Faith Under Fire

Synopsis

The 'Vicar of Baghdad' encounters daily tragedy.

What happened to his faith when a young girl in his congregation died, after much hope and prayer? He has met the best and worst: articulate, agreeable imams and rabbis; Christian venality and dishonesty. What has kept him willing to see the best? Every time he returns to Iraq he may be saying goodbye to his family for the last time. What do they think? He suffers from MS. How does he remain cheerful despite his physical weakness, and its progression? What does he say to God, alone in his study, late at night? He has been caught up in momentous events. Can he see the hand of God? Looking ahead, can he be optimistic about the future? Where are his sources of spiritual energy? He solicits prayer: why? 'Not everything God calls us to do is painless,' he comments. 'Much of my work is simply about showing love to the unlovely.'

Summary

Chapter 1: The Fire of Persecution

* Summary: Examines the various forms of persecution that Christians have faced throughout history, from physical violence to social ostracism.
Real Example: The Roman Empire's brutal treatment of early Christians, including crucifixion, burning, and feeding to wild animals.

Chapter 2: The Power of Forgiveness

* Summary: Explores the biblical teaching on forgiveness and its importance for persecuted Christians.
Real Example: The story of Edith Stein, a Jewish philosopher who converted to Catholicism and died in a Nazi concentration camp. Despite the horrors she endured, she forgave her persecutors.

Chapter 3: The Strength of Community

* Summary: Emphasizes the critical role of community in supporting and strengthening persecuted Christians.
Real Example: The "underground church" in China, where Christians gather secretly and face severe risks to practice their faith.

Chapter 4: The Courage of Witness

* Summary: Discusses the importance of bearing witness to the truth, even in the face of danger.
Real Example: The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian who resisted the Nazi regime and was executed for his convictions.

Chapter 5: The Hope of the Resurrection

* Summary: Explores the biblical hope of resurrection and its significance for persecuted Christians.
Real Example: The experience of the martyrs of Sudan, who faced death with joy, knowing that their suffering would be rewarded in the hereafter.

Chapter 6: The Call to Action

* Summary: Issues a call to action for Christians to support persecuted believers and advocate for religious freedom.
Real Example: The work of international organizations such as Open Doors and World Watch Monitor, which provide aid and resources to persecuted Christians.

Chapter 7: The Kingdom of God

* Summary: Concludes the book by emphasizing that the ultimate triumph belongs to God's kingdom, not to earthly powers.
Real Example: The story of the early Christians, who endured persecution with unwavering faith, knowing that they were building a kingdom that would not be shaken.