Pages

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Persecuted Christians Flee Iraq

Christians lived in Iraq long before the Islamic Caliphate first began spreading its imperialistic tentacles throughout the region, in the 7th century AD. And yet, centuries later, they are being systematically persecuted, mutilated, raped, killed or forced to flee what was once, historically, their home. Considered, at one time, the Cradle of Civilization Iraq is far from civilized these days, as we daily witness the senseless violence perpetuated all in the name of religion.

Aside from the typical Muslim killing Muslim atrocities, they are also targeting the few Christians who have refused to leave a country they have every right to call their own. Although every man has the God-given right to worship as he pleases, Christians are being threatened, killed, kidnapped for ransom, or forced to convert, against their will. According to one man, originally from Baghdad but now living in Northern Iraq,

"I had a choice: Convert to Islam, pay the tax, or give away one of my daughters."
2 years ago, this same man was kidnapped and only released after he paid a large sum of money. This so-called "ransom" is, in effect, the "Jizyah", a tax that all non-Muslims must pay, according to the Koran 9:29.


YUSUFALI: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
Churches and schools are being bombed; priests, men, women and children are being murdered; families are being coerced into paying the Jizyah. If unable to comply, family members are forced to convert to Islam. Those who refuse are given 24 hours to vacate their homes. With all this hatred and violence heaped upon them, Iraqi Christians are leaving the country in droves. Although no-one knows the exact number, it is estimated that of the small 3% of Iraqis that are Christian, at least 50% have left or been killed. That leaves a paltry few. Tragically, this signals the beginning of the end of an ancient Christian culture that has its roots in ancient Mesopotamia.

Thankfully, the Europeans are stepping up to the plate. France has decided to take in 500 Christian Iraqi refugees. Germany has offered to take in others. Churches are working with Germany's Human Rights Commission to resettle at least 20,000 to 30,000 Iraqi Christians. And, although it is a very noble endeavour, the fact that they have to leave, in the first place, is despicable. That there are religions that still exist in this modern, so-called civilized 21st century, that are so intolerant of other religions, and even other sects within their own, that they find the need to kill, bully or dominate, is truly pathetic.

We are all GOD'S children- which means we are all brothers and sisters. Stop killing each other in the name of GOD.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tragically, Incog, that is what the radical Islamists want to do. They really do believe that they are doing the will of God. As a Christian, it is not like the Christian faith has not made some errors in spreading the Gospel. But, by and large, most Christians are no longer going for converts at the point of a gun or the end of the sword. If we do not utterly defeat the radical Islamists, they will take all of Islam down the path of destruction. And, us with it.

Karen Townsend said...

Great post, Incog. One of the colleagues my husband became friends with in Iraq was Christian. He's been here to Houston since for training classes from my husband and doing the tourist stuff. He took my husband into his home for a family birthday party and for dinner when my husband was the only American around. My husband and son made extra efforts to show him a fun time as a tourist in our city. A couple of weeks ago my husband received an email from him, as he does from time to time, and so far he is ok. My husband has written a letter of personal reference so he can come here and live in Michigan with his daughter. His son has moved to Jordan. So sad.

WomanHonorThyself said...

great post but yet again a tragedy the Left will ignore Incog!

Incognito said...

MARKG: New name? And yes, the Christian faith has issues, but as you state they don't force people to convert through violence and coercion. And amen to your last statement.

KAREN: Thanks K. Glad to hear that your hubs friend is okay. will keep my fingers crossed that he can get here. They, of all people, deserve to find refuge in a non Islamic country.

WOMAN: Thanks ANgel,. And yes, they do.. you hear little to nothing about it.

Anonymous said...

Great post. It is too bad that the left like so many around the world will ignore this, but that is now the norm. Denying the truth seems to be the thing these days.

Ottavio (Otto) Marasco said...

I know its been said, but the left liberal’s tight grip on the media will ensure a no show... and off topic... related to previous post, things are at breaking point in Zimbabwe at this very moment...

Pat Jenkins said...

i will echo everyone elses sentimetnts. GREAT stuff here incog.... have you personally ever read the koran?

Melanie said...

Wow..I have been teaching my boys a lot on Pre World War lately and it is amazing...it seems we are coming full circle...

Incognito said...

LAYLA: Thank you! Yes, the libs are in total denial about so many things, it's pretty dang scary.. And there are people who are willing to let them govern this country. Hmmm.

AIS: I knew they would be. People were celebrating his demise... I knew it would never happen. Just like the illusive peace in the Middle East.

PATJ: Nope, but I plan to!! one of these days. when i am in between gigs.

MONDAY: It does seem that way. well, they say, history repeats itself.