Shim Sung-min, not a household name in the West, is well-known in his native South Korea, as a martyr for Jesus. He is the second man killed by the Taliban. The picture above is from his memorial service.This is not a good situation, with the other 21 hostages still very much in danger. However, God works even bad situations for good for those who love Him.
One of the good things happening here is that Muslims are beginning to speak out against the Taliban. Why is that good? Because Muslims in general seem hesitant to speak out against atrocities done to Americans or Jews or Western Europeans. I don't know why, but when terror happens to these groups, there is little public outcry from the Muslim communities of the world. However, for some reason, Muslim organizations are stepping out and saying that what the Taliban is doing with these South Koreans is wrong and against the teachings of their faith.
For that, I am grateful. Perhaps religious freedom will get a foothold among the Muslims. Lack of religious toleration, indeed, is what stops Muslim countries from being just and fair places.
On Friday, the chairman of the 30-million strong Muhammadiyah Muslim organization in Indonesia labeled the Taliban’s action as “in violation of Islamic principles and teaching,” according to Agence France-Presse. He criticized the Taliban for undermining the image of Islam and Muslims around the world.
2 comments:
That is terrible news. The level of cowardice it takes to murder someone in that manner (or any manner, but specifically like this) is unimaginable. Yet it is real.
I am glad, at least, that someone in the Muslim community spoke out and condemned it. Too little, too late. But at least something.
I agree the outcry is late in coming. But, as the future moves on, that small beginning might spark a good revolution. I know there will be much more blood before that, but entire cultures have learned good moral lessons after much evil --this has happened many times in the human race.
Consider Germany and Nazism, Japan and Emperor worship, America and racial slavery, etc. Change came after great destruction, to be sure. But it came.
From the smallest acorn the mighty oak tree grows.
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