Examine how Christians in the Middle East have reacted to terrorism
Christians in the Middle East are one of the most persecuted religious groups in the world. According to a report commissioned by the British foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, in 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers, persecution of Christians in the region sometimes amounted to genocide, and prompted an exodus of millions of Christians from their homes . The report also found that the main driver of persecution was Islamist extremism, especially by groups such as the Islamic State (IS), which targeted Christians and other minorities for violence, kidnapping, enslavement and discrimination .
However, despite the hardships and dangers they face, Christians in the Middle East have not given up their faith or their hope. Many have reacted to terrorism with resilience, courage and compassion. Some examples of how Christians have responded to terrorism are:
– In Lebanon, where Christians make up about 40% of the population, they have played a vital role in promoting peace and dialogue among different religious and ethnic groups. They have also supported refugees and displaced people from Syria and Iraq, regardless of their background or beliefs. The Maronite Church, the largest Christian denomination in Lebanon, has been vocal in condemning violence and extremism, and calling for national unity and coexistence .
– In Egypt, where Christians constitute about 10% of the population, they have faced numerous attacks by IS and other radical groups, especially against their churches and monasteries. However, many Egyptian Christians have shown forgiveness and grace towards their persecutors. For instance, after a bombing at a church in Cairo in 2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online that killed 29 people, many Christians expressed love and mercy for the attackers, saying they prayed for them and did not hate them .
– In Iraq, where Christians have been reduced from 1.5 million in 2003 to less than 250,000 today, they have endured severe persecution and displacement by IS and other militias. However, some Iraqi Christians have chosen to stay in their homeland or return after being forced to flee, despite the risks and challenges. They have also contributed to the reconstruction and reconciliation of their communities, as well as providing humanitarian aid and education to those in need. One example is Father Najeeb Michaeel, a Dominican priest who saved thousands of ancient manuscripts from destruction by IS, and established a digital library to preserve the cultural heritage of Iraq .
These are just some of the ways that Christians in the Middle East have reacted to terrorism. They demonstrate that Christianity is not a foreign or hostile religion in the region, but a native and integral part of its history and diversity. They also show that Christians are not passive victims or helpless minorities, but active agents of change and hope in the face of adversity.
References:
: Wintour, Patrick. “Persecution of Christians ‘coming close to genocide’ in Middle East – report.” The Guardian, May 2, 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers/may/02/persecution-driving-christians-out-of-middle-east-report
: El Deeb, Sarah. “Egypt’s Coptic Christians Respond To ISIS With Forgiveness.” HuffPost, December 13, 2016: 2024 – Do my homework – Help write my assignment online. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/egypt-coptic-christians-isis_n_584f2363e4b0bd9c3dfd4e07
: IPT Series on Christianity in the Middle East: Persecution of Christians in Lebanon. Investigative Project on Terrorism, May 24, 2023. https://www.investigativeproject.org/9327/persecution-of-christians-in-lebanon
: Persecution of Christians by the Islamic State write an essay assignment help. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians_by_the_Islamic_State
: An Unwelcome Minority: Threats Facing Christians in the Middle East – Part 3. International Christian Concern, May 28, 2021. https://www.persecution.org/2021/05/28/unwelcome-minority-threats-facing-christians-middle-east-part-3/
