the best way the spread our faith is to live what we preached. people can see by example. the missionaries believes that its the best way , some people dont see it that way . whatever happens to them , God sees them . they have their reward in heaven . its only God who knows and can interven. GOD BLESS THEM.

may, bristol, uk

Was the church blind to the world? why did they sent the missionaries to afganistan and such places and that too young people? what was the intention?didn't they know that such places are terror camps?
who is going to be responsible if these youngsters die? let me tell you youngsters are not preachers, they are not fit or matured to preach to the others especially in this era. there are so many places in this world where christianity can be preached by grown ups, but didn't the church look for those place where christianity can be preached, before sending them to that dreaded place?

pakku, Bangalore, india/karnataka

Are we moving forward? Have we counted the cost? There are many to reach out to. Why hurt the one who gave birth to you by choosing RISK. For each his own. All I can say is a prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Your Kingdom COME...

Elessa Esther, Singapore, Singapore

It's really disturbing to see some of these comments here. I just cannot imagine how cold people can be. For whatever reason they are there, they are trying to do good. So, please don't blame and judge them for why they are there and what they are doing there. I just hope the rest of the hostages will be released soon!

Joanne, Irving, TX

James P, before you burst a blood vessel - Stanzler has a point. No other country sends more christian missionaries into the wide world to try and convert us heathens or members of the "wrong" faiths to christianity. How, I wonder, did christianity get to Korea without missionaries? Like baseball got to Japan, I presume. -- Nor can you turn on the TV in Germany without being almost overwhelmed with US "cultural exports" - action films, sit-coms and soaps. No, no, James P, the US has a lot to answer for - in the negative as well as in the positive sense.

alan, cologne,

I am korean and i know that koreans have one of the most proudest race out there. And it is so pitiful to hear that they arebeing threatened to death.
I don't think it matters if they went to an danger area
That was the past
Lets think of the present and pray for them
I have been listening to the korean news
and Why are the american news always trying to sound like they are blaming the koreans?
Its been a week or so they havent eaten anything...they are threatened at gun piont, and their youth group pastor was shot....
Our world is corrupted enough, i think afganistan should release the hostages back to their sadden families.

Paul Lee, Brea, CA

3000 troops and prisoners are the most ridiculous demands of a spoiled kids. The Koreans risk their lives to help and are at the mercy of getting killed soon,much less some of you even blame them for their actions....I tell you I will really regret if I ever have friends like you.Imagine if one of those were your closed ones...I bet you might want to take back your comments and repent.Another angle to look at is if one of your closed ones were the ones receiving help from the Koreans.Who will you side now?

Yuchiro, Singapore, Asia

The reason that these Koreans were kidnapped was not due to their missionary work but rather due to them as foreigners naively entering a Taliban controlled zone without a secure escort and against the direct advice of both the Korean and Afgan governments. It is clear and recognized by these governments that the Taliban will opportunistically kidnap and kill foreigners in order to further their cause and so it is pretty much predictable that a busload of foreigners entering a war zone would be kidnapped and possibly killed ... so why are people here so astonished that is has actually happened!

Unfortunately the actions of a few have jeopardized the life and work of the many and while I do not advocate not trying to save these 23, I really do hope that future missions will respect the laws and leaders of the land and work within them regardless of whether they agree with those laws and leaders or not.

W Frank, Yancouver, Canada

These people should not be there. All the comments about preaching god's love etc are irrelevant to the situation on the ground. It is a war zone, more to the point one where religion is such a huge and volatile issue. Sending a bunch of naive missionaries to such a location is completely irresponsible, stupid and dangerous. Look at what has happened.

We need less religion in the world not more

Jazz Murphy, Cork,

As far as I am concerned it is absurd to die for a religion. I live only once and I like to die a natural death.

S Winn, Chester le Street, UK

"When will Americans ever stop interfering in other people business?"

What the devil does this mean? Stanzier, what does 23 kidnapped Koreans have to do with the U.S. "brainwashing" ANYBODY? What does the cold-blooded murder of a Korean non-combatant by a ruthless terrorist group have to do with us "interferring" in others' business?

