I am glad America understands the value of freedom. It is everyone's God given right to express themselves and share a part of their identity with the world; Whether it is by preaching the Gospel, wearing certain clothes, or quietly praying. Often times, I think we Americans take our religious freedom for granted. It is hard to believe, but in other countries people literally get thrown in jail for practicing a religion. I was completely shocked when my daughter told me about a Chinese lady that was able to attend a church conference, only after lying to her country. If the Chinese lady said, "I am going to Arizona to attend a church conference," China would have not allowed her to come. My daughter also said the young lady was telling everyone how lucky they were to be able to worship freely. As a Christian woman I often take for granted the right I have in the United States. I am so blessed to be able to freely worship, and I really want other countries to realize the beauty of freedom. I want to discuss two religious cases that are currently occurring in Iran. The United States of America got involved in both cases and tried to take control of the situations. However, how can America change a country's mindset? Is it even possible? What can America really do and what is it currently doing?
Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was kept in prison for being a Christian in 2009. He was determined to not renounce his believes and was therefore sentenced to execution. His wife, was also arrested and threatened, but she also refused to deny her religious believes. When the United States took a stand and chose to help Youcef, things began to change. Pastor Youcef "was released on September 8 after a six-hour hearing...which worked to garner American support for the minister's release" ("Released: Pastor In Iran, Teen In Pakistan" 19). Sadly, "after Pastor Youcef was released his attorney, Dadkhah, was sentenced nine years in prison for defending Youcef. However, the case worsened when Pastor Youcef was re-arrested on 2012" (Clark 1).
Pastor Saeed Abedini is currently in Iran prison for sharing his faith. Saeed is a "U.S. citizen being persecuted and beaten in Iran for his faith" ("State Department, White House Spoke Out for Pastor Youcef, Why Not US Pastor Saeed?" 1). I was very surprised when I watched the video above. I cannot believe the State Department, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President Obama, and his Press Secretary have failed to call for this American citizen’s release. This man is in critical condition and his life his on the line. I am in no way trying to segregate or sound racist; but why isn't the White House taking the same stand they did for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani? What changed? It might be because Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is back in jail or that America cannot get involved in foreign countries. Yet, "the Department of State's primary objective in the conduct of foreign relations is to promote is to promote the long-range security and well-being of the United States." ("Department Of State" 388). This means the White House should constitutionally take a stand for Pastor Saeed and other abused religious rights around the world.
Works Cited
Clark, Matthew. "Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani Re-Arrested, Imprisoned in Iran ." ACLJ. , 26 Dec 2012. Web. 17 Jun 2013. <http://aclj.org/iran/pastor-youcef-nadarkhani-arrested-imprisoned-iran>.
Clark, Matthew. "State Department, White House Spoke Out for Pastor Youcef, Why Not US Pastor Saeed?" ACLJ. , 20 Jan 2013. Web. 17 <Jun 2013. http://aclj.org/iran/state-department-white-house-spoke-out-pastor-youcef-why-not-american-pastor-saeed>.
"Department Of State." United States Government Manual (1996): 388. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 17 June 2013.
"Released: Pastor In Iran, Teen In Pakistan." Christian Century 129.20 (2012): 19. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 16 June 2013.
I enjoyed the fact you added videos to your post, it really helped get your point across. Also, I like how you ended your first paragraph with questions as well. As Americans I firmly believe most everyone takes their freedom for granted. But this is only because it is what we are used to. We were not around to experience slavery and others not having the amount of freedom, which we do now. Before this moment, I have taken my life for granted and now I will choose not to. I don't think it is only religious freedom that we aren't thankful for. Most of American takes all freedom for granted.
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