Cash for Conversions? Malaysian Christian Church Raided Over Alleged Muslim Conversion ‘Bribes’
- Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:31am by
Billy Hallowell
- Print »
- Email »
Credit: Syamsul Bahri Muhammad / ZUMA Press
Are Christian organizations carrying out “covert missions” to convert Malaysian Muslims to Christianity by offering bribes, including cash, food and housing? This is exactly what some Malaysian newspapers are reporting following a government raid on a local, Christian church.
But, while Christians are being looked at with a skeptical eye, so are authorities. According to the Associated Press (via Fox News), “Malaysian Christian officials have accused Islamic authorities of unlawfully entering a church and harassing guests at a community dinner.”
These issues came to a head last Wednesday when the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) allegedly joined police in raiding a multicultural dinner at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church in the city of Petaling Jaya. According to sources, the group was accused of trying to convert Muslim guests to Christianity.
While it is not technically illegal, at the federal level, to engage in proselytizing Muslims, the majority of the nation’s states have laws against it. Despite these sometimes confusing regulations, it is plainly stated that it is illegal for individuals to convert from Islam. While the details on these police actions are still murky, it appears that issues of religious freedom lay at the heart of the debate. AFP has more on the raid:
Around 30 Islamic religious and police officials entered the church compound in Selangor state without a warrant and began taking videos and photographs, Daniel Ho, senior pastor for the church, said in a statement.
They subjected guests to “undue harassment” and took down the details of the Muslims present before leaving, he said.
Officials said they had “received a complaint” about the church but otherwise gave no reason for the raid.
Although the details are tough to piece together, some Malaysian newspapers have expounded upon these events and provided more information. Debra Chong of The Malaysian Insider writes:
In its frontpage story titled “Sogok wang gadai akidah” [“Cash bribes faith pawned”], Berita Harian reported that certain organizations were hiding behind the guide of welfare aide and offering all manner of monthly cash allowances of at least RM1,000 to hard-hit Muslims and their families in an attempt to turn them into Christians.
While the newspaper didn’t name any of the organizations or churches that were allegedly involved in these actions, it showed a picture of a woman and claimed that she had admitted receiving aid from a local church. The paper cited two interviews with “Adazhan” and “Jasmine” – individuals who purportedly received aid and took part in these programs, writing:
“Each participant is promised a ‘new life’ by the organisation’s leader who portrayed himself as a ‘saviour’ if he follows the arranged programme, including changing his religion.”
Of course, this “new life” could very well be a spiritual one, as Christianity promise a new “birth” should one accept Jesus Christ and follow his teachings. But, it seems critics may be charging that this “new life” was more rooted in money, food and the like (items these impoverished Muslims needed to survive).
Jasmine, who was allegedly detained during the church raid, apparently told the newspaper that the Muslims who participated in the church’s program were not allowed to believe in the Prophet Muhammad. Instead, they were asked to embrace Jesus’ teachings.
With only nine percent of the Malaysian population being Christian and 60 percent defining themselves as Muslims, the former religious group is certainly a minority group. In a statement, Hermen Shastri, General secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia, said that the raid sets “a dangerous precedent and makes a mockery of the sanctity of religious places” and that it caused ”undue trauma to all guests of the different ethnic communities.”
Due to the intriguing religious dynamics in Malaysia, it is difficult to assess the situation. That said, this will certainly fuel some debates about faith in the Southeast Asian country. In America, like many other nations, proselytizing and converting are freedoms that all citizens enjoy. In Malaysia, though, the situation is much more complicated. This raid could signal the beginning of a more intense crackdown on Christianity in the region.
(h/t Weasel Zippers)
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 668 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 525 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 381 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 364 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 327 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 251 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 257 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 104 Comments- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 147 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 300 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 251 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (43)
cykoaudio
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 3:45amit’s “illegal” to convert FROM Islam,& Muslim authorities all over Philippines & Malaysia have been burning down churches & harassing Christians for decades now,so this story comes as no surprise..its the two alleged ppl that received money from the church that are hoodwinking the media..they were paid to SAY they received money to corroborate story..in China too,all over Asia,Christians have been harassed not allowed to practice faith openly,while Muslims take to the streets & burn down any religious institution that doesn’t just shut up…the problem for the Muslims is…Muslims are RUNNING for the hills & WILLINGLY converting-all over the world I might add,see story of coptic priest Fr.Zakaria doing tv show converting millions of Muslims per view-& what happens when the foundations of your religion come tumbling & your faithful are becoming faithful to Jesus,you pay off ppl to say they convert ppl by paying them,or forcing them,or whatever…when the history of violence against Christians in all of Asia is well known,& no one in their right mind would convert to the most hated religion in Asia unless you were VERY sure Jesus had the answer
Report Post »stage9
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 1:13amFolks there’s something you need to understand about the islamic world — lies are common practice. I can produce half a dozen articles where muslims have outright lied to justify violence against Christians. Last week I read a story of a group of muslims who accused a Christian convert and pastor of burning pages of the Qur’an on his property. So they gathered a mob and burned down the pastor’s church. It was a totally false accusation but that doesn’t matter in the islamic world. Everything is handled through violence.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:54pmI fear that, with the media’s help, all of these people will be dead soon. God be with them all.
