Books in Brief

In the Lion’s Den, by Nina Shea (Broadman & Holman, 800-251-3225, 126 pp., $8.99)

OF all the abuses of human rights afflicting a turbulent world, one of the most scandalous is the persecution of Christians. It is scandalous not only because of its shocking extent-comprehensively and eloquently documented in this book—but also because it has so long escaped attention in our media and even in our government. Undoubtedly there is a double standard at work-as if Christianity, so long a dominant force in the world, were not entitled to the same freedom as other faiths. Now, finally, attention zs being paid to the arrests, imprisonment, torture, and other abuses to which millions of Christian believers are subjected in a host of countries. Miss Shea identifies 11 countries where abuses are particularly serious-China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cuba, Nigeria, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Egypt. As the list indicates, Communism and extremist Islam are the worst offenders. One of those most responsible for bringing the issue to Americans’ attention is Nina Shea herself, director of the Puebla Institute program of Freedom House. I should declare my interest-I am a Trustee of Freedom House-but the book speaks for itself.

PW

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Peter W. Rodman

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Religious Persecution

In the Lion’s Den, by Nina Shea (Broadman & Holman, 800-251-3225, 126 pp., $8.99)

OF all the abuses of human rights afflicting a turbulent world, one of the most scandalous is the persecution of Christians. It is scandalous not only because of its shocking extent-comprehensively and eloquently documented in this book—but also because it has so long escaped attention in our media and even in our government. Undoubtedly there is a double standard at work-as if Christianity, so long a dominant force in the world, were not entitled to the same freedom as other faiths. Now, finally, attention zs being paid to the arrests, imprisonment, torture, and other abuses to which millions of Christian believers are subjected in a host of countries. Miss Shea identifies 11 countries where abuses are particularly serious-China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cuba, Nigeria, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Egypt. As the list indicates, Communism and extremist Islam are the worst offenders. One of those most responsible for bringing the issue to Americans’ attention is Nina Shea herself, director of the Puebla Institute program of Freedom House. I should declare my interest-I am a Trustee of Freedom House-but the book speaks for itself.