Iran court likely to revoke pastor's death sentence: lawyer

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/03/us-iran-court-pastor-idUSTRE7924HV20111003

I am sending this because I received an article about it from a member of this group via Facebook.  Although a challenging topic, I think it is something that we should be thinking about as Christian people in America.  I think our group has enough trust to do this conversation well, but want to be sure we have some "ground rules" to ensure a positive and constructive conversation.  Thank you all for being willing to engage in "real" conversation…

EG

Ground Rules for conversation…

1) We use I statements, such as "I feel, I believe", we do not speak for others.

2) When the conversation includes another religious tradition, we are respectful of that tradition and recognize that like in our congregation, people of the same tradition may have very different beliefs.

3) We respect others comments, we do not characterize or insult but listen and attempt to understand.

4) We understand that any conversation about Islam or the Middle East is fraught with political implications.  We do not assume others political leanings or that there is only one "correct" position.

Questions to stimulate conversation…

1) When we think of Christian persecution we typically think of the early church.  Did you know that Christians (and many others) in the world do face persecution for their faith? 

2) In an increasingly unchurched society, is it hard to explain/understand why someone would be willing to die for their faith?

3) How do you think you would react in this situation?

4) Considering our nations complex history with Iran and Christian history with Islam in general, what can we do as Christians that would be positive in this situation?

See you all at the T&P Tavern at 7:30pm on Wednesday.http://tptavern.com/

EG