Have you seen some of the stories concerning the Christian girl who fled her Muslim parents? This story has gotten huge since the video clip started making it’s way around Youtube and Tangle.
There are various versions, but from reading multiple stories the story essentially seems to be this- Rifqa Bary is the daughter of Mulim parents in Ohio. She started doubting her faith, attending Christian gatherings, and converted to Christainity. She had a confrontation with her parents/father and fled from her home in Ohio to stay with a Florida pastor and his family whom she met through Facebook. She says her father threatened to kill her, part of the honor killing that has and does continue to happen within some Muslim communities. He says he made no such threats and that she will be safe at home.
You know how this goes. Both sides ratchet up the tension. Honor killing does happen in some Muslim areas. In fact, two sisters were killed in TX when it was discovered they were dating Christian men. So some say this girl is in fear for her life, that she will indeed be killed here if returned or sent back to Sri Lanka where it could happen more easily. On the other side accusations are made that this girl was brainwashed and that the Global Revolution Church she fled to is actually a cult.
This is a difficult case and unfortunately I think many jump to conclusions without trying to learn more. We do need to acknowledge the reality of militant aspects of Islam, and if not in her own family, from some communities who might see her as a target. Also we need to make sure we protect the religious freedoms of people like this girl. Too often Christians back down, feeling like we’re being pushy if we bring the faith and present it to Muslims or others.
At the same time, we don’t want to turn everything into a religious war. The mere fact that her parents are Muslim does not mean they will kill her. In fact her home country of Sri Lanka is not a Sharia ruled Muslim country, it’s largely Buddhist. And as some have pointed out, her father has allowed the family to become somewhat morphed into the American culture with dress, activities (she was a cheerleader), etc, so he may not be militant, even if he was upset by the decision. Sometimes Christians seem to be looking for issues to turn into battles, as Muslims have done as well. This is what we want to be careful of as we seek to keep open communications with those of Muslim faith so that we can share the Gospel with them, rather than turning everything into a us vs. them mentality. We do need to be aware of the tensions that can exist and not be afraid, but what I’m saying is that we also need to be cautious.
I’m not sure where to stand on the issue. I do hope that the courts ruling on this case will think seriously about this girl’s well-being, including that of her chosen faith in addition to her physical safety. As in all such cases where we’re not sure we know what’s best, we pray the Spirit guides with wisdom.
