 |
|
|
|
|
November 11th, 2010
10:58 AM ET
Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy in PakistanCNN's Reza Sayah and journalist Nasir Habib filed this report: A Christian woman has been sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan, two police officials told CNN Thursday. Asia Bibi was convicted of insulting Islam's prophet, Mohammed, while working in a field with several Muslim women in a village southwest of Lahore. She told them the Quran was "fake" and made comments about one of Mohammed's wives and about his health in his final days, the police complaint against her said. She said that "the Quran is fake and your prophet remained in bed for one month before his death because he had worms in his ears and mouth. He married Khadija just for money and after looting her kicked her out of the house," local police official Muhammad Ilyas told CNN.
The initial complaint against Bibi was filed on June 14, 2009, by a Muslim cleric, Ilyas said. Police say the Muslim women reported the incident to Qari Muhammad Salim, who later filed the police report. The cleric claims Bibi confessed to him and apologized. Muhammad Iqbal, a senior police official in the district of Nankana Sahib, said she also was fined the equivalent of $1,100. Police say Bibi was charged with breaking section 295-C of Pakistan's penal code, which says: "Whoever ... defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine." Former Pakistani Supreme Court Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid told CNN he doesn't recall a death sentence ever being carried against someone convicted of breaking Pakistan's anti-blasphemy laws. Death sentences in these cases are almost always overturned by higher courts on appeal, he said. Death sentences are carried out by hanging in Pakistan. CNN has not yet been able to contact Bibi or her family directly. It is not clear when the sentence was handed down.
Pakistan is more than 96 percent Muslim, according to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. |
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
|
|
|
It's Pakistani law, and most Pakistanis support it.
Thanks goodness that Islam is such a peaceful religion. Just imagine what it would be like if they werent so understanding and lived in the 7th century instead of now.
It's peculiar that you can get away with blasphemy against Jesus, whom Mohammed pointed to as a great prophet, yet get sentenced to death for "blasphemy" against Mohammed. Obviously this one doesn't pass the smell test, and i would suspect that a small Muslim faction had great influence over this verdict and that the typical Muslim strongly disagrees with this miscarriage of Islamic law.
@BrotherJohn: It's Pakistani law, and most Pakistanis support it.
you are assuming that these people think and act like people in the civilized world. they dont. i bet that not a single pakistani muslim would make any attempt at scrapping their blasphemy law.
@Qodex: Actually Brother John may be right about this one. The UK Telegraph has an account of possible pressures put on the police. And it seems no one has ever been executed under this law but while the law is still in place it remains a danger to free speech.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/8120142/Christian-woman-sentenced-to-death-in-Pakistan-for-blasphemy.html?sms_ss=care2&at_xt=4cdbfea87c8b1a7e,0
Hey look it's not like the judge threw the book at her or something, hell 295-C has a maximum fine of $10,000.
One religion insulting another. Its like two stoners on bad acid fighting about who's hallucination is the real one. Quite amusing to watch. The disgusting thing is that these people actually kill each other based on these fairy tales.
The disgusting thing is that they don't limit it to each other.
She's Christian...believes in Christ......Rejects Mohamed....as she should, being Christian......gives her reasons and ridicules Mohamed.......for that Mohamed (Islam) is going to have her executed........The religion of peace and love.....What would happen to Muslim in a reversed situation??? Do you think that the Muslim would be executed for blasphemy?? I doubt that very much...
Loving thy neighbor doesn't mean accepting their religion, but it sure as hell doesn't mean mouthing off. We're out a Christian and Muslims look like monsters; these are two good things in my book.
Idealogy and Joseph – I don't agree that she should be mouthing off. It's anti Christian (Matthew 5:44).
At various points in European and American history, yes, they would have had a similar sentence handed down and acted out. No religion is better or more civilized than any other. Until we all come to the point where we tolerate, respect and accept the differences of other faiths, we all fall short of achieving the goals of our own.
Religion of peace indeed. There's a piece of her there and another piece of her over there.
What gives ANYONE the right to denigrate ANY religion? I don't believe in stoning, but a few lashes would be in order.
What gives you the right to do anything to anyone who simply says something you don't approve of? Even God doesn't do that, although some hold that he'll settle scores when you die. In either case, he doesn't need your interference (or do you think you're God?). As a famous American once said, it neither picks your pocket nor breaks your leg. The simple truth is, most religions SHOULD be denigrated, some more than others, and Islam is at the top of the list.
