Is being a Christian a mental illness?
Just noticed the following article on the MSNBC Website this morning.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11955289/
It is about a man in Afghanistan (Abdul Rahman, 41) who converted from Islam to Christianity that is in their courts now, seeking the death penalty. This in itself shows one of the large differences in the religions, and unfortunately isn't all that new. But it is a reminder that this type of persecution still exists in the world today. If you want to see more of what is going on worldwide--Voice of the Martyrs is a somber resource that shows (and the book a few years ago that came out by dc Talk--Jesus Freaks, has many a story of present day persecution).
But what really got me was how the defense was orienting his defense that the man was mentally ill. Because if he is, then Islam provides for forgiveness and not death--because the mentally ill are not able to understand their actions. State prosecutor Sarinwal Zamari said of the man:' “We think he could be mad. He is not a normal person. He doesn’t talk like a normal person,” he told The Associated Press.' (see link above as the resource) Police have said they will drop charges if he converts back to Islam, which he refused. And what started all of this was finding a Bible in his possession.
As a Christian, I do want to pray for this man...and for this country. But also, to think about my faith, your faith, all of our faiths. Would I be willing to "save" my life by going with the mentally ill plea--or would I lose it and stick to what I believe. I know what I would do (or at least think I would do--since I am not in that situation). Because the Bible does say, "He who tries to save his life will lose it, but he who would lose his life for me will save it." (ok--that is a paraphrase--I don't have my Bible in front of me, forgive me if I messed it up a little, but the point is the same).
So how about you? Would you be able to stand up to this scrutiny, and prove that you are not mentally ill...but that you have been changed by the power of Christ's blood?
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11955289/
It is about a man in Afghanistan (Abdul Rahman, 41) who converted from Islam to Christianity that is in their courts now, seeking the death penalty. This in itself shows one of the large differences in the religions, and unfortunately isn't all that new. But it is a reminder that this type of persecution still exists in the world today. If you want to see more of what is going on worldwide--Voice of the Martyrs is a somber resource that shows (and the book a few years ago that came out by dc Talk--Jesus Freaks, has many a story of present day persecution).
But what really got me was how the defense was orienting his defense that the man was mentally ill. Because if he is, then Islam provides for forgiveness and not death--because the mentally ill are not able to understand their actions. State prosecutor Sarinwal Zamari said of the man:' “We think he could be mad. He is not a normal person. He doesn’t talk like a normal person,” he told The Associated Press.' (see link above as the resource) Police have said they will drop charges if he converts back to Islam, which he refused. And what started all of this was finding a Bible in his possession.
As a Christian, I do want to pray for this man...and for this country. But also, to think about my faith, your faith, all of our faiths. Would I be willing to "save" my life by going with the mentally ill plea--or would I lose it and stick to what I believe. I know what I would do (or at least think I would do--since I am not in that situation). Because the Bible does say, "He who tries to save his life will lose it, but he who would lose his life for me will save it." (ok--that is a paraphrase--I don't have my Bible in front of me, forgive me if I messed it up a little, but the point is the same).
So how about you? Would you be able to stand up to this scrutiny, and prove that you are not mentally ill...but that you have been changed by the power of Christ's blood?
posted by RobMcFarren | 8:44 AM
|
0 comments