Do you really think if we ceased to exist, the world would suddenly be at peace and no more crime would be committed?

Now, tell me: who brainwashed YOU, Stanzier? Did you learn this at a Madrass or The Pyongyang Peoples' Daily Press?

James P, Sacramento, California

First of all, i don't think these people have ignored the "laws" of the land, because Taleban is not the government of that land. They're just terrorist group in a way.

Korean or U.S. troops won't try to rescue them. There isn't any precedent that troops try to rescue the kidnapped people and happen to kill other people...because all countries know they should negotiate with Taleban for this type of matter.

Also, you should note that these people didn't explicitly show their will of coversion. Rather, these young group of people including medical school student and nurse went there for the voluntary service for children.

Jay, Ann Arbor, US

Religion is the scourge of mankind when practised
by people who vclaim to have a lock hold on truth. Oh wait a minute....they all claim that.

Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., Maryland, USA

I too hope this ends well but ... have young people like these ever considered how provocative it is for them to go around telling people (many of them much older and wiser) what they must believe if they wish to escape the fires of hell or a similar fate? As a non-believer I find this extremely tiresome and have little sympathy for the antics of these "missionaries" or indeed others like them - mormons, jehova's witnesses etc. They shoud not be surprised if they meet with a certain amount of hostility, expecially in a country like Afghanistan. They should know better. Unfortunately however their rock-like faith seems to be incompatible with rational thought.

alan, cologne,

I agree with Graeme. This is not a time for condemnation of anybody regardless of their intentions, rather a dire time in these peoples lives where they need the grace of God, and the united faith of all who have ears and are ready to listen.We must pray that they will stay strong in our Saviour though their reasons for suffering may not be clear to us.Take Job for an example,the reason for his suffering was unknown to him, yet he remained faithful to God who held the "grand design". By the way, one of my favourite passages of encouragement is Romans 8:35-39. "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to sparate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord".

Danny, Sydney, Australia

Sharia Law By AK-47
If you really believe you have the truth, why do you have to kill those who speak contrary to you? Why not just demonstrate they are in error?

dove624, alabama, US

"I suggest before considering yourself to be a "good person" you have a think about what your callous disregard for the plight of these hostages says about you. Read Luke 6, might help you. God bless." Graeme Thompson, Barcelona, Spain

May I suggest Matthew 7:1 to you, too?

Like everyone, I hope this ends well. However, these people have ignored the laws of the land, deliberately put themselves in harm's way, and put their own country in a very difficult position. Indeed, if troops try to rescue them then other people may be killed because of their folly. Lessions need to be learned here.

David Jones, Loughborough, UK

Oh for a quiet life - free from all this religious vindictiveness ...

alan, cologne,

Edward wrote: "I have good morals and am a good person because I believe that is, what I consider, to be a civil way to conduct myself. Many of the self righteous comments" ... Edward, before you criticise people about being "self-righteous" I suggest you read what you post!

Likewise: "The missionaries are not their because they feel they are doing a good thing. They are there so that they can be looked upon favourably by their own personal god. This sadly illustrates the arrogance of religion and the small minded attitudes of its followers." Um, you were saying about "arrogance" and "small minded attitudes" ??

I suggest before considering yourself to be a "good person" you have a think about what your callous disregard for the plight of these hostages says about you. Read Luke 6, might help you. God bless.

Graeme Thompson, Barcelona, Spain

At the end of the day Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, thousands have been killed by UK and US troops. Whatever religion people follow in Afghanistan is'nt going to change the fact that the peolple are very angry at the current war going on and are going to retaliate in one way or another. Christianity and Judaism are not any less violent than Islam, I've read the bible/torah and the Quran and believe you me those who find the Quran or Islam violent, well they obviously havent checked what theyre reading in the Bible if they think thats any different. Do your research (and that doesnt just mean surfing google to the lazy ones outhere)

Gul, London,

Zohaib....I have read about it - read the book. It really is a poor immitation of the original (the bible) - and I'm not religious. I judge that Islam doesn't like the competiton. Muslims need saving from themselves - you only have to look at the emerging, hard working nations who are passing them by like India & South East Asia who also "would just like to work" - as well as enjoy themselves and who are not constrained by the 'wonderful' religion of Islam.