Report Post »Bernard
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 7:31pmThis is part of the “conversion’ culture in India. Where millions will happily convert to Christianity and get perks for it. But once the organization leaves they find themselves a new minority with the same caste and even more treated apart. But once organizations like the VHP steps in they convert back to Hinduism receiving the same if not better perks and an acceptance into that culture. Then comes the next Evangelist with oooldes of goodies and the Cicely goes on.
Report Post »Ohello
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:46pmThe WORLD has forgotten already WWII where Muslims (Arabs, Middle Easterners, Persians) sided with Hitler. Persia became Iran in Farsi is “ARYAN” as in the Aryan Race or NAZI racist superiority.
Report Post »Now the Islamic Nazi’s are everywhere, Jihad, Allah, Mohammad (Peace be upon him) and it’s effects can be seen throughout the world. Everywhere Islam goes, death, war, jihad begins.
Resistance is Futile, your technologies will be absorbed.
Ranchdawg
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:06pmWell, oHELLo, bring it. The Patriots of the United States of America follow this filth closely and are well prepared. We are sick and tired of the class warfare being brought on by the elites and this current administration. As GB says, “Top down, bottom up, inside out.” We see what’s happening and we will prevail in the end. We know this because our Lord and Savior is Jesus Christ…we will prevail.
Report Post »Favored93
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 3:03amReligion of peace……
Report Post »oneillptgd
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 5:10pmGo ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to all nations. This for the christian called the great the great commission.
Report Post »db321
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:53pmI smell a media propaganda spin to destroy the Christian Church in Malaysia – God Bless these brave man and women of God. Let God Arise and his Enemy be Scattered.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:28pmDB321: Amen to that.
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:12pmThe only thing muslims have is threats and death. The very idea that they will kill family members for leaving their religion means they are bereft of any argument against Christianity. They are nothing more than a 7th century cult which holds on through terror. The Christian church has always promised a new life in Christ and always helped those who need helping. The muslims are using their ‘Christian love’ against them. Islam equals hate. They prove it every day.
Report Post »robstoddard
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:29pmAnother thing to note is that the article clearly states that it’s illegal to convert from Islam to another religion. It’s perfectly OK to convert to Islam from another religion.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:45pmwhy didn’t these people goto a muslim handout facility?
Report Post »EdWheeler4Health
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:45pmWhen Christians only preach the Good News of salvation through the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ they are criticized for not caring about the physical and other needs of people.
When they combine witness of spiritual truth with care for physical needs they are criticized for “bribing” people!
Followers of Christ- obey the Lord and forget about the criticism!
Report Post »beckwasfox
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 1:21pmAmen! We should be praying for muslims to come to a saving knowledge of Christ every day.
Report Post »isaisthestraightpath
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:35pmI am a missionary to Malaysia and I am connected with some of the Malay converts who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. For those of you who are Christians who are reading this, please be lifting them up in prayer. They were scheduled to go before a Sharia Court judge Tuesday morning (in Malaysia), but due to a paperwork error that has been postponed. 3 of the 15 Malays arrested will not back down from their faith in Christ and therefore have been having a hard time finding an attorney who will represent them. Please pray that they will be able to find an attorney to represent them before they have to appear in court.
There are also children involved who could be taken from their parents and put into “good Muslim homes” if their parents are sentenced to “religious rehabilitation” (read: prison). Please be praying for God to pour His grace out upon the parents and children so that they will have a peace that passes all understanding that we are promised in God’s Word.
Also, please be praying that what is said at the end of the article concerning this being just the beginning of a greater crackdown on the Church in Malaysia does not happen. For the most part, Christians in Malaysia are already afraid of sharing the Gospel with their Malay (Muslim) neighbors. Satan is trying to use this to increase their fear. Let us pray for the boldness of Malaysian Christians to share the Gospel regardless of the persecution.
Report Post »Free the Midwives
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 7:51pmThank you for your service. Please tell the Malaysian believers we are praying for them.
Report Post »mecanic
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:13pmGOD save them.
Report Post »spreadcommonsensenot pc
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 12:02pmWhat happened to “Jesus Christ crucified and Rose from the dead”? A New creature “In Christ”
Report Post »Thats life changing…………..
Marsh626
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:36amAnd yes, you’re absolutely right.
Muslims refusing to allow fellow Muslims to leave their religion (the penalty is death) or for non-Muslims to preach to Muslims (again, death) is indeed absolutely more “complicated” than allowing people to practice their religious faith freely or to practice none at all.
Way to spit on the victims of Muslim sharia oppression by calling their persecution “complicated”…
Report Post »Marsh626
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:28amThey’ve been found guilty of trying to convert Muslims to Christianity…?
Do you have any idea how the leftist international media would react if the government of a Christian majority country raided a mosque and accused the Muslims who ran it of converting Christians to Islam?
