Rifqa Bary
Reading the assorted media accounts of the Rifqa Bary case, the words of Christ to His disciples come to mind: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you (Jn. 15:18-19)."
Although the words of Christ referenced the religious rulers of His time on this earth, there is direct application to not only Ms. Bary's situation where she ran away from home earlier this summer, fearing for her life from her Muslim parents as she had become a Christian, but life as believers know it today. (More background on Ms. Bary's case available here.)
It should never come as a surprise when the world acts like, well, the world. The apostle John wrote, "Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you (1 Jn. 3:13)." Christ Himself warned his followers, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets (Lk. 6:26)."
Just as it should not come as a surprise when the world hates us if we are genuinely following Christ by living our lives according to His example, it should not come as a surprise when the media treats believers as lepers. Traditional media is saturated with non-believers. Christians are scarce; respect for them and Christ even more scarce. How else could they treat us but with contempt and a condescending attitude?
Refer back to Rifqa Bary's case. CNN's most recent article maintains a veneer of even-handedness, yet quotes no one on Rifqa's side of the case while quoting her father. Meanwhile, it links to an article in Time magazine that drips with derision toward Rifqa, labeling her a liar while viciously slandering all who support her in her quest to worship Christ without fearing for her life.
It is a seeming paradox that in today's environment where traditional media is facing increased pressure from both charges of bias and an ever-shrinking revenue base as subscriptions and advertising both dwindle away that it would stubbornly cling to the kind of coverage referenced above. Yet it does. It is more addicted to its sin than any sense of what is necessary to survive.
With this as our reality, how then should we respond?
While isolation from the world is not only impractical but in direct violation of Christ's commandment to those of us who know and love Him to be His witness to the world, it is vital for believers to come together, drawing strength and encouragement from each other.
Also important is for Christians whenever possible to promote each other. The world does enough to lift up its own. We don't need to help. Many were offended when in this space Michelle Malkin was called out for employing an aggressive atheist as one of her main writers. Why? The world already wallows in its hatred of us. What justification is there for one who states they follow Jesus to inflict further hatred on fellow believers?
Finally, it is up to all believers to spread the truth. The world lies. Don't suffer its lies in silence. Use the tools at hand to counter lies with the truth. Speak accurately. Know the facts. Spread the word.
And pray for Rifqa Bary. Unfailingly.
Comments
Christ's words seem to apply more aptly to American-Muslims. It is ludicrous for you to even try to portray the evangelical block as beleagured and persecuted. I just saw a show on Fox News which was bascially an evangelical hate fast. The lineup was Anti-Gay, then Anti-Muslim, and finally Anti-science. Having a News organisatin and entire political party cater to your every whim, despite of their illegality and immorality, makes you a power-drunk tyrants not victims. True Christians, of which there are thankfully many, would come out against the seduction of a vulnerable, non-citizen 17 year Muslim old girl by far more powerful, far more wealthy adults. What was this desperate girl taunted and seduced by?
It seems the Times article is not the only thing that "drips with derision". While I agree with your main point here (basically expounding on 1 John 3:13), this does not mean it is appropriate for anybody to make assumptions or jump to conclusions.
My take: I am very concerned for Rifqa. Still, I haven't come across anything that makes it conclusive her family is dangerous (not that an abundance of caution and concern is not warranted). And I can't say I am a fan of how certain folks (i.e. the Lorenzes) have handled the situation. I have plenty of skepticism toward them.
As a close friend of Rifqa, I sincerely thank you for having the discernment to see what is happening in the media world over Rifqa. With a ridiculously biased media monster stomping on a poor, little girl... it's a breath of fresh air to read your article.
I find it interesting that you bring up isolationism as a negative, given that Christian evangelism is responsible for Christian Rock, Christian literature, Christian film, and Christian radio. They make up the largest percentage of home-schooled individuals (which uses Christian education materials), and it is trivially easy to find examples of children existing outside of their Christian parents strict worldview (through non-belief, belief in another religion, homosexuality, etc) who have run away from home for fears similar to Rifqa's. All too often they have even been kicked out of their home, or beaten, or threatened, for their beliefs.
