“A secular state that hasn’t a clue about what true Christianity involves is in the position to judge whether refuges are true Christians. More poignantly put: A secular state, often hostile to the gospel, is judging whether people who do hold the gospel should be sent back to countries hostile to the gospel.”

One of the most anticipated, decisive, and nerve-wracking moments for every refugee in Germany is the day in court, when their case is heard as to whether their life is truly in danger if they were to be sent back  to their home country. For Christian converts from Islam much of their case rests on proof of a true conversion. Each refugee is asked about their journey into Christianity. However, this day in court often resembles a kangaroo court rather than true justice. The nature of the questions refugees are asked belies the German courts ability to assess conversion to Christianity. Furthermore, refugee’s answers are often incorrectly translated by court appointed translators who haven’t a clue about Christianity either.

Faith on trial
Here are some of the questions judges have asked to assess whether a refugee truly knows and understands what the Christian faith is about:

“What were the names of the sons in the parable of the prodigal son?”

“What is the global capital of the Christian faith?”

“Why haven’t you read the whole Bible?”

“How do you reconcile the sovereignty of God with His Trinitarian nature?”

“The Bible is also considered holy writing in Islam and can be obtained freely; why haven’t you tried to buy a copy?”

“Martin Luther is an important person in the Gospels. What do know about him?”

There is a sad irony to these questions. A secular state that hasn’t a clue about what true Christianity involves is in the position to judge whether refuges are true Christians. More poignantly put: A secular state, often hostile to the gospel, is judging whether people who do hold the gospel should be sent back to countries hostile to the gospel.

How can someone who is unconverted judge those who are? In our work with refugees many arrive having just begun their journey toward Christ. Many have said, “I’ve known the darkness of Islam, and a hunger to know Jesus began in my homeland. God brought me to Germany so that I might find this Jesus.” They are new to Christianity, and yet are examined as if they’ve walked with Jesus for decades, or have completed a theological degree, by those who know little about Christianity.

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