The death penalty--for conversion to Christianity?

Last week, Abdul Rahman, an Afghan citizen, was turned in to the authorities by his own family. His crime? In direct conflict with Sharia law, he had converted to Christianity 16 years ago.

As this case goes to trial, many hard-line Taliban-types are clamoring for Rahman's execution. However, as this story reports, western nations such as Germany and Italy have sent official protests to the Afghan government demanding that Rahman not only receive a stay of execution but be allowed to practice his religion freely.

The prosecution seems to sense that this is not a battle they want to fight, because of the expected strain on Afghanistan's relationship with the US and other members of the coalition that liberated their country from Taliban rule and assisted them in rebuilding their nation and establishing a parliamentary democracy. They seem to be ready to lay aside their case on the grounds of insanity. That is pretty unusual, because insanity is a plea of the defense, not an excuse provided by the prosecution. I suspect that Mr. Rahman would prefer a public trial where he, like Peter and John, like Paul, could testify to his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. Watch this video, and you will see a man ready to face death rather than deny Christ or admit that he is an "apostate."

President Hamid Karzai is faced with a difficult leadership decision. On the one hand, he must reassure those Muslims in Afghanistan that he is willing to uphold the laws of Islam. On the other hand, if he signs the execution orders for Mr. Rahman, he risks the anger of his allies in the west.

My opinion on this case is that Karzai must stand his ground for human rights and freedom, if his government is to be viewed as legitimate and worthy of American support. There are many Americans and Europeans who (unlike the Iraq war) were strong supporters of the campaign in Afghanistan, yet would be unwilling to support any continued financial or military contribution of the allies if Rahman dies. In my mind it would be unconscionable to have American soldiers die on a mission to establish a free and democratic government in Afghanistan only to have one in place that continues to persecute Christians for their faith. Freedom of religion is the first right guaranteed by our First Amendment.

The Afghan embassy's number in Washington is (202) 483-6410. If one of you calls to register your protest and see what they have to say, record what happens in the comment section. And remember to pray for our brother in Christ and for other persecuted and frightened Christians in the Muslim world.

UPDATE: Here is a link to a story that captures the sentiment of conservative Christians in America. The essence? Americans did not give their lives to establish a government that puts people to death just for being Christians!