Remind me to stay away from your place. You must have a whole lot friends. I mean, if saying something bad about a religion earns a few lashings, I'd hate to think what saying something about your MOTHER must earn me. Oy, sometimes dumb ideas just need putting down. Especially since you think someone deserves to have their back cut open because they said something derogatory about a system of belief that centers on an invisible and unknowable man who lives in the sky/another universe whose sole purpose in existence is to watch and govern everything we're doing or saying as opposed to say, making more universe, and who can't just brush off an insult and so must kill somebody for it. Because this all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-LOVING guy is too proud to let a snide comment go by. Yeah, that makes SO much sense.
"What gives ANYONE the right to denigrate ANY religion?"
In this country, it's called the First Amendment.
she is a human being and religion is not a person. Punishing her even with a lash is crazy. if a religion and it's people are good they can stand on their own two feet. punishing anyone who questions or criticizes religious doctrine is simply forcing people to respect something. I do not believe in force, and all relgions are not good. this is an opporutnity for Islam to educate, but instead it simply eliminates those who do not agree. that is frightening.
I do agree that freedom of speech is a double-edged sword. We get to say what we want and it might offend others. But that also goes for others who offend us. Sure you have the right. But lately people use this excuse of freedom of speech to say some flagrantly biased and insensitive things just for the sake of being rude and stirring people up. I do not believe we should be diminishing our right to free speech this way. Just because you have the right to do something doesn't mean you should use your rights to demean others. We still need courtesy and kindness and civility. If the ultimate purpose of freedom of speech is to increase discourse and mutual understanding, are you really fulfilling its purpose by intentionally being hurtful and crass denigrating someone else's religion and putting up roadblocks to being heard? Probably not.
No matter whether you have an opposing viewpoint and are respectful or are rude outright, punishment by death is ridiculous.
"A Christian woman has been sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan, two police officials told CNN Thursday.... Muhammad Iqbal, a senior police official in the district of Nankana Sahib, said she also was fined the equivalent of $1,100."
Right, I'm sure THAT'S going to get paid. "Ok Ma'am, as soon as you give us that $1,100 we're going to kill you, so pay up!"
Bibi: Sooooo.... do I pay a fine OR get killed, or pay the fine AND get killed?
Judge: You pay the fine and get executed.
Bibi: I fail to see the incentive for paying the fine.
Judge: We'll have to have a harsher punishment if you don't.
Bibi: WHAT HARSHER PUNISHMENT IS THERE!?!?!?
Judge:........ It's not like you're going to NEED money where you're going.
Random Jewish guy in the back: Oy.....
Punished with death, but also a fine. Adding insult to injury. Why not let the almighty deal with these people after they die, the ultimate justice.
I believe she was speaking her mind–freedom of speech. Obviously freedom of speech is not honored there or many other places, but I do believe in it. I also believe the punishment should fit the crime. Death is uncalled for.
She did commit the crime of defamation. I am an admitted agnostic. According to a little inspection, Mohammed was married to Khadijah for 25 years and didn't take an additional wife while married to her and by all accounts was happily married to her. While some claim "freedom of speech" there are consequences to speech, especially when based on lies as this seems to be the case. The defamation was against religious figures which dominate the area with known consequences for such. Methinks the dumb Christian was purposefully making herself a martyr.
Hey DavidMichael...
well, by saying that she is willing to be a martyr (a 45 woman, mother of 5), you are assuming she really said what they are saying she said. Don't you consider the fact that they pretty much could have invented that just as an excuse to eliminated someone who thinks differently?
Ah, the joy and love that is Islam! And the tolerance! Don't forget the tolerance!
Bloody wogs.
Throw out all the evil & nonsense by any & all religions & adhere to Confucius's ONE rule; "Do onto others as you would have them do onto you"............ simplifies things, doesn't it?
And the American right salivates: "Why can't we do that here?"
Why would the American Right want to execute those who insult Mohammad?
@Qodex: in the broader sense, they would enjoy mkaing blasphemy, although with their own God, a criminal offense with heavy punishment.
Thanks for clearing that up for us, Joe.
@JoeT – Is everyone on your home planet a moron, or are you just a simple exception?
No kidding. Ever seen the comments on one of these "woman stoned in such and such a place" stories on a right-wing site? They're divided into two camps: 1) "Cool! Let's do that here!" 2) "No, don't do that here–those people aren't Christians!"
