Are we returning to 200 AD?

Saeed Abedini is Iranian, a father of two, and a Christian Pastor. He returned to Iran to establish a secular orphanage for children he knew were abandoned and on the street. 

One year ago he was arrested and sent to a notorious prison until his trial. Recently he was transferred to a prison which is a warehouse for the most violent criminals in Iran. Sources in Iran declare that no one gets out alive. 

President Obama has brought up this case with Iran's hierarchy, and asked for his release, once. In the meantime he has loosened economic sanctions on Iran (unilaterally) held secret talks with many Islamic nations, and destabilized Israel's position by isolating her from the decisions being made. It does not seem like the President is supporting Judeo-Christian anything.

Thus the title, which describes the last era that had such a weak support for anything Christian. As a result, Christians will have to rely on God, not the State, for their freedom of religion. To have freedom of religion, without imposition, is a wonderful gift. America has enjoyed that gift for centuries. America has prospered because of that gift I believe. 

Now the world's great thoughts are deteriorating before our lives come to a close: philosophy has run into a dead end, art is fragmented and degrading in quality, science is particularized and stagnating. Politics is no longer about great ideas but about dealing the most vicious lie at the last minute. Virtue is in guerilla warfare with raunch in all spheres of entertainment, education and civil life. 

In the degradation comes a religion that prides itself on total control and domination over all aspects of life. Society, politics, and private life are ruled by strict and brutal law. There is no mercy, no grace. That is Islam. 

So America is now led by a man who will bow to the Islamist, and take advantage of the "weak" Christian or secularist. Islamists have become important minorities in the Western world countries, increasingly imposing acts of terror on unwilling populations. The question now arises with the leaders of Christian nations have the will or ability to protect the "weak"? Aggressively, the answer is no. Especially in other nations.

Christian towns in Egypt are reported to be destroyed and the inhabitants raped, murdered, and driven into exile. Christian Kurds are now the object of Islamist hunters in Iraq and surrounding nations. Syrian Christians are the first casualties in a war they want no part of. And Israel is left to fend for itself in a militarized and vicious region of the world.

President Obama has the chance to pressure Iran to release one man out of a prison known for short sentences due to murder. This orphanage planter, Saeed Abedini, could be saved... unless we are living in 200 AD and the rules of religious freedom or toleration have been suspended. Hundreds of thousands of people are watching the leaders of the free world to find out if there is a refuge left. Yes, President Obama, it is that important.

Revelations

I talk to a lot of people. 

Sometimes we talk about issues that are personal in nature. Perhaps a child is dealing with learning difficulties, an adult is dealing with a spouse that has lost hope, or maybe the issue is deeply personal and its being revealed for the first time. I don't ask for details but the situation is quiet and private and the interpersonal veil is parted for a few minutes. A real connection is made, a real issue bubbles to the surface.

Its a privileged moment. I don't forget those conversations. But when I remember them with a quiet question at a later time more often than not I get an embarrassed look and a quick "Everything is fine now" review. 

Everything is not fine. The pain is still bubbling under the surface, the issue is not resolved, and the solutions are still murky. I really hate to hear that a divorce has been filed, a child is pregnant, or someone attempted suicide. And if I knew about it personally and was not allowed reentry to the situation it makes me wonder about the state of people today. 

Are we so closed off from others today that communal living, sharing life with people around you daily, is too much of a threat? Are we at the point where we do not create confidants, only party-pals and work acquaintances? 

Perhaps so. In that regard, I'll be faithful to remain open to those moments to point to the Solution and Way. Harmony can only exist in a soul when it is in tune with the Creator. 

Perhaps that is why I get put off... the answer to divorce, out of wedlock pregnancy and utter hopelessness is out of tune with our fallen world. I'm being asked to endorse a course of action that is on the wrong side of harmony.