Phil, Preston,

The Rev. Dr. from Geneva says (and he should know): "Islam is terrified of Christianity." Christianity seems to be terrified of Islam too. As an atheist, I look on bemusedly from the sidelines.

alan, cologne,

Zohaib wrote:

"Its the muslims who are in a sorry state, not Islam, a beautiful religion if you actually read about it."

A quick search on Google on the words Islam and Jihad belie the validity of that statement.

eckythump, Salisbury, UK

Reading these comments confirms my view that religion has no place in a modern society. I have good morals and am a good person because I believe that is, what I consider, to be a civil way to conduct myself. Many of the self righteous comments basically stating" my god is better than your god" are base and childish.
As far as I can see going to an unstable war zone to convert radicalised individuals is like sticking your head in a hive to eat honey. The missionaries are not their because they feel they are doing a good thing. They are there so that they can be looked upon favourably by their own personal god. This sadly illustrates the arrogance of religion and the small minded attitudes of its followers.

Edward, London,

Sad - people should judge if they are following the "truth".

What kind of nonsense is this where you go out to convert people but will kill anyone who comes to you with a view of explaining their religion.

Its the muslims who are in a sorry state, not Islam, a beautiful religion if you actually read about it.

Extremism in any form, is from the devil. God's path is always balanced and in the middle.

Zohaib, London, UK

I am appalled by some responses posted here. No matter what religion, the bottom line is that these are people who out of their good faith got kidnapped from doing what they believed to be for the good of others, risking their own lives. Sure, the term 'good of others' is relative, and the issues raised by religion that's so dividing are for another day. There are no good enough excuses in the world to slaughter these 23 innocent people, and I sincerely pray for their safe return home.

Aya, Seoul, Korea

What is the issue? The parents of these children and probably the children as well had an understanding of the risk involved. Assuming that these children and parents are genuine Christians I am sure that they counted the cost. As the Apostle Paul had said, "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." I believe that is what these people have done. This does not mean that they were only preaching, but SERVING, which implies that they were at work doing things for those people.

These people appear to treasure Christ above all else and so lived accordingly.

They do not desreve to be kidnapped, but they knew that may be a possibility. They apparently do not fear men but God.

I desire the same resolve in my own life.

Todd, Denver, CO/ USA

"These South Korean young people know the truth, and they feel compelled to share the good news of Christ with those who might not otherwise hear it." Jim, Corvallis, Oregon

Atheists like me feel much the same. We're compelled by intellectual honesty to challenge theism whenever it raises its head in public. It's strange that we're often told by theists that we should 'respect' other people's beliefs though.

David Jones, Loughborough, UK

We ave to understand one thing first of all.

What makes those of who sacrifice their own life and dare to go to a nation like Afghanistan - extreme, cruel and lawless? They must be either insane, or sane to be able to do that.

They are really really sane people. Because I go same church as they go and worshio same God as they do.

What makes one dare to do so is the intensity of belief. Their belief says them to go and tell the world and live the life of Jesus.

Whatever religiona and faith you profess, if you are reading what I have commented above, I would like to leave you with a question; Do you really live your belief?

Enkhtaivan Gantulga, London, UK

What the people in an extremely poor country like Afghanistan need is the means to live, not stories about Christ, Allah or Krishna. Any amount of preaching the way of any religion, however well-intentioned, is of no use to starving and famished people.
If these people had gone there to provide food, water and medical help, that would have been welcome. One cannot eat the Bible. Neither can one eat the Quran. Hallelujahs don't aid anyone, much less the unfortunate Afghan.

BN, Singapore,

Why can't you respect their beliefs, when their beliefs tell them to go out and preach the gospel?