Rifqa deserves attention not because her family is Muslim, and she converted to Christianity, but because the fundamentalist, isolationist, absolutist psychology that is shared by Muslims, Christians, Jews and many others is something which needs public attention.
I have to note that, while this case has been simmering for some time, with coverage all over the map (that is, sympathetic to many points of view), the comment here is the first from anyone who claims to be a close friend of Rifqa. There are plenty of new friends in Florida--all with church connections. There is one Central Ohio minister (Jamal Jivanjee) who claims to have met her (via an online connection). But where is the Christian community in Columbus that nurtured her conversion and four years of secret worship? It is certainy not impossible to garner media attention--where are the friends with whom she has prayed, studied and worhipped?
Columbus Parent: You're quite overestimating the reach of my writing if you think everyone involved with the case is reading it. I believe Pamela Geller at the Atlas Shrugs blog has far more info, including interviews, than I. And more readers.
Tucker: I don't argue with you on your page out of professional courtesy. Please return the favor. As I explained in my post, isolationism is not an option for the true believer. Do not confuse fellowship with isolation.
Adam: Believe what you will, but do the research. Do not rely on the mainstream media in this matter.
Khamdy: If Rifqa's belief in Christ is genuine, your argument is moot. I don't expect you to admit it could be, but consider the matter from that perspective.
Rifqa's friend: Please contact me at the e-mail address in my bio here. Thanks.
The problem here is not that she converted to christianity but her claim that her father threatened her with an honor killing. That is a statement that came directly after she ran away. IF she was honestly threatened the first thing to do would be to report to the police. How come her Ohio friends or colleagues have not heard her particularly mention an honor killing? Ask the peopl who know the bary family in Ohio and then you will get the picture of their nature. Just accusing a parent before clarifying details is not the right way to approach a matter of this nature. What would you do if your daughter or son tomorrow converts to Islam and then runs away from home in a stranger's house? What is your first concern? Bringing your child home or thinking about her conversion? Any parent would want their family to be together. Without knowing her family the media is labelling them. IF this is the case no one can attent a church or mosque because it would mean you are a radical/extremist.
letthetruthbeknown: Yeah, the media sure is hammering away at her parents, aren't they.
Name one traditional media story that doesn't at the least give her parents the benefit of the doubt and as a matter of course portray them as the victims in this. One. We'll be waiting. In the meanwhile, say hi to all your friends at talkislam.com for us.
@ Jerry
I'm an agnostic. However I also know a lot about Islam & Christianity and have lived in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, US & Venezuela. I would rather live in any Christian country over a muslim one any day. Because as a person who relies on facts there is no doubt that the tenets of Christianity and Jesus Christ are 100 times more compassionate, forgiving, loving and just than anything Islam teaches. All you have to do is compare the different approaches Jesus and Mohamed had to adultery in the Bible & Sahih (Authentic) Hadiths (Hadiths are reports on the actions of the prophet and are part of the islamic Sunnah and used to determine Fiqh or laws in Sharia) Simply Google the terms "John 7:53" and "Sahih Muslims 4206" and compare for yourselves. (Spolier: Mohamed's idea of mercy is to tell those casting stones to not curse the adulteress when her blood spatters on their robes)
So don't assume all atheists condemn Christianity. Some of us appreciate and respect it greatly
AtefehSahaleeh: I apologize if it comes off like I despise atheists. Not the case. My bad for not being more precise in my verbiage. Thanks for commenting.
The four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence mandate death to those who leave Islam. Mohammad said: "If anyone changes his religion, kill him." (Bukhari 9.84.57) Until this is changed, the lives of Rifqa and any and all those who leave Islam, are endangered. Any Muslim can carry out the Allah-approved sentence.
Furthermore, men and women all over the world have been murdered for leaving Islam. These facts mean that Rifqa Bary must be protected from sharia law. The Barnabas Fund is currently running a petition "Why must they be secret?" gathering signatures to present on behalf of the ex-Muslims who've converted or lapsed from Islam. Islam runs a vigilante system of law -- that's why Islamic countries are so lawless and messy.
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