Courage and faith are found in the darkest of places. In Islamic controlled Iran, Muslim clerics have denounced Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for once being a Muslim and converting to Christianity. Now on his third appeal, the decision is being made as I write as to whether to uphold his conviction and carry out his execution. He stands also accused of sharing his faith and converting Muslims.
Officially, Iran and international law forbid these actions, but consistent with Islamic beliefs, the clerics who are the true leaders of Iran are holding to a different set of laws within Islamic culture itself. Rumors are flying he may have his sentence commuted, yet still be subject to life in prison. Others have claimed he will be set free to placate western interests, but even if so, twelve years ago a pastor was set free and assassinated by authorities in Iran shortly after his release. Nadarkhani’s case has come to light just as Iran has also confiscated 6,500 Bibles because they would be subversive to youth.
This week, my oldest son, Jonathan, learned in World History that Islam is the “religion of peace.” Exact words. This statement is made about a religion which began with an army and forced conversions and now in many countries challenges the right to believe in Christianity on many fronts.
Have Christians ever done such atrocities in history? Yes. But this does not negate what is done in the name of Allah and unlike Muslim clerics, Christianity owns these past actions as sin and counter to the truth of Christ.
Martin Luther stood trial once for his own belief in what the Scriptures said. When asked if he would recant his writings on the subject, he replied, “Here I stand, I can do no other.”
Pray for Pastor Nadarkhani as he makes a tremendous stand. Don’t let him stand alone.
He was asked to recant his faith this week. “Repent,” the judge said.
“Repent means to return. What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?” Nadarkhani replied.
Repent…”to the religion of your ancestors, Islam,” said the judge.
Nadarkhani said, “I cannot.”
