ISBN: | 9781783683017 |
---|---|
Imprint: | Langham Academic |
Format: | Paperback |
Dimensions (mm): | 229 x 152 x 19 |
Publication Date: | 30/09/2017 |
Pages: | 372 |
Series: | Studies in Public Theology |
Language: | English |
Ahmadi