Joe T.. I'm fairly certain that is parts of Texas, Alabama and possibly Mississippi, they are already trying to 🙂
Joe T.. I'm fairly certain that in parts of Texas, Alabama and possibly Mississippi, they are already trying to 🙂
Wow Joe T. You have no idea what you are talking about. In a single word you are WRONG.
??? Riiiiiiiight. The same conservatives who would like nothing more than to ban [the intolerant madness that is Islam] from our shores, would also put to death anyone who exercised their right to free speech. Here's a heads-up: Re-read Obama's interview with Rolling Stone. He not only accuses FOX News of being a danger to America (seriously, Barry?), in the same paragraph he expresses a veiled disdain of the first amendment. If anyone would embrace the insanity this poor woman is facing it is the Obama administration, not the GOP. Moron.
Crady, Fox is a GOP mouthpiece that invents stories, invents facts that even when shown false are claimed true and that the FACTS were faked.
Fox has fanned the American people into a blaze of hate, intolerance with ANYTHING that contradicts the GOP's nonsense and ignorance. Fox LITERALLY expresses doublethink as a fine science.
When I first got home after nearly 5 years of deployment, I was beyond disgusted by Fox's antics. To the point that I refuse to turn their channel on AT ALL, in spite of my enjoying some of their shows.
Because, for one large thing, Fox has repeatedly denounced our Muslim allies, who I personally worked with, claiming they are our enemy. Honestly, if the person is going to jump in front of bullets for me, I'll call him or her a friend, not an enemy like Fox does. Because, if THAT is an example of an enemy, I want a LOT of them!
@Crady: That was ironic considering the wave of religious right republican candidates who want to use their religion to legislate the whole country. Nothing "veiled" there to be left up to interpretation by the likes of you. Apparently you've forgotten Witchy Christine's complete lack of comprehension about the first amendment... not to mention the rest of the const!tution. Ironic that you can be so short-sighted and call someone else a "moron". But like they say empty vessels make the most noise.
This is no less then what the crazy right wing Christians want to impose on the rest of us in this country.
ALL RELIGIONS, and I do mean ALL are corrupted by men who follow such BS
I hate to tell you this but religion doesn't have a monopoly on fanaticism ... it gets most of the bashing, but it's not the religion that causes the behavior it's the person following it. These type of people don't need religion to spread their intolerance ...
Haven't you ever met a vegetarian that wouldn't shut up about how great being a vegetarian was, and that eating meat should be completely outlawed, and people that do eat meat are evil? The same could be said of any number of groups that are convinced they are correct, and therefore need to force everyone else to think the same way as them ... and they're NOT religions.
@blursd
the fallacy in your argument is... you've never seen a vegetarian go to war over their beliefs. Holy wars have plagued man since religion was created.
Religion in my opinion is one of the worst concepts to ever be devised. AT one time it helped man explain things that he could not understand, but as science has proven time and time again, so much of what the bible or other religions claim is just plain wrong.
The whole idea of "faith" (blind faith) is one of the most powerful ways to make people believe what is irrational. If it makes no sense, they tell you to have faith.
Religion has divided this world, and to think any religion would kill to promote or protect goes against the very nature of every established religion.
I'm okay with you practicing your religion as long as you a) stay peaceful b) work to better mankind WITHOUT trying to convert people c) help the environment.
If you are religious and go against any of those three things...THEN F&CK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!go die
Yep .... you are so right .... why Christians execute people everyday for Blasphemey.. and Adultery... why we have assembly line firing squads just for that purpose.... they are behind every church..... You can't see the difference can you....
@blursd
From dictionary.com:
Religion
–noun
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6.something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7.religions, Archaic. religious rites.
8.Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
--
vegetarians are following a belief system that CAN be labeled a religion – and some of them have done VIOLENCE in the name of vegetarianism – all it takes is a willingness to do violence. Eating nothing but veggies does not keep you from being violent. Some ancient warrior groups ate nothing but vegetables – and killed people quite easily. Our brains are wired for violent activity in response to stress. We are feedback-loops with the illusion of self-determinism.
@blursd
Sorry, I posted that too fast. Feel free to tear it apart. 😛
Adam R.: Really? The butchers of the 20th century were all athiests. Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, a string of N. Koreans, etc...