A, Sydney, Australia

Christians in Korea do not respect other religions. I have seen them interrupting a Buddist celebration in the middle of Seoul. I have also seen them telling off non-Christians for holding hands in public places. Plus, they knock on my door every single Saturday and Sunday, using Korean or English depending on who opens the door, my wife or me. This happens not only to me, but to many other of my friends. Quite frankly, I hope that these 23 missionaries return home safely, but also that they understand that they have to respect others' believes.

Pat, Seoul, Korea

I write from India and know the amount of good missionaries have contributed to this nation's building, both social and especially spiritual. Michael, I wonder, how much of missionary history you know sitting out there in San Diego that you arrrive at such conclusions.

AP, Hyderabad,

This is not my view, but God's view. Jesus said, "What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul?" These South Korean young people know the truth, and they feel compelled to share the good news of Christ with those who might not otherwise hear it.

Jim, Corvallis, Oregon

Firstly, it doesn't matter what the laws of Afghanistan are with regard to preaching the gospel. We are commanded by the living God who made the heavens and the earth to preach the gospel to every creature.

Secondly, militiant Muslims are simply wicked criminals and murderers who justify killing people (who were made in God's image) with their twisted religion. They're the same as the Khmer Rouge, or the Stalinists, except they claim to serve God instead of their ideology. What an abomination! Tremble before God and repent while there's still time...

Muhammad, Miami, FL

forget "what about these people and those people", forget "who brainwashed who", lets focus on the story here..23 people have been KIDNAPPED. Last time i check that's not right, in any religion or lack thereof.

spak, new york city, usa

I am earnestly praying for you brethren. Brothers and Sisters I admire your courage and zeal for truth that you have even jeopardised your very life for the sake of the war-trodden nation. You are the true christians. Be courageous and wait for Lord Protectors miracle.

Peace, London, UK

Let us pray for those who believe in something they believe is good. Let us also pray - in pity - for those who believe in something they believe is better than something other people believe in.

Kei, London,

Korean Gorverment exhorted the missionaries not to go taleban due to security problem before they went to taleban. but apprantly they didn't hear the advice.
Now, families of them demand government to withdraw
non battle troops for being freed the kidnapped people. It's not simply to answer "yes, I will".
Life is the most important thing, but They could prevent it. It's like that they jumped into fire themselvs.
That make me so annoyed.. Why didn't they look around so as to find korean people as poor as taleban's.

Jinho Song, Incheon, South Koera

There is absolutely no punishment for apostacy in Islam or for preaching Christianity in a Muslim country. These Taliban are a misguided lot. Quran quite clearly states that "there is no complusion in the matters of religion". Taliban and other Muslims scholars who believe in death penalty for an apostate, ironically, site the Torah to justify it, a book sacred to Jews AND the Christians.

Asif Omer, Budd Lake, NJ

why do think that the missionary make much trouble than infulencing good thing. they are only missionary they dont harm anything in their country i think. why do they always resort in physical force rather than peacefully resolve the problem wisely and more productive and constructively , is it all they want to destroy all thing that place. everyone want to live peacefully rather than struggle & confiction . if their country does not allowed the missionary action is not permmitted simply say that they recommend and says to the missionary to leave their contry. why do they using the last resort of using terroirstic action of kidnapping the korean missionary in afganistan. even though htey ar not korean maybe critical about their behavior like that they kidnapping innocent korean misionary . it can be wrap up by mutual diplomatic cooperation both country. they did several years was the last way. everything must resovle by the talk and conversation not physical force.peacefull

jonggook,kim, busan, repiblic of korea

Christ being the only way to God, according to the Scriptures, these brave missionaries were obeying the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19), at great personal risk. Islam is terrified of Christianity, knows it cannot compete, and therefore seeks, by threats, intimidation and anti-conversion laws in even so-called "moderate" Islamic societies like Malaysia, to deny the freedom of the religious market-place. In the West, courtesy of the outworking of Christianity, we have freedom to choose - or not to choose. Some comments reflect not only the appalling ignorance, but the fawning cowardice, of much in our, mostly, convictionless,secular society. Islam is not without convictions - and we better wake up quickly and know them! But what a sad commentary on Islam, when we have to say, and on Western secular society when so few say, to those carrying the Gospel to Islam, "Salute the brave!" Salute the brave!

