i'm sorry Francise, i seemed to have missed in the news the part where we have been persecuting and killing muslims around the world and disrespecting them and their religion. I'm sure they would like to think that, and stupid remarks like that only give them ammunition. Are you Muslim? If so, have we come after you in Dakota for something you shouldn't be doing? Or do you have anymore un-factual remarks?

Greg, Port Jervis,

Just another weak and cruel action by a following of animals.
A gorilla kills when threatened. A shark, to eat. A taleban for the glory of the Demon they worship. The Almighty WILL set them straight.

Kamrm, Vernon, B.C.

s ahmed, Cairo
Christian persecution in muslim lands such as Saudi Arabia where the public practise of any religion other than Islam is prohibited and the penalty for changing religions is death. Or Iran where circulation of christian literature is banned and again the conversion of a muslim to another religion is forbidden and several christian leaders, mostly converts from Islamic backgrounds, have been executed.
What do you mean by a christian land? England certainly isn't one as the law does not follow the Bible and only 3% of the population even attend church.
Finally, if you've never seen a christian actually loving his enemy you aren't looking very hard. Although I am not a christian I have close friends and family who are and I can say in all honesty that many of them do truely love their enemies.

HB, Sheffield,

Taleban kill Christian in their land. Christian kill Muslim all over the world with no respect at all. No bigger terorrist than the biggest producer of weapons just to grab the land, oil, and hegemony toward others. Do you need further comparisons?

Francise, Dakota,

well..
I'm South korean, so I'm sorry for my bed english

Please do not focus on religion problem. Now the most important thing is 21 South korean people is hold in teleban., and two was killed. Korean government know we shoud not release rebel prisoners, and it could not happen. Korean netizen was really angry with this stupid 23 people who go to afganistan for christian persecution in afganistan, We do not applogize them even though they come back to Korea.
But they are all people, and some people still alive. please imangine how they feel and, how their femily feel in this terrible situation.

Please prey for their survive. please.....

Glen, DJ, South Korea

May Allah (not God)

It is really very sad to see what's happening in Afghanistan. This is not islamic and this is not what our prophet taught us to treat people. Anyway let's hope that these hostages would be released as soon as possible. I just want to tell Mr. /Ms. Anthony Bennett, Miami, USA, that those Taleban men neither reflect nor represent the true picture of Islam. Moreover, Islam is not equal to terror and there are many good examples where Christians and Muslims live in the same country and in the same village sometimes.

Mohamed, Lebanon, Lebanon

As a Christian, i real in horror at the unfolding situation regards the Korean hostages, my heart and prayers go out to the two who have lost their earthly lives, their families, and the dear souls left in the clutches of the Taliban.
I am conscious that it is possibly likely that at least some of the motivation for the Taliban acting like this is that they themselves - or their countrymen they believe to be representing - have experienced horrors to their own families at the hands of others. . However evil is evil - and we are ALL capable of harbouring it - all of us, according to the Bible. However, it seems to hurt more when it's non-combatants who are facing these situations.
I PRAY God in his Mercy will somehow bring a halt to this matter, save those still alive AND help groups like the Taliban & Western Military Forces to know and practice mercy in what is a complicated, difficult and sensitive sitution in a far-off land. Mercifull Father - HELP..!!!

Christian, Midlands, UK

I am amazed at the number of people here who haven't a clue about what the crusades were about.
These same dummies also have no clue about what STANDARD BEHAVIOR IN WARFARE was for everyone in those days.
And will someone explain to me how someone was supposedly a Christian when there were no Bibles around?

Greg, Coeur D'Alene, USA

Actually, I'm not of the opinion that this is a religious thing. Rather, it's more like the Taliban seizing an opportunity to have some of their demands met. Granted, this issue will undoubtedly spark some religious tensions and what-not. But, the Taliban could have seized any other group and asked for the same thing. I'm sure that to them, South Korea stands among the same ranks as the Americans or the British - just any nation that is for freedom, contrary to their repressive reign, and also a nation that is not tied to them in a religious way. Primarily, this is an issue of human rights and international relations. That the Taliban would seize a group of Koreans shows that they probably wanted to escalate this to a global matter. If they're demands are met, yay terrorism. Otherwise, perhaps they'll try another time. The religious thing might be a secondary purpose, to use this event to provoke religious tensions among Christians and Muslims- perhaps to encourage other terrorists.

Jade, Singapore,

We should get out of their countries, they should get out of ours - everyone would be happy.

Ellen Morris, Leeds,

From Ezekiel 13:

18 and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sew pillows upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and save souls alive for yourselves?

19 And ye have profaned me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hearken unto lies.

20 Wherefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms; and I will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.

21 Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.

Even if they kill us, we still win!!!!!

