They don’t want to have their heads cut off. The Anglican priest who said that the five Christian churches do not proselytize, do not distribute literature, do respect Libyans, do respect Islam probably spoke in a very loud and clear voice. He is apt have been sweating bullets, too, when asked these dangerous questions by ignorant Western journalists.

God is with those who are persecuted in his name. Let’s recognize the idols we’ve made our governments into and remember Him who is our only hope in this world as we go forth.

A better point to address is that some of the suffering are in a position that is best addressed by religious conversion. Admittedly “it is better to be a Christian then a coke addict”, is not the highest form of apologetics, and perhaps any religion would be of use in this area. However rescuing people in such states has always been an identifying mark of Christianity; just as gentlemanliness for Confucianism; or the application of religious values to normal life, and the righteous bearing of arms is for Sikhism or so on. Because of this the difference between “undue proselytism” and charity is grey. For many the best charity in the Earthly sense is for them to become a Christian. I do not say this as a Christian although I am in fact such. Nor do I say that the only purpose for religion is material or that all religions are equal. I do say this as an observer noting that many people are in an Earthly position for which “getting religion” is the best cure, and Christianity emphasizes helping them to “get” it.

Fine. As long as Christian proselytizers realize they are breaking the law in Muslim countries, let them do whatever they think is right . . . and pay the penalty for it. I think the native countries of the four arrested Christians have a right to pressure Libya to let them go, or to treat them leniently. I think it would be an atrocity if Christian missionaries were executed in Libya. But I don’t think predominantly Christian countries have a right to expect Muslim countries to accept Christian proselytizing.

Christian missionaries in the past faced hardships and death. I don’t think it is the job of the West to guarantee the safety of missionaries in Muslim countries.

He did not say, “except the Muslems” and therefore, we have a mandate.

Fine, but be ready to accept rejection and even martyrdom. It is not the business of the United States or Christians to insist the Libya pass the First Amendment.

For those of us who are committed Christians, we must obey the words of Christ, Who we believe is God. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19

He did not say, “except the Muslems” and therefore, we have a mandate.