Rev. Dr. Michael B. Wieteska, Geneva, Switzerland

Americans had already brainwashed S.Koreans. Now Americans are using them to brainwash Afghanis?

When will Americans ever stop interfering in other people business?

Stanzler, NY, USA

just play for their safety..
" Have i not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Ji, Pusan, South Korea

We need to ask ourselves what the missionaries were doing in Afghanistan and also the risk they knew they faced. The missionaries knew that the Taleban would not allow preaching of a different religion yet they took the risk and went ahead. If the Taleban say don't come into Afghanistan as it is dangerous, invaders are destroying there country and they need to bring about peace first of all before anyone can come in by defending themselves from such invaders, then one needs to take this warning quite seriously. I have no sympathy whatsoever for such people as they clearly knew the risk yet they ignored such warnings as a joke and went ahead with trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. On top of all that, they fail to realise that the Afghans don't want foreigners in there country as NATO have killed more innocent people than the Taleban. Afgans prefer the Taleban. Leave it at that and everyone should mind their own business.

Usman Zarqawi, Bradford,

The truth is that the Korean Church sends out far more than just 1000 missionaries a year as is mentioned in this article. As a missionary who has travelled in over 50 countries in the world I bump in to these wonderful people everywhere.

They represent the fundamental change that is taking place in the world where Christianity has moved its center of gravity from Europe to Asia and Africa.

There will be casualties when they go to places like Afghanistan but we are used to suffering and death as an occupational hazard.

As the secularization of Europe continues we will probably see a day coming when our grandchildren will eat raw meat and paint themselves blue so thank God that Christianity is no longer dependent on the European ethos.

Bob Hitching, varazdin, Croatia

Linda , wake up, there is no such thing as God it is in the mind of the beholder only. I agree with your sentiments tho' about kindness etc.

Dave Madley, Alicante, Spain

No matter what the law of the land says, it is written: "...We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:32); and the Lord Jesus Christ commands Christians to "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15). Therefore, these missionaries are found in the service of the Lord whom the world is not worthy. May they be a living witness of the power of the love of God in Christ Jesus in life and death. Amen.

James Webb, Aiea, Hawaii, USA

God NEVER changes. God's Laws NEVER change. God commanded: YOU SHALL NOT MURDER.
God's requirement for ALL humanity is KINDNESS:
And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. - Bible, Micah 6:8

Linda Rivera, New York , USA

A country that is truly content with its religion, and believes that its people really are convinced by it, does not need to make a law banning preaching of another religion. Forced conversions are one thing, giving people the chance to investigate or reject is another. People should be free to make up their own mind.

Matt King, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

In Islam, a person converting to any other faith must be killed. So why are the Christian people putting themselves and the Afghans at risk by persisting on their activities. They could do so amoungst the millions of immigrants in the West.

Ajay Kaur, Bombay, India

It is interesting that some people are balming these South Koreans for what has happened to them and yet it never occurs to these people that many Muslims living in Western countries like the U.K. and others freely preach Islam and convert Westerners to Islam under no penalty. Seems like we have a double standard here. We can convert people to Islam in Western countries but don't you dare come to a Muslim country and convert Muslims! The penalty in Islam for apostasy is clear - death. Ultimately this is a question of basic human rights such as freedom of religion which unfortunately we do not see here.

Tony, Toronto,

Korean Gorverment exhorted the missionaries not to go taleban due to security problem before they went to taleban. but apprantly they didn't hear the advice.
Now, families of them demand government to withdraw
non battle troops for being freed the kidnapped people. It's not simply to answer "yes, I will".
Life is the most important thing, but They could prevent it. They jumped into fire themselvs.
That make me so annoyed.. Why didn't they look around so as to find people as poor as taleban's.

