Thread: Afghan Man Faces Execution After Converting to Christianity

An Afghan man who recently admitted he converted to Christianity faces the death penalty under the country's strict Islamic legal system. The trial is a critical test of Afghanistan's new constitution and democratic government.

The case is attracting widespread attention in Afghanistan, where local media are closely monitoring the landmark proceedings.

Abdul Rahman, 40, was arrested last month, accused of converting to Christianity.

Under Afghanistan's new constitution, minority religious rights are protected but Muslims are still subject to strict Islamic laws.

And so, officially, Muslim-born Rahman is charged with rejecting Islam and not for practicing Christianity.

Appearing in court earlier this week Rahman insisted he should not be considered an infidel, but admitted he is a Christian.

He says he still believes in the almighty Allah, but cannot say for sure who God really is. "I am," he says, "a Christian and I believe in Jesus Christ."

Rahman reportedly converted more than 16 years ago after spending time working in Germany.

Officials say his family, who remain observant Muslims, turned him over to the authorities

http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-03-18-voa7.cfm

Here's my question: Why is this guy still subject to Muslim law? He's a Christian for Christ's sake!!!

he is in a land that follows the muslim law as government law

"theocracy" is the term, i think :?

...and he's gone. Smart man! ~Inky

Here's my question: Why is this guy still subject to Muslim law? He's a Christian for Christ's sake!!!

Yeah, so? Afghanistan is a theocracy (yes Lemon, you were right) and as such there's no seperation of Church and State. Muslim is the religion, and dictates the law. Just because he's Christian doesn't mean he's outside the confines of it, nor should he be.

Just because he's Christian doesn't mean he's outside the confines of it, nor should he be.

Why shouldn't he be?
I thought Muhammad said that Islam isn't forced into anyone, so why can't someone convert from it? He was forced into it through birth.

laws have jurisdiction. any person not wanting to follow or change the laws of a region should be aware that if he does not follow the laws in state, then he is subject to discipline...

So Mr. Atlantic Blue, would you follow an unjust law? If the state became a Muslim theocracy, and all Christians were to be shot on sight, would you convert to Islam? What if it was a Christian state, and all adulters were to shot on sight? Would you go hunting for adulters? Would you shoot your best friend if you was screwing his neighbor's wife?

Just because a state makes a law, does not mean that it should necessarily be followed.

If the state became a Muslim theocracy, and all Christians were to be shot on sight, would you convert to Islam?

That's kind of a trick question. You can't change your beliefs by force of violence. Do you mean ACTUALLY change them, or pretend like you did?

Do you mean ACTUALLY change them, or pretend like you did?

For most "hypochristians", it wouldn't be hard to pretend. They've pretended to be christians. ~Inky

For most "hypochristians", it wouldn't be hard to pretend. They've pretended to be christians. ~Inky

LOL!
Pretending is a philosophy for a lot of them at least.