Have you been following the case of the Christian woman who is sentenced to death for the so-called blasphemy against the prophet Mohammed? I think there are some eye-opening potential similarities between her situation and what we may be facing in 2011 right here in paradise.
High Court Says Pakistan Cannot Pardon Christian Woman
Despite previous reports, Pakistan's government has yet to pardon a Christian woman sentenced to death on blasphemy charges. Moreover, Christian Today reports that the country's high court barred any such pardon while the case is pending in the courts. "Since the matter is in the high court, the government cannot now make any move to pardon Bibi," lawyer Allah Bakhsh Leghari told Agence France-Presse. Asia Bibi (also called Asia Noreen) is the first woman to receive the death sentence after being convicted of blasphemy against Islam's prophet Mohammed.
Bibi was arrested in 2009 following a petty argument she had with fellow field workers. She was picking fruit in a field with fellow Muslim workers and went to get water for the group. Upon returning, the Muslim women refused to drink the water because the container had been touched by a Christian.
Bibi was offended and argued with the women, but afterwards thought nothing of the incident. However, a few days later dozens of Muslims dragged her away and she was accused of blasphemy against the Muslim Prophet Muhammad, which she denies.
Conservative Muslims have threatened anarchy if President Asif Ali Zadari pardons the woman. Human rights group Christian Freedom International warns that Bibi's case could set a precedent. "If Asia Bibi is put to death, it could mean a rise in prosecutions of Christians - not just in Pakistan, but also in other nations where Islamic law is enforced," the group warned.
Note: This Christian woman is awaiting a verdict for her alleged blasphemy. The sentencing may include death. Even if she is set free, (which I am praying and fasting for), just the ordeal of being arrested for blasphemy with the intention of being put to death is sheer agony in itself.
Now here is why I think this mirrors something that can also occur right where we live. Soon, very soon, HB 444 (the civil union bill) will again rear its ugly head. Now that we have someone as governor in the state of Hawaii who is in favor of it, the chance of it passing is extremely high.
If and when it does become law, and gays are given the right to have civil unions which will eventually lead to full blown acceptance of marriage that all heterosexuals have been granted the right to, for Christian pastors and leaders who come forth and say anything against this, will be brought up on charges of “hate crime” against a minority group and of possibly breaking a law.
Therefore, it will not be totally off the wall for this to happen. All you will need is for one person to be arrested and charged with “hate speech” in the name of their faith by saying something that is not favorable to the gay life style – such as homosexuality is sin; it is an abomination; those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God – all of which the Bible teaches (Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Lev. 18:22), and you got the making of an Asia Bibi and the potential of opening up a can of worms against all Christian pastors and church leaders.
And even if the pastor is found to be innocent of “hate speech,” just the ordeal alone will cause many within the Christian community to change their wording, soften their conviction, and therefore their stand on this issue, and become one with the world. It will make it more difficult for people to hear the true message of God and segments of the church will become indistinguishable from just another political interest group and the body of Christ will look and sound fragmented.
So watch the case of Asia Bibi very closely. It may very well provide a sample of what we here in the West may be facing at some future point. But note also this: Watch this case carefully and pray for Asia. She is a fellow sister in the Lord and just because she acknowledges Jesus as her God and not Mohammed as her prophet and source of authority, she is said to be guilty of blasphemy and condemned to die.
Church, let’s pray!