JC, Kansas City, USA

The South Korean Missionaries heralded their arrival in Afghanistan - plenty of time for Taliban planning . They are entitled to put their own lives at risk but did they give any thought to others whose lives they have seriously endangered
by their naive/crass antics. Driving a bus down the Kandahar Road handling out Bibles beggars belief. Should any Taliban prisoners be released to free the hostages they will also have put at risk many ordinary people going about their daily business, Afghans and Westerners, suicide bombers remember. There are numerous Christians working quietly away in the country and their deeds speak for them

jenny, Basel, Switzerland

Many have stated that the captors are evil due to their religion. This is a disgusting and sweeping statement on Islam. Evil has nothing to do with religion it has to do with the person. So all those Christians who state that Islam is evil take a good hard look at the history and present Christianity which is covered in blood, (often the blood of other christians). It is a persons actions not their faith that dictates whether that person is good or evil.

Bailey, Birmingham, England

It is nothing less than foolishness for the Koreans to go Afghan to do Christian missionary work. Historically, Koreans have shamelessly renounced their ancestral religion Buddhism and converted to Christianity out of blind faith rather than firm conviction, so now to think they can drag other people into their group is utter foolishness. There is no cure for foolishness, not even blind faith.
I feel Korean people should just forget about these Christian missionary people and go along with their life back home. Do not send any more missionary to Afghanistan or in that matter any country, people are not fools to believe in Jesus.

Truth, cambridge, UK

Well, there you go then. If we want to win the fight against the Muslim terrorists we should get women soldiers out on the field. With the respect Muslims have for women they won't get shot in the back by cowardly insurgents, like most of our soldiers have been.

Chris, Suffolk, UK

Seb of NY
What christian persecution in muslim lands are you talking about? Taliban are not the government of Afghanistan, they are being hunted by allied & afghani forces. What about muslim persecution in christian lands? That blame game is a 2 way street lead by prejudism. I never saw a christian actually loving his enemy.

s ahmed, Cairo,

They didn't go to convert, they went to SERVE. Missionaries do more than just evangelize. These, in particular, had legal permission from the Afghan government to serve in a hospital. That's what christians do, they serve as they're commanded by God.

Exactly what part of care for the weak, give to the poor, clothe the naked, feed the hungry - etc, do non-believers have such a problem with??? Lets not forget, these missionaries are not the bad guys here. The Taliban are just another band of criminal thugs trying to enforce their views by flouting the law.

Mark, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Its sad that such little value is put on human life today and one may be killed simply for what he believes in. However, what is more worrying is the suggestion that present day violence and disregard for human rights can be justified by unfortunate events that have occurred in history (Robert, San Francisco) . There is a fundamental problem and pointing fingers and looking for justification will not solve it. We should stop letting personal sentiments dictate our actions and understand the meaning of tolerance.

Ina, cyberjaya,

I do love religion ! Fantastic concept.

Daniel, westgate on sea, kent

Most people who are leaving comments on this site forget one major point. The Taliban, once a group of freedom fighters, has fallen to the point of acceptance and collusion with the Al-Queida leadership. Al-Queida no more represents Islam nor the teachings of Mohammed than The Reverend Moon represented the teaching of Christianity. These people have only one agenda. These are terrorists who have no beliefs other than to create terror and instill hate for any who do believe in Islam. Islam in its own way is a truly refined and lawful way of life and prayer. I am not personally a Moslem, nor a Christian, but to attempt to isolate any particular religion or sets of tenets from any other is a Godless and heinous act. The Taliban, who once stood for something good--now stand for something truly evil. These terrorists must be recognized for what they are. They are a plague upon the beliefs of those of us who live and work for something good. Like rabid dogs to be hunted and destroyed.

J. Slaght, Belfair, Washington, USA

Its people like you preaching faiths that got these guys in trouble in the first place. Please leave your religion in the church/mosque or the home, if it wasnt for religious groups half of these wars would not have even happened. im sorry but nothing is worth losing your your life over, even your faith. And you kill because of your faith, your even more of an idiot

nic, london, UK

virginia
I guess you dont know what the crusaders did when they entered Jerusalem the first time? slaughtering everyone, men, children, elderly & women in the name of christ.
I guess you havent read the bible where it says The Lord is a man of war! exodus 15:2. So please spare us your bigotry

s ahmed, Cairo,

I agree with Richards from Sydney, it baffles me too. A place like Afghanistan has its different rules & codes, i even as a muslim wouldn't even dare to talk about anything religious there lest i provoke them unawaress. Isnt it time that Christians & muslims stop their missionaries & leave it up to the individual to go to them, like Judaism admiringly does?

s ahmed, Cairo,

Anthony seems never to have met an Arab Christian or visited a Coptic church where Allah is used in all Arabic bibles to refer to God as well as inlaid thought the building work of the oldest Christian coptic churches. Oh wait, his country is more interested in the cleavage of presidential candidates... When his comprehension goes beyond 'Jesus was blonde', I'd be happy to help work with him to deal with those misguided murdering fools, the Taleban, who despite their claims to be Muslim, look more and more like jahils (the ignorants which Islam came to educate).

