I just read a new book
by the name “I Am Malala.” It is written by a Pakistani teenager, Malala
Yousafzai, who was shot on her school bus by a member of the Taliban. Then just
this week Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize, who at seventeen years of age,
is the youngest person to ever receive a Nobel Prize. She was targeted for
death by the Taliban because as a twelve, thirteen and fourteen year old she
had become a widely known advocate and speaker for girls to go to school. The
Taliban doesn’t think girls should be educated, or work outside the home. They
are to stay in the house and when they do go outside they are to wear a burka
(a full body covering with a slit for the eyes) and be accompanied by a male
family member.
The
book is an inspiring story of this young girl and her courage. But I also
recommend you read the book for a close look at the Taliban and the society
they wish to create. Some of what they believe does have roots in Muslim
teaching. But, like Christians, there are those who are moderates, liberals,
conservatives and radical conservatives. But it isn’t the radical teaching of
the Taliban which causes concern, it is their intent to kill anyone who does
not agree with them, such as the girl Malala. Also, where they have power they
kill anyone who will not convert to the Moslem faith. In this book one can
glimpse the stupidity of their beliefs and their utter cruelty. My prayer is
that God will save the Pakistanis and all other peoples from such a group as
this.
Knowing
the Taliban and what they want for us and everyone else, I recognize them as
our enemies. And I remember the instruction of Jesus, “love your enemies, bless
them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) With the Taliban, that
will be hard to do.
Grace and peace.