There’d be an absolute firestorm of rage and condemnation.
Yet the Left and the international community continues to allow Christians to be barbarically persecuted all throughout the world.
Who cares if they were offered money to convert? It’s probably a typical ridiculous paranoid conspiracy lie that Muslims always make up when they go after non-Muslims.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:44pmwhy didn’t they just goto the muslim place for help? why did they go to a christian for help? hmm?
Report Post »SamIamTwo
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 11:18amThis is just wrong. Only God can convert mankind.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:46pmnope. FREE WILL.
Report Post »that is our choice, and what seperates us. we are to learn lessons and come to the conclusions ourself. you have to choose to know God, God doesn’t force anyone to do anything. FREE WILL.
jkendal
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:50amIt sure beats anything the muslims are offering. Let’s see: Salvation vs. damnation. I can see why people are choosing Christianity…..
Report Post »Deckle
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:30amNo one needs to bribe anyone to come to Christ so this does not make any sense. Probably Muslims trying to start an excuse to close the Christian church. I have a surprise for them, they need to read the end of the Book. No matter whjat they do we win! I can’t wait to see Christ return as he fights and destroys all those who have fought against his Saints!
Report Post »GodHatesFigs
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 9:45amChristianity is based on the ultimate bribe. Admission to the party with front row seats to watch all the “losers” be tortured for eternity.
Report Post »JuanaDance
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 8:28amYup. These people became Christians because they wanted a free meal AND to be become targets for MURDER by the religion of peace muslims. Yup, makes sense.
Evil is trembles in the shadows with the conversion of a single soul! God bless these brave Christian servants of the Lord in all they do!
Report Post »kralspaces
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 7:44amThis happens here in America too. Many churches have events with ‘give aways’ to get people to come out. In our town, it’s bicycles. Mostly the poor show up to get the freebies and they also recieve the WORD. Some actually do make changes in their lives to better themselves.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 7:37am“…nine percent of the Malaysian population being Christian and 60 percent defining themselves as Muslims…” So what do the muslims do to the other 31%? Aren’t there any infidels in that group whom they can harass? :)
Report Post »Ironmaan
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:56amThe people in those southeast asian country are savages. They have no ability to leave the other guy ALONE.
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:53amI hope this is not true.
People come to Christ because they are called by him. To those ignorant of him, living by example and leaving your doors open for those interested to wander in is the best way.
In some respects, this is not much different than soup kitchens providing a meal and preaching a sermon during it. Sometimes, only after we’ve reached the bottom, will we set aside our blinders and see the truth.
I have to ask though…in the world of “bribing for followers”, isn‘t Islam’s “if you want to live, you’ll follow Islam!” far worse?
Report Post »kralspaces
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 7:47amPaul did not wait for people the come through some door… He went to them with the word of God.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 10:52pmKralspaces: May I please suggest please that you read a little more of the Bible. People came to Paul, and the other disciples for help with every need and every need was provided for as per Jesus Christ’s instructions. They set up “Churches” throughout every known Nation to bring people to salvation through Christ with the love of God. God bless you.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:48amFrom testimonials and personal experience, we’ve concluded that we have enough information to live an extraordinary life. How offensive is the words God!
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:50amwords of God!
Report Post »alabamaslammer
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:47amMuslims are so understanding. Between them and liberals I can’t tell whose more inclusive.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 2:48pmaren’t they though, their actions are all like, “i’m compasionate”, “i’m understanding”, “need a hug?” …
Report Post »louise
Posted on August 9, 2011 at 6:42am“That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done.
Report Post »So, there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one might say,”See this, it is new”?
Already it has existed for ages which were before us. There is no remembrance of earlier things; and also of the later things which will occur, there will be no remembrance among those who will come later still.~~~Ecclesiastes 1:9-11
shamsul siahaan
Posted on March 28, 2012 at 5:56amVoilence against Christians? Come on, why don’t you wake up? The Philippines was a ruled by a number of Muslim Sultans until the Spanish conquestadors marauded the territory and forced the locals to become Christians. The number of Muslims massacred was unaccounted for. But if you make a visit to one historical museum in Manila, you’ll be able to see some remnants of how the Muslims were massacred. Metal lock-ups were built along the Pasiq river. Muslim prisoners were locked up and when the tide rose up slowly, they drowned. Can you imagine how they died? The last Sultan of Luzon was Raja Sulaiman. He was drowned in the same manner. Now, who are the real perpetrators of voilence? The Muslims? No way. It’s the Christian Spanish who came to conquer the Muslim territory and name it after their king called Phillip. That was how the Muslim territory came to known as the Philippines.
Report Post »In Malaysia, the British colonialists were smarter. Christianity was brought in through education. Earlier on, the Portuguese conquered Malacca just like what the Spanish did to the later-known Philippines. They managed to forcibly convert some of the locals to Christianity but it was limited only to Malacca. But until today (from the Malaccan days), there’s no historical evidence indicating the occurrence of voilence against Christianity in Malaysia.