reference is also made to a statement issued by the Speaker of the House.
We've sent emails to our leaders here in Aussie urging them to respond. Please urge your leaders there to continue doing what they can.
Sep '11
Re: Latest on Iranian Pastor's Death Sentence for Apostasy
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
Christians should fight persecution where they can, but expect it because of their faith.
Edited on Sep 29, 2011 at 2:47pm