Christians: would you convert to Islam if forced at gun point ?

Question

The question is directed to Christians but anyone not already of the Islam faith can answer. I got the idea for the question while looking up info on Wikipedia. I'll giv my answer when resolved


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Centanni


On August 27, the Palestinian news service Ramattan and FOX News reported[8] that Centanni and fellow captive Wiig were released unharmed, shortly after a new video was released. In the video, both journalists, wearing beige robes, read statements saying that they had converted to Islam, with Centanni stating "Islam is not just meant for some people; it is the true religion for all people at all times."[8] After being freed Steve Centanni stated "We were forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint, and don't get me wrong here, I have the highest respect for Islam, and learned a lot of very good things about it, but it was something we felt we had to do, because they had the guns, and we didn't know what the hell was going on."[8]

Answer 1

I hope my courage and faith in God would get me through this, but I figure enough torture might just make me say whatever my captors want to hear .
I hope I have the guts to die horribly without recanting my faith, which is in Christ the Lord.
I figure God will cut me some slack for failing due to human weakness under extreme violence by Islamist nutters, but maybe I'll make it.

Answer 2

Most people would convert at gunpoint but as soon as that threat is gone, they would shed that faith immediately, as your example shows.

Islamic theology, by the way, forbids forcible conversions. The only time that it was allowed was during the time of Prophet Muhmammad when Muslims were engaged in a life and death struggle with the pagans of Arabia who were hell-bent on destroying Islam and Muslims. But even those pagans were given a choice to either leave the land or convert. As most Islamic history books show, in the beginning Muslims were even forbidden to entice Christians and Jews away from their religion.

The few Muslims who are committing these idiotic and dastardly acts are just thugs and do not represent Islam or Muslims.

Answer 3

I follow no religion, I only follow God's Holy Words and Truth the Bible, just so you know before I give my answer. Even at gunpoint, I would not give up my God. I am willing to die faithful and true to my God. Because I don't fear anything or anyone even in the face of death...because He can bring me back after Armageddon.
**Matthew 10:28** And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.**
**1Peter Chapter 4 verses 1, 4, 12 and 13**

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us[a] in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
I am human, and I do feel pain like the next person, but let them do their worst, because I'll die with the satisfaction of knowing that I will be resurrected.

Answer 4

I would not. Now: this is NOT because I have anything against Islam. The religion and members of Islam are wonderful. They are people, in general terms, of peace. They do what is right.

I wouldn't do it because I know I have found the truth - the fountain of living water of which Christ spoke and which He was. I know it is the truth. It would be like asking me to forsake the very idea that I exist (although I would be more likely to say that wasn't true than I would to deny that which I have found). The Lord would hold me accountable for my testimony.

Answer 5

Interesting question. From a Christian perspective I would say in answer to your question: 1. It is not possible to become a "born again" Christian believer under such duress and any Christian that tried to secure a conversion by force, would not really be a Christian at all. 2. By the same token someone who was previously of a different faith could not be so prevented from becoming a Christian because as you say, this is something that happens internally. 3. There are however many Christians in this world who fear for their lives because of their conversion to Christianity. Indeed many have died because of their refusal to return to the spiritual bondage of a previously held belief. 4. It is possible to reject ones salvation in Christ and once rejected, it can not be recovered. So many Christians who have known the joy of Jesus in their lives, will not willfully place at risk their relationship with Jesus at any cost.

Answer 6

Justin,
I am a devout Christian and I would not be able to do so. There were many Christians in the first century who were fed to lions and crucified for their faith. If I died and had denounced my savior then I would be no better than Christ's betrayer who will spend an eternity in hell. I would not be able to do so for that reason. I hope you understand how I feel on this matter. It does not mean that I would look down on others who feel differently. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks,
Eds


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Answer 7

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Phil. 1:23

I'll never convert to islam. Even at knifepoint if they were to hack off my head. They will be sent to hell unless the repent.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. 10:28

Answer 8

I asked a question similar to this recently and got the response that Islam is not holding people at gunpoint, however, with your question I am starting to believe that they are.
I am a follower of Christ, if this would happen to me, I pray that I would never convert , just to save my life- because Christ gave His life for me, so that I could live forever with Him- and if I were die because I was shot for my faith, I would instantly be in the presence of my Savior- TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN.

To Stevebseeking,,,,- could you really return to Christianity after denying Christ? Are you living for Christ, only when it means comfort for you. I would not want to be shot either, but if I had to make a choice between a false religion and being with Christ, there is no choice here for me

Answer 9

Some might. However Christ said, Whoever finds his life may LOSE it, but who ever LOSES his life for MY sake shall FIND it, and as for us who trust his words He also said I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY! YHWH gave Jesus the power to raise the dead So I ask YOU is it written that Mohammed did, can or WILL raise the dead? I say no NEVER! the holy scripture is SUPIRIOR to wikipedia Yet WE shall KNOW should the time come

Answer 10

Of course, if it would save your life. Under law, a coerced contract is not valid and not enforceable. If humans can be so merciful as to provide such a legal loophole, would God be any less. Convert, get away from the nuts, live to fight another day. To paraphrase General Patton: dying for a cause never won a war. Let the other dumb bastard die for a cause.