Since we travelled to Afghanistan yesterday we might as well stay for one more day. The BBC has reported the death of a young British women who was serving with a relief agency. Gayle Williams, 34, was gunned down as she walked to work. The monstrous Taliban claimed responsibility, saying that she was "guilty" of promulgating Christianity.In one respect this accusation was entirely untrue. No overt proselytizing was going on even though the agency has a Christian base. Nearly all Christian organizations in Afghanistan observe the law which prohibits teaching Christianity.
But Gayle was guilty of living her faith. The organization she was working with helped physically disabled Afghans -- hardly a heinous crime -- but somehow a lightning rod for religious hatred.
St. Francis is credited with saying that we should preach our faith every day, and if necessary use words. Gayle was living her relationship with Christ so even though she was not preaching the gospel she paid the ultimate price.
There is a long history of Christians entering into situations of uncertainty and danger to offer medical support and education. Earlier in the twentieth century missionary work often meant aggressive evangelization, but in recent times the emphasis has been on actions rather than words because the colonial era is over.
What do you think about Christian presence in situations hostile to openly sharing the gospel?
I was listening to an interview with Bob Edwards and a journalist who has been covering Afghanistan for a number of years. Well before 9/11. This country has been so unstable for so many years that is makes you wonder if there will ever be 'peace' as we know it.
ReplyDeleteChistian presence in hostile environments? There are certainly arguments on both sides but I must say truly what a waste of a human life...or was it? I know she touched many lives in her short time here...I hope that will give some comfort to her family. It makes me sad.
Sadness about sums it up Lynn. I'm sure that lives were changed but a relatively young life was cut short and a family is grieving somewhere.
ReplyDeleteA Christian presence in hostile environments...Isn't that how Christianity started? I'm thinking of Paul and his letters to Christians to have courage in the face of persecution. Then there's Martin Luther King Jr., a Christian who was killed for his actions. Of course, Chrisitianity is not the only religion filled with those killed for their faith. It's very disheartening to hear of people who are loving their neighbour and then being killed for their actions, but living out our faith sometimes means making powerful people angry and hate-filled. In Christianity, our ultimate example is Jesus of Nazareth.
ReplyDeleteAll true Deb, yet many Westerners suggest that those involved in even the most respectful outreach work "get what they deserve" for going to areas of possible danger.
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