Jinho Song, Incheon, South Koera

The Taleban blew up the Bamian Buddhas and slaughter those who teach young girls how to read. They hosted the designers of 9/11. They kill with impunity because they hate and fear the West and loathe the freedom to make one's own mind up about the universe and humanity's place in it. Taken long term, the Taleban will be little more than a statistical spike in the violent history of extremist Islam because no one wants them around. Until then they will continue their dehumanised hatred against the meek and unprotected.

Donald Smith, London, UK

it is regretable that they kidnapping korean missionry. i know this not the first time they kidnapping the korean missionary in afganistan. we crystal clearly remember their brutal acting they had commited to the kim sun il. at that time it was national sorrow of what happenig there. they should reslove this delicate situation as mutual benefit and national interest , if they commit such thing several years ago, they cannot got of it without criticism of world wide. they shoul resolve this serious and complicate problem mutual cooperation by each party. they also think about it backfire of ifm they use phsical force instead of conversation and talk in order to breakthrough this impasse .they think of surrounding countrys response of thier acting will result . mutual understading of their local situation and interantional communitys . if they would to get international backup , the most reasonable way to solve this situatiuon is to negotiation and peacefullly by immediatley....

jonggook,kim, busan, repiblic of korea

nope a display of brainwashing the S.Koreans by the American religious radicals! I live in S.Korea and saddened by the way I see this beautiful culture being sodomised
by the American "righteous way" - not only in Religion but in under the icons of Capitalist Consumerism in the way of McDonalds, Disney, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts which also are a blaze in the skyline! It is based on good intentions to help people but with the belief that Afghans are wrong for following the path of Islam is just as bad as those in Islam who persecute Christians - the Church "do good" is a guise to brainwash the innocent and helpless...America is behind this! Yes the Taleban surpressed many but why do the Afghans need saving in the eyes of God?

andrew b, Seoul, S.Korea

This isn't the government - learn to read. These are anti-government rebels who kidnapped the missionaries.

JWMorgan, Austin, TX

In reponse to the views sympathizing with the Taliban, I say all the more reason to keep Islam from spreading to any other country. Once it arrives, it forbids the freedom of conversion to another religion. I applaud the South Koreans for thier service to their religion.

Bill, USA

Bill, Greenville, US

News say that the two germans kidnapped by talebans are killed this morning.
My big sympathy for there families - but no way going out with german troops, now all the more. South Korea shouldn't do neither.

Olaf, Stuttgart, Germany

THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THEM
i think these people should have applied for a visa for preaching first from the islamic governement of taliban unless they donot do it they are breaking the law.

HASAM, NEWCASTLE, U.K

Every country has its own rules...The government in afghanistan has banned all the conversion activity....Why then go and break a law...As simple as that....Thought you lads would analyze the problem first....

Naveed, Chicago,

What are the Taleban afraid of from Christian missionaries who go to help the poor? Are they afraid that their own particular form of Islam is so week that the only way it can survive is to kill those who don't happen to share their religion? Have they no answer, other than to kill?

bob wilkinson, milnthorpe, uk

Sad, but an example of what is one of the big problems in Islamic countries, all the clerics and fundamentialists warn of Christians not really wanting to help, but wanting to destroy their religion, and what are these people doing, guess what. These people are contributing to the hatred, not solving anything.

Edwin, Corpus Christi, Republic of Texas / usa

Bravo to these young Korean Christians! Out there to help in a hospital and entertain and demonstrate Christ's love to children...what a great way to spend a summer. Compared to many American young people who spend the summer dancing away, I'd rather see such young people! What a wonderful, kind, loving face the Taleban is showing again!

Roger Malstead, E Wenatchee, WA, USA

My sympathy goes out to all of those, as well as their families, caught up in this horrible act of hostage taking. I am sure those individuals hearts were in the right place in their pursuit to help the people of Afghanistan.

One does have to question though the wisdom of missionaries, and religious sponsored aid groups going to a war zone where religion is such a powderkeg issue. It not only effects the people directly involved, but the Afghan security services and troops from all the other nations. Historically missionaries as a whole have created more problems than they have done good.
A bit of common sense must prevail on this issue.

michael, ex pat in san diego, ca / usa