What religious crusader buried hundreds of millions lately?
Power!! thats all that they want.
Atheists are the one preventing people from EATING Happy Meals in SF. If someone cannot find power in the government (Osama Bin Laden) they turn to Religion to find power. POWER.
Stalin was wost in history so far with over 25 million deaths to him so far. Whose next? He was not a Christian but an atheist.
@Crady: That was ironic considering the "wave" of religious right republican candidates who want to use their religion to legislate the whole country. Nothing "veiled" there to be left up to interpretation by the likes of you. Apparently you've forgotten Witchy Christine's complete lack of comprehension about the first amendment... not to mention the rest of the const!tution. Ironic that you can be so short-sighted and call someone else a "moron". But like they say empty vessels make the most noise.
@Ali Rules: I haven't been able to find any info to back your assertion. Could you please provide a link?
Human being are selfish by nature, which give us such narrow/small perspective of live. I wish something happens to cure this disease. While we are here discussing philosophy, she (whether she is Christian, Muslim, etc), is about to lose her life. The fact is that she is helpless and I hope someone, with a broader understanding, who values life, has bigger guts to fight for her. I am getting tiered of selfish people; those who have time to discuss their own opinion and even brag about being atheist, religious, American, Pakistani or anything else, while someone is about to lose her life for such stupid reason.
@For life
You said, " am getting tiered of selfish people; those who have time to discuss their own opinion and even brag about being atheist, religious, American, Pakistani or anything else, while someone is about to lose her life for such stupid reason."
Ummm...I don't see how you can blame this one on the atheists...
Well, David... I think "hate" is in everyone's heart, including the atheist. They might be willing to portrait themselves as peaceful, saying that religion is the source of all wars, etc, but, yes, they have their own religion and their own gods: themselves. This is enough to include them in my argument. I am just trying to say that this is not really the moment for "words", but for "action". I wish someone had the power to save this woman, regardless of her beliefs, she is still one of us.
A question that is more to the point is would an Aethiest do anything to save her?
BillinSTL, an Atheist would do no less than a Christian to save this poor woman.
This may shock you fellows, but atheists tend to be very moral and ethical human beings; and, contrary to the assertion, we do not worship ourselves as Gods. We have a natural sense of right and wrong, and it is untainted by religious puritanism or zealotry. Now, I am not saying that atheism is the only right choice- because anything that allows a person to be fulfilled and helps them through their days cannot be a bad thing, unless wielded with the intent to oppress.
@For Life: I think debate is essential as a means of understanding each others' viewpoints. But I think you have a point about action. We should be acting to help save her if we care about the sanct!ty of life as a part of our humanity whether or not she is christian, muslim or atheist. I recommend emailing Amnesty International or going to amnesty.org and seeing if there is something you can do to help.
TreuBlue42 – So you say but look at the posts here ... It does not seem so ... most Aethiests here blame her and walk away.
David – No one said you worship yourself as Gods .... what we said is that you have made yourself equal to God.... Proof of that fact is that you sit in Judgement of religous peoples of all stripes, and, you pronounce those judgements liberally!
Bill in STL,
"...what we said is that you have made yourself equal to God.... Proof of that fact is that you sit in Judgement of religous peoples of all stripes, and, you pronounce those judgements liberally!"
Look in the mirror, Bill, look in the mirror... or do you belong to *every* religion on Earth? And you judge non-believers quite liberally.
Some_Truth, I have looked in that mirror, I can hold my head up, you have no idea what my religion is or even if I have one. In point of fact when you feel no other being is above you, (that you sit on the top of the food chain) comments like yours and others in this thread are inevetible. You assume you are right and tight and all others are wrong... Hence your comment. My religion is mine, not yours, nor anyone elses.
How dare she insult poor, poor little Mohammad. He never hurt anyone. He just wanted a little love...
Funny, I always thought Mohammad could take care of himself. After all, wasn't he the greatest of all time? He stung like a bee? Too bad hes a little quiet now.
Mohammad was a screwball...get over it.
@Frogist : we disappoint you? i didn't know we existed to life up to your expectations!
This is all propaganda. Even if she was blasphemous she still wouldn't be sentenced to death by the courts. That's quite an exaggeration of how these cases actually fall through. Follow up with the story and you'll know for sure.
So which is worse VDC? Blasphemey or Adultery... . or better yet who is worse... the woman to be stoned in Iran or the women that insulted the prophet in Pakistan???? Either way ... they are dead......
