Reject Christ or Die

This is the choice facing Abdul Rahman, an Afghani man who converted to Christianity. The laws of Afghanistan permit Christianity, but prohbit conversion. Rahman's conversion came 16 years ago when he was working alongside Christian aid workers in Pakistan. The issue came before the courts now as part of a custody battle with his estranged family over his two children.

Articles on Rahman are found at:
BBC News
ABC News
Associated Press via The Boston Globe

The 41-year old Rahman was carrying a Christian Bible at the time of his arrest and does not deny his faith in Jesus Christ. The office of Afghan's president has said that they will not interfere in the case. Judge Ansarullah Mawlavezada told BBC News, "We will invite him again because the religion of Islam is one of tolerance. We will ask him if he has changed his mind. If so we will forgive him."

Prosecutor Abdul Wasi told the Associated Press, "He would have been forgiven if he changed back. But he said he was a Christian and would always remain one." Wasi went on to say, "We are Muslims and becoming a Christian is against our laws. He must get the death penalty."

Barring his rejection of Jesus and conversion back to Islam, the death penalty is in fact likely, though not yet a given. Pray for Abdul Rahman as he faces this ultimate test of faith.