Iran, Apostacy and Media

Sammy Tippet Ministries reports that in Iran "there is some debate taking place within the government about those who are preaching through the television and various forms of media, that they would be targets of the government if they continue to see people come to Christ."

The media within Iran is currently accountable to Islamic Law and heavily censored by the ruling religious clerics. Conservative Iranians feel the press cannot criticize government leaders who are also religious leaders, and other religious tenants must be upheld in social, cultural, and political arenas.

Iran's religious leader recently blocked a parliamentary debate and vote on a bill which aimed to ease current stringent restrictions on the press.

Sammy Tippit says the report they received indicated the new concern is a separate discussion from the apostasy law. "What you have, basically, is ministries like ours, broadcasting into the country, trying to feed the sheep, trying to help those who are believers to grow in their faith in Christ, and this has become a point of contention."

This is seen as one more step toward the repression of Christians, alongside such issues as introducing the dealth penalty for apostacy - including for moving from Islam to Christianity.

But more groups are speaking out about Iran's proposed apostasy bill, under. It has drawn the condemnation of many human and religious rights organizations. While the law has yet to be ratified, many religious minority communities are concerned because they could be subjected to death sentences.

According to Lee DeYoung of Words of Hope, there has been increased attention by the government against those involved in Christian activities. He says there may be two reasons for the crackdown. He says it could be run-away Christian church growth, or new political movement.

Many reports indicate the current government isn't very popular and it is common, when officials feel things are getting worse for them, that their response is to try to tighten and to resist even more strongly any kind of thing they perceive to be a threat.

While there hasn't been civil disobedience yet, there is disillusionment. That's why Iranians are listening to Christian radio, such as the Persian programming from Words of Hope.