VDC perhaps she won't be sentenced to death but why is this even an issue? She has the right to speak her mind and have her religion. The Christians stopped this nonsense hundreds of years ago and realized only God chooses who to punish, not man!
@vdc: Well actually the whole world is subject to my expectations. It's the same for you otherwise you wouldn't have an opinion about what I said, would you? If this is propaganda, please point me to a reputable source saying that none of this happened. And Aisa Bibi was not sentenced to death...
And, your expectations notwithstanding, I have long regarded Pakistan as an enlightened tolerant country. Unfortunately in recent years we here more and more of stories like this. So please prove me wrong. I'd rather be wrong about the direction your country is going than right about its decline.
@Wing Gal: The Christians didn't really put that stuff away. If Christians relied on god to do the punishing why the killing of abortion doctors, why the massacre of the people of Africa, why try to influence the laws of our country to punish gays who don't follow "christian" ideals? Your point of view seems a bit short-sighted.
Wing – She has that right here ... not in Pakistan ....
Well thanks Pakistan. You disappoint me more and more each day.
@Frogist
You are disappoint. 😛
As a Muslim I believe this sentence is contrary to human rights.
If someone insults our prophet, they're only showing how uncivilized they are. Educated people would rather prefer to engage in respectful dialogue than hurl insults.
Therefore its best to just ignore the likes of Asia Bibi.
@Sameer...Personally I think anyone who actually beleives there is some supernatural god that lives in the sky is uncivilized. The very notion of a god or gods is uncivilized and harkens back to the days when humans burnt people at the stake as a which or some other absurd reason. God is a manmade idea meant to keep you repressed.
@saganhill – I used to be just as critical with my way of thinking, until I came to know Jesus. You can discount him all you want and say that it is 'manmade to keep you respressed' however, if that was the actual case, it would be more like what you see in Pakistan where the people don't have a choice. Christians are not 'forced' into their beliefs, it is by choice that we see Jesus for the Savior he is and we accept him into our hearts. I hope and pray that one day he will reveal himself to you in the same way he did to me so that you will have absolutely NO DOUBTS that he is alive and real.
@saganhill – what definition of civilized are you using? The definition I know refers to the keeping of written records (Webster, definition 1).
References
Webster Dictionary. (2010). Civilization. Retrieved November 11, 2010 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization?show=0&t=1289506077
Uncivilized or not, it is difficult to ignore the many similarities between Mohammed and Brian David Mitchell.
People who believe in the quran and mohammad, also believe that the god they serve cannot do anything without their help here on earth and therefore must carry out barbaric sentences for their god because he is not going to help them at all here on earth!! They have been grossly mislead and follow a fake god and a fake religion and someday will have to stand in front of the real god and explain why they have killed in his name! God knows what's going on and i'm sure he's not happy thinking they think so little of the real god that they have to intercede on his behalf here on earth! The real god needs nobodys help to do anything period.. It's a shame that they spend so much energy doing things in the name of mohammad, instead of getting to the root of their religion and find out if what they are following is real or not! Of course that would take alot of intelligence and studying and an open mind. They are too uncivilized and counterproductive for that i would think!!
Yes. And we do not know the context in which all this took place. Someone above said she was being insulted for being Christian and insinuated that she may not have said any of the things of which she stands accused. Whatever the case, insulting people to their face is rude and poor behavior but far from something for which someone should be put to death. Now, I think people should be totally free to think any and all religious is false. Religion should be something that people freely choose or don't choose.
Believer, I can only say one thing. ROFLMAO! Really! You are unbelievably funny! You'd make it real well as a comedian.
Now, here's the punchline. The Muslims say the very same thing about Christians. Not to mention getting a few chuckles out of one sect dribbling a little water on a baby's head and others dunking people until they nearly drown.
And THAT is dead serious!
BTW, I'm a Christian. I was also deployed to the Persian Gulf for nearly 5 years. Hence, my knowledge of Muslims.
Thanks for the belly laugh, I needed it!
is it really blasphemy to comment about mohammed? last I checked it was only blasphemous to comment about god.
