I have followed this story for the past two weeks, totally convinced these guys would be tortured and perhaps killed. We have all seen the barbarism that the followers of this perverted religion are capable of. I've imagined myself in their places and wondered how I would feel. I have NO doubt that I would have been terrified beyond belief.
It is so easy to sit in the comfort of my chair, by my computer, the television muted off to my side, a lovely cup of coffee within reach, and be judgmental about the manner these two very real human beings have handled a horrifying ordeal.
But I just cannot condemn these men for making this so called "conversion" video, as completely repugnant as the idea is to me. With guns pointed at them they probably felt their only other option was death. The desire to stay alive, our love of this life and of our family and friends, is powerful.
Strange, I am totally secure in my belief in God, and I recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as my soul's savior, Who bore the penalty I so totally deserve and have earned. This issue is settled forever with me. But would I really have done differently than these two men?
I want to believe, with every fiber that is in me, that I would not have denied Him just to save my skin for a bit longer. After all we all die once. And yet....in many ways I am such a physical coward....I wonder.... Its so easy, when faced with danger, to forget the eternal and cling in every way possible to the temporal.
In the end, God, who knows all our hearts, will have the final say on Steve and Olaf. I can't condemn them.
Sorry for the ramble, I've been mulling this over all morning. Had to post my thoughts.
pattyjo
Rachel Scott is a testimony to that courage.
Thanks for that wonderful and eloquent post. I agree 100%.
what you said.
Thank you for your most insightful post.
Amen. In the meantime let us rejoice with their families that they have been released.
Now let's go catch the bad guys who did the kidnapping (I would add "kill" but I don;t want to offend those posters who believe Christians should never exercise a vigorous reponse against evil men).