Friday, May 10, 2013

Saudi Arabia, one of the most oppressive nations in the world for Christians.

Saudi Arabia.

Updated 25 August 2014
One of the most oppressive nations in the world for Christians.i ii iii Though the persecution score has increased since 2013 Saudi Arabia has slipped from second to sixth on the World Watch List.ii iv
The first major event in the history of Saudi Arabia was the birth of Muhammed in A.D. 570, he went on to be the founder of Islam.i Before the coming of Islam there was a large population of Christians, some of whom aided Muhammed during his time of exile.i This was about A.D. 622.i
The second major event was the discovery of petroleum in 1938, prior to this the economy and culture was little different to the time of Muhammed.i This discovery brought on an extensive modernisation program in the kingdom.i
Unemployment is high (20-40%) mainly because of the Saudis' disdain for certain jobs.i

Population

21.6 million (84% Urban).i

Land

South western Asia 830,000 sq. miles (2,149,690 sq. Km).i

Religion

92.13-99% Muslim.i
“There are no provisions for religious freedom in the Kingdom’s constitution or basic laws.”ii Islam is the official state religion, all others are prohibited.i

Outreach.

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later, and in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Luke 24:45-47 Good News Bible

  • Asians especially Filipinos who have come as menial labourers (cooks, maids and others). Many have been successful in evangelising their employers, many have also paid the ultimate price.i
  • When Saudis (students, businessmen and tourists) travel abroad to the West and to more open Arab states they can be reached with the Gospel. Most prefer to travel during the hot season and the month of Ramadan.iii
  • Christian radio such as HCJB, IBRA and others broadcast in Arabic and languages of the expatriate communities. There are many secret listeners and as a result, isolated believers.iii
  • Christian literature and videos, including the Bible, are banned but in great demand. “Scriptures in different formats and films such as the JESUS film and The Passion of the Christ do a brisk business on the black market.”iii
  • About 90% of homes have satellite television. Christian channels in both Arabic and English can be used tremendously to bring Saudis to Jesus.iii
  • The majority of the population have access to the internet, “but the government blocks and monitor traffic.”iii

Christians

The estimates of the Christian population range from 750,0001 to 1.25 Million.ii Most Christians are expatriate workers, the local believers live under constant fear of discovery, arrest and execution.i Despite the dangers many Saudis are secretly seeking and finding Jesus.iii

Church Life.

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.” Hebrews 10:25 Good News Bible.
According to tradition the apostle Barnabas was the first to bring the Gospel to Saudi Arabia.i In the seventh century Islam gained control and Christians were expelled, no missions have been allowed since.i Christians are generally allowed to worship in private, but the religious police (Muttawa) do not always respect this.ii Men and women from different families are not allowed to intermingle.ii New converts are greeted with fear and suspicion rather than excitement, hindering the growth of the Church.i

Persecution.

Jesus said: "If the world hates you, just remember that it has hated me first. If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you as its own. But I chose you from this world, and you do not belong to it; that is why the world hates you.” John 15:18-19
“Severe, growing steadily.”i

Restrictions & Freedoms

  • Conversion from Islam to any other religion is punishable by death.i ii
  • Evangelism is punishable by arrest & occasionally execution.i
  • “Worship is punishable by arrest, imprisonment, deportation.”i

In the 21st Century …

Saudi Arabia will most likely continue to be oppressive, ferociously guarding the home of Islam and treating severely potential threats to its supremacy.i

Prayer Points.

  • For greater recognition of human rights and for religious freedom.iii
  • For access to God's Word.iii
  • For those in the country to gain access to good Christian resources on the Internet for evangelism, discipleship and discussion.iii
  • For encouragement, strength, wisdom and courage for believers.iii
  • Protection for Christians who boldly share their faith despite the risks.ii
  • Encouragement for isolated believers who face rejection and persecution from their families.ii
  • For believers to find believing spouses.iii
  • That God will continue to draw people to Himself through satellite TV, radio and supernatural dreams.ii
  • For good relations between Christians and Muslims that will permit Christian workers to enter the country.i
  • Pray for the underground church to be tolerated (so believers both foreigners and locals can meet safely) and become an effective base for witness and fellowship.i
  • Pray for courage for new converts who may be cut off from their families and face execution as apostates for their faith.i
  • For foreign workers in menial jobs to continue be successful evangelising their employers.i
  • Despite the restrictions of strict Islamic laws alcohol and drug abuse, sexual immorality and HIV/AIDS are real but hidden problems.iii
For further information I recommend reading the Bible. I have referred to several English translations of the Bible. A good resource for this, in many languages, is e-sword, a free downloadable program.
© Ken Glasgow 2013
This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iCompanjen J & Long J, 2000, Please Pray For Us praying for persecuted Christians in 52 nations, Bethany House, Minneapolis, Minnesota, pages 168-172.
iiAnonymous, 2013, #2 Saudi Arabia, World Watch List 2013, http://www.worldwatchlist.org.au/country.cfm?country=saudi-arabia
iiiMandryk J, 2010, Operation World the definitive prayer guide to every nation, Biblica Publishing, Colorado Springs Colorado, pages 728-733.
ivAnonymous, World Watch List 2014 Top 50 Countries Summary, http://worldwatchlist.org.au
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