Inspired by the biblical story of grace and forgiveness, this article explores recent violent attacks against Christians in Egypt, fueled by rumors and online hate speech.
Amber Ginter



Do you remember the story in John 8 where the teachers of religious law and Pharisees threw a woman who'd been caught in adultery before Jesus? Do you remember his response? Everyone wanted to stone her to death. According to the Law, that was the punishment she deserved. Instead, Jesus offered grace, wisdom, forgiveness, and mercy:

"They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust" (John 8:7-8, BLT).

One by one, the woman's accusers walked away. They knew they were all sinners and therefore couldn't throw the first stone. When just Jesus and the woman remained, he asked her: "Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” (verse 10). "Not one," the woman replied (verse 11). And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

As I read the anti-Christian reports on violence in Egypt, this story came to mind. Why? According to Christian Today, violence has broken out in a small Egyptian village (Minya, Egypt) following a rumored relationship between a Christian man and a Muslim woman. Premier Christian News notes that following those accusations, hate speech on social media was used to propel members of the Muslim community into action.

And that they did. Muslims gathered outside of Christian homes and businesses and threw stones, causing an uproar of violence. They also began burning objects and sending online threats to many Christian communities. As police intervened and arrested many of the attackers, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) states that local authorities have arranged a much-needed reconciliation session between the two groups.

Despite this planned makeup session, concerns have arisen that this violent response is somewhat typical after persecution: "Egypt has begun cracking down on unregistered religious groups, despite religious freedom being, on paper at least, guaranteed by the Egyptian constitution" (Christian Today). What typically stems from offended Muslim groups rather than the state merely highlights an ongoing sociopolitical tension between Christians and Muslims. These attacks aren't new, reports International Christian Concern, but they have been worsening over the decades.

When asked about this latest "throwing of stones," Scot Bower, CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, noted that "Sectarian attacks are not only assaults on innocent people; they also undermine the fundamental rights and human dignity that should be enjoyed by every citizen." Demanding that action be taken quickly by local police authorities, this violence is a reminder to us all that religious freedom is still under threat and persecution.

In a world where our brothers and sisters in Christ are facing violence and persecution, let us pray. Let us pray for perseverance in the face of hardship, unity in the face of arguments, and love in the face of hate. We may live in a world full of violence and evil affairs, but the light shines in this darkness, and the darkness can never overcome it (John 1:5).

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