Rami Ayyad : Christian Martyr

Again we hear of the religion of peace... this time warning Christians that they will be killed if they do not convert to Islam, and to show they are serious they have tortured and murdered a Christian because they think he was spreading the word of God. I have no doubt that some apologist will comment on how we are all misunderstanding this story, and that Islam really is the religion of peace, if only we give it a chance. Yes, he was a brave man, just as brave as all of those Christians that were fed to the lions, and all of those Christians who were killed by the communists, and every other enemy of God over the centuries. This should be a wakeup call to all Christians in case any are still not aware of what is coming. This also should plainly show Islam for what it really is, it isn't a religion of peace and tolerance at all. It is an all or nothing Theocracy where any none Islamic person is subject to whatever fate the Islam believers decide. Islam, Muslim... it's all the same, and no matter how it is dressed up, the words of the Koran or the other speeling as well are still there. It is convert or die....

Although I wouldn't call this man a martyr, due to the religious implications of the term, I find this story totally appalling. That a man can be killed on the mere basis of his philosophy or convictions absolutely disgusts me. Freedom of thought and freedom of expression (within reasonable limits) are values I hold most important, and the murder of this man, who was merely a book-seller, revolts the free-thinker in me. Do those people actually realise that they're making their religion even more unpopular through performing such despicable acts? On the other hand, I have thought about an interesting aspect of this story. The murderers where Muslim fanatics who killed a man who had a different set of beliefs, justifying the wrath of many people against this religion. But consider this: Hitler didn't cause a worldwide hatred of Christians by killing Jews with the blessing of the Pope. So why does Islam provoke such an anti-Muslim reaction? Oh, and let me add a little disclaimer: I do not condone Islam (quite the opposite, in fact), but I like to play the devil's advocate in the hope that an interesting discussion will ensue.

I find myself continually angered by the fact that thousands upon thousands of Christians are persecuted and martyred all over the world. This is just one story. The sad thing is that over 99 % of stories are never made known to the world. Sometimes I just think that if we could magically wipe Islam and Communism off the face of the planet, Christians would get a much better go. Unfortunately this is no doubt a simplification. I sometimes think to myself how the most loving and beautiful people in the world can be hunted down in this way. I then find myself quoting the scriptures. "Men loved darkness more than light because their deeds were evil."

How do I put this? As I grew up, a Catholic girl, receiving a catholic education, I was taught that I had to be a soldier of Christ and if called upon, yes, I should be willing to die for my faith. Better that than to denounce it. I was so confused because I was also taught that Jesus loved me and would forgive me my sins. There is so much more but in the meantime... I understand where this man was coming from. Personally, I believe the bible is false, having been tampered with many times over the years to suit the circumstances. But this man believed in his bible and was willing to stand up and die for his faith. Did he set a good example by making a target of himself? It's not for me to judge.

Brave soul. We need more people like him.

What a brave man. He took a stand against something that was outlawed and illega. He's a martyr. He went against the grain, did something he believed in, even though he knew it could get him shot and killed or maimed/injured. He had to pay with his life but if one person got a Bible and had their life changed because of it, the man did not die in vain. He did what he set out to do: Help people undertand the word of God + to you for this very good discussion.