SOME UNWELCOME RESULTS OF THE EGYPTIAN REVOLUTION

July 2011

A respected Christian leader from Cairo reports: "When a million ordinaryand non-violent Egyptians from all walks of life camped for 18 days in Liberation Square, the world was mesmerized by their remarkable and unprecedented show of courage and willingness to suffer for the human rights of all Egyptians. Yet none of those who were in Liberation Square could have imagined that their defiance would not only result in undermining most authority in the country, but would also pave the way for radical Muslim groups to begin restricting true freedom and equality for all Egyptians. 

If you challenge the President and win, you no longer fear any authority. One logical - yet unintended - result of this successful show of defiance is that nearly every sector of society is now challenging those in authority above them. 

Students challenge their teachers or educational administrators.

Employees challenge their bosses.

Ordinary citizens challenge civil authorities.

There is little respect for the police.

Even the respected and formerly- feared Army is now being challenged 

The many acts of violence, burning of churches, shops, and factories - not to mention the spate of kidnappings for ransom and increased petty theft -are partly the result of a misunderstanding of freedom and a lack of fear towards anyone to whom these people could be held accountable! 

A sad example of this is when criminals are arrested to await trial, their friends and relatives come in the hundreds, storm the jail, overcome the police, and free the prisoners.  In the past, respect - or fear - of the police's authority would have made such acts inconceivable.  Now, they are frequent occurrences. Another example is that the two men who plotted to assassinate President Sadat in 1981 have been released from jail and are now popular talk show guests! Another unintended result of the Revolution has been the paving of the way for the new Parliament to be overtaken by the well-organized Muslim Brotherhood.

Having officially renounced violence, this group will protect Christians from the violent attacks experienced lately.  But in establishing an Islamic state, they will undoubtedly seriously curtail what Christians can do outside their Churches.  Undoubtedly they will also limit the level of religious freedom previously available for Muslims. The increasing violence and danger has led to a general spirit of fear with many Christians yearning to leave Egypt.  

Please pray for Church leaders to know how to comfort and encourage oppressed believers and yet challenge them to hold on to their faith and live according to Christian principles of love and forgiveness "even in the face of injustice."

Source: International Prayer Council