Various sources have received independent confirmation from inside Syria that these men were former Muslims that had converted to Christianity, Illinois Review reports. They were not ‘..rebel fighters from a rival faction..’ as many news outlets are reporting.
Each of the 8 men were charged with the crime of apostasy for renouncing Islam and converting to Christianity. When confronted by the ISIS members, they refused to “revert” to Islam.
This is the “only” reason they were crucified. According to Islamic jurisprudence, crucifixion is a method of death reserved for Christians. They do not crucify other Muslims.
This picture that accompanied the story shocked me and left a bad feeling in me which I can only explain as both sad and angry.
Please understand however this is not the I am not pointing the finger a Muslims as my under standing of the Muslim is one of love and peace and I know Muslims that would be feelings the same way as I am.
As a Christian living in the UK, I am free to right this blog as to are many other people of different faiths aloud to have freedom of speech. Great Britain being dubbed a multi cultural society, we should be proud of the fact that our little island is run on Christian values which include love, peace and tolerance.
Sure many will disagree with me but look at it this way, we do not judge or deny people of different faith the right to practise their faith and beliefs. Just as Jesus spoke about everyone being Gods children and the fact he loves everyone. Here in the UK we also give everyone the equal right to Worship and be part of different faiths.
Lets go back to Syria. I don't really know much about this place but it shocks me to think that in 2014 this type of thing still goes on. It mirrors the death of Jesus who was killed in the same way because he spoke out and claimed he was the Son of God.
As we go about our daily lives aloud to have our own opinions, free to go around the UK without being questioned, free to have our own space, free to speak to anyone we want, and free to share our beliefs with others. Just remember these 8 Christians that (like so many others around the world) didn't have that freedom but spoke out anyway because of their faith in God.
We have a unique opportunity to teach and share our faith with people and maybe sometimes we don't do it as much as we should. This may sound really crazy but as a Christian Id like to challenge myself and others to speaking out to at least 8 people this week about our faith. Maybe this way the 8 Christians that died in Syria can have a voice as we use our right to speak for them.
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