In any case, Allah Almighty says in the Quran that whoever kills a person unjustly (just as the Taleban have done) it is as if they have killed all of humanity, the guilty people are in for one hell of a surprise )(pun intended) when they meet God on the day of judgment,

Farrukh, Woking, UK

"Kill a second Christian hostage"?. Please look at the definition of the word "Kill", it is not a kill, it's a murder.

Francois Conil, Pau, France

we all must remember every religon has its radical off shoots.the crishtian church in the south bread the vicious kkk(the BURNING CROSS)the jews stern gang which bombed and killed british in egypt and palastine every where religion causes death and misery.the CRUSADES were visious terrorist.they made the islamistseem like teddy bears.ever here of the saying"praise the lord and pass the ammunition"iim aan agnostic!i believe in a higer power but dont blieve in religion.look at what the catholic church did 2 thoose so called "priests"sent them 2 another parish 2 prey on other defenceless children to save the reputation of thier sick organization the catholic church. pedifile heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

robert, san francisco, usa

oh well

pat, holy town, usa

If the kidnappers can communicate to the press, coalition forces must know where they are. Can special forces ( U.S. or U.K.) help resolve this?

James Cozort, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, U.S.A.

This is becoming a big problem - wherever in the world there are problems (eg Middle East, Tsunami) they send busloads of Christians out to try and convert the locals. This is really not what they need. You might as well send people to read them Thomas the Tank Engine stories for all the good it does.

Adela, Peterborough, UK

Fundamentalist Christians trying to convert fundamentalist Muslims in a lawless country. Bad mistake.

Somehow I find this conversion business in bad taste. What you are basically saying is that my god is better than your god so bow to my god or death be upon you either in this world or the next. Seems to me that we have to reform all the religions what preach and practice conversions.

Shaun Lee, Toronto, Canada

This is what it means to be a Christian, are you prepared to die for your faith in the face of evil. Jesus said those who stand firm to the last will be saved. Sadly they might lose their lives here on earth but the reward is in Heaven, the Kingdom of God with the Lord Jesus Christ. These Christians would be an example for us to follow. God will give them strength to go on with the very real possiblity of death like He was with Paul, Stephen and others who identify themselves as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our prayers are with you all that the Lord will give you strength and courage at this sad time. Christians keep up the good work that God has for you to do, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you. God said ' I WILL AVENGE' . AMEN to that.

Virginia, Brisbane, Australia

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind - Mahatma Gandhi.

Ashish Deodhar, Mumbai, India

Well said, Seb. May I add here that the Hindus too believe in offering the other cheek and are doing so most enthusiastically all over India.

joy july, delhi, india

Oh My God! (not Allah),
I cant' beleive it. You actually mentioned the "C Word". Aka Christian! Yes people, radical Muslims are trageting, kidnapping and murdereintg Christians. Let me repeat that just in case you don't see that in print anywhere else in the world's media... Muslims are trageting, kidnapping and murdering Christians. And not just in Afghanistan but throughout the Middle East , Africa, Asia, Europe and if they could again, in America! Oh yes, and pelase inform England's new Prime Minister that it is not international terrorism we are fighting but Islamic Terror.

Anthony Bennett, Miami, USA

Please...anyone can actually rescue the victms? All of us shall pray for their safety no matter what religion you are. Taleban wont simply let go them..we must pray d Afghan government do something RIGHT!!
May the pass away victims rest in PEACE~~

syuf, SINGAPORE,

As a Christian, we sometimes wonder why God would allow evil to exist. God is good and not evil, the evil one here are those who follow the prophet mohammed's evil ways of killing to get what they want. As much as the muslims deny their religion is evil, the proof is for all to see. God will allow this evil act of the talibans to show the world the real so call "tenets of islam". They change their rule to suit each and every situation. There is no denying that killing is part of the islamic religion so Christians have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the muslims so that they can know the Real God. Christians have to fight evil with good and these South Koreans are doing exactly that and although they might lose thier earthly lives, they will have eternal life with the King in the Kingdom of God as promised by the Lord Jesus. God will be with them to give them courage at the greatest challenge in their lives. Like St. Paul said, " to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Virginia, Brisbane, Australia

So much for a religion of peace..... Where ever Muslim majority dominates there is very little respect for lives of others. May the Lord God have mercy on those that give their lives for Christ sake.

mario, Tshwane,

Why do Christian Evangelists,insist on travelling to Muslim countries,trying to convert them? All they do, is to put people"s
lives at risk. I suppose they think they"re doing the lords will.

RICHARD MOSS, Sydney, Australia

No women, no kids!!

Wendy, QD, CHN

time to "thin the herd" ....me thinks ....what do you think?

ray, venice, california

I think that for once the Afghan government sympathizes with the Taleban and will 'rightly' allow the execution of all the South Korean Christians. Unfortunately, there is no perceptible Christian anger or political will that will save the South Koreans or prevent persecution of Christians in Muslim land. So, Chrisitians should do well to be willing to die for Christ and obey Christ's decree to the letter: Love your enemies.

Seb, New York,

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them all... Amen

hugo, los angeles, california