@Hugo,
I think the word used was 'civilized', as in, "characteristic of a state of civilization ; especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint" ( http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized?show=0&t=1289512742 )
@geauxLSUtigers – Christians are not forced into religion TODAY, try a couple hundred years ago....you know... when Christianity ran Europe...what was that period called? OH YA! The Dark Ages. You know when people were killed on a regular basis for blasphemy, not attending church, attempting this crazy thing called SCIENCE! LIKE OMG.....go God!
@Believer: Just so you're aware, Muslims worship the same God that you and the Jewish people do: the God of Abraham. Allah happens to be the Arabic word for God. The difference is in the prophet, not the God.
And, BTW: you can't spell believe without "lie".
What difference does it make? Christianity is all about the afterlife anyway. So, she will meet her maker sooner. That should make her happy, no?
So, educated people hang people they disagree with? That not something I was taught in College. I was taught to ignore the intolerant as being uneducated. Obvisously your religiom would rather hang them, then teach them. Your statement makes no sense, other than to state that you are a Muslim. A typical Muslim who believes that anyone that disgrees or slams Mohammed should die. Wow, you sound like a neat guy. Wanna be my neighbor? We can hang people together! Your statement just proves that Islam is a 12th Century backward religion that has no tolerance. Go away.
By the way, Pakistan and most Muslim countries are Third World backwaters that are run by radial Msulims like you. NO TOLERANCE.
Sameer, You are right. That is in compliance with what all religions were to promote – dialogue, mutual respect, and peace.
Hey Muslim,
Human rights? What planet are you from? Human Rights means the right to live under a Government that tolerates all religions. What rights does this woman have? None – she lives in a Muslim Country, and she is a Chrisitian.
I highly doubt that any Christian, unless they want to be snuffed, would ever say any of these things. These charges are trumped up and obviously She has no chance.
Your views are the same as those in Nazi Germany. Any critisim of Hitler was meant by death. Any critism of Mohammed is met by death.
Go back and get an education on Human Rights. Obviously you only read the part about everyone has to believe in Mohammed.
Hollywood has been making jokes and making fun of Chrisitians and Jews for 50 years. Should the US government hang all of them? How many jokes start out with "There was a Priest, a Minister and a Rabbi"?
You have been brain washed.
@geauxLSUtigers
Wrong. Christians are still trying to force their religion onto other people often using the government as their tool. The Iowa GOP wants to make the christian bible a textbook and allow teachers to lead students in forced prayer. Whenever "alternatives" to evolution are discussed, creationism is always mentioned. When Congress opened with a Buddhist prayer, christians protested and disrupted ceremonies. The National Day of Prayer is exclusively for christians (non-christians were kicked out of some NDoP events). And now we're getting into the holiday season where christians are throwing temper tantrums unless their holiday is held above all others.
geauxLSUtigers " Christians are not 'forced' into their beliefs, it is by choice that we see Jesus for the Savior he is and we accept him into our hearts."
It is good to see a comment speaking from the spirit of truth regarding Christianity. One does choose to believe in God through Christ and is not forced. For all those comments concerning the Inquisition, witch hunts, and the like by people who called themselves Christians at some time in the past, the perpetrators of those crimes are the ones who blaspheme the Holy Spirit when they claim to be Christians, and unfortunately lead many to not want to believe in God. This still happens in our day and time but in a different form such as ministers selling books, dvd's, or generally asking for money , and by this many more are being led to disbelief in Christ. When a person can separate the wheat from the chaff and search for the truth in Christ, you will realize that Christ would not condone the murder of people in His name, nor condone the misrepresentation of Him by money changers, but he would love His enemies and pray for them. What zealots did in the past should have no bearing on anyone coming to terms with truth of God given to us through Christ. Christ did not teach that His truth be forced on others. It is free. For others who believe differently, I pray you have peace, love, and the best life can offer you, and may you find the true Spirit of God.
Peace be with you Sameer and God Bless You. Whether the athiests believe it or not the reason the Christian civilisations outpaced Islamic nations is because these nations are founded on Christian principles and fundamental human rights. From that developed our rule of law. All men (and women) are equal under the law and God. Not so in Islam. I pray one day you see the truth. God be with you.
@Jeff: Seriously. Could you be more uncivilized? Sameer said he was against the death sentence. Apparently whatever college you went to didn't bother to teach you reading comprehension. Or maybe your rage and ignorance are preventing you from seeing clearly. Take a breath and re-read the post. If you still feel like raging against someone who stands up for human rights and actually explains that he advocates tolerance, then maybe your problem is not with Sameer, but with muslims. And what do we call blanket intolerant opinions not based on fact? Useless, biased bigotry.
@Wing Gal – you have heard of this time period called the dark ages, right? That was when Roman law basically dissappeared from the landscape, christianity took over and we had centuries of little innovation. Funny thing about that is that at the same time, the Islamic countries were doing quite well and it was because of them that we still have many roman and greek writings that when Europe finally came into the renaissance were able to re-emerge. The decline of the Islamic states would seem to be the classic case of those in power using religion, as it so often is, to keep the populace down.. But, the bible does not promote equality, if it did why do so many people use it to keep people down? Slaves were okay because the bible said so. Hating gay people and not allowing them to CHOOSE (freedom to choose is a great American quality, isn't it?) who to marry is okay, because the bible says so. I'm sure your a lovely person who lives their life doing their best not to hurt anyone and helping where you can; I'd just like to see you take credit for yourself instead of attributing what you do to an imaginary being. Stop allowing a book that has been translated, cut and chopped with gospels left out because they didn't promote the right kind of god to decide what you do. You get one life here, live it to the fullest and be able to close your eyes that last time feeling like you made your time here worth it.
Re: DerpDiggler... your comment makes no sense. What the woman said was totally benign. Muslim law is the road to fanaticism and anyone who thinks she deserves death has psychological and spiritual problems.
@Sanity and Peace: Is it muslim law you should be concerned about or totalitarian theocracies? A country whose laws revolve around any single religion's dominance can never be a good thing. Even Christianity.
@Sanityand Peace have you read the christian bible? It's just as bad.
@Frogist
You said: "A country whose laws revolve around any single religion's dominance can never be a good thing. Even Christianity."
From your mouth, to the American people's ear.
@saganhill – how so? Please cite a passage where someone is to be put to death (or worse) for blasphemy. Do not cite anything in the old testament that is superceded in the new testament. I'm not saying you are wrong. I'm saying you haven't proven your point. At least cite a passage and explain how it's just as bad as this news story.
this is not the law of the Quran, but of man. "section 295-C of Pakistan's penal code"..
In the Islamiccountries there is no difference between Muslim Law and the government. The governments are theocracies. They are totally controlled by Sharia Law. The laws of ISLAM are the laws of the land.
Bill, I was unaware that Indonesia is a theocracy. Didn't know that Turkey was either.
Salem Witch Trials....Christians hard at work
You are right, the law was written by a Government of Pakistan. But, you are so foolish to believe that Pakistan s a Democratic nation. It's government is based on Quran. it's the same laws as the well known democracy of Saudi Arabia and it's partner Iran. Geez, don't make the Pakistan government out as being any sort of democracy. The head of Pakistan doesn't even control half of the country. If someone suggested that Pakistan change it's laws, they would be next in line.
For all these Pakistan supporters, why don't you fly over there and PUBLICALLY correct the Pakistan Government? I am sure they have plenty of "neck ties" to go around.
For all the Muslim lovers – next time you talk to a Muslim, ask why their religion is a Male Dominated and women are treated like property. Let me know what their answer is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Hugo
Please cite in the new testament where is says that everything in the old testament is voided. Whatever passage you choose, it will be quite a stretch to interpret it as you wish, and much less clear than the simple old testament directives which and with "and they shall be put to death".
Not that it matters. Even if your imaginary cancellation did exist, a billion people do still believe in the Old Testament with as much rationality as you believe in Jesus. If you are going to believe in resurrection in defiance of logic, you have no grounds to argue logic against others' illogical beliefs.
What abvout the killing rampage in Indonesia in the 90's many christians died then because of their faith....
Salem witch trials happened before you were born .... as I have said many times Chritianity has evolved beyond that need. The teachings of Christ do not condone that action... whereas the teachings of the prophet do, infact they insist that muslims do.
@Carl. I did not say that the new testament says that *everything* in the old testament is voided. I said "do not cite anything in the old testament that is superceded in the new testament." Analyze it carefully. My sentence doesn't even say there exists a passage in the new testament that supercedes a passage in the old testament. I think such passages exist (John 8:7) but I didn't actually claim it in the referenced post.
Also, where in the referenced post did I profess a belief (or disbelief) in Jesus? I do profess a belief in discrete mathematics. Do you?
Wzrd1 – As Sharia law progresses, and it is in both of those countries, your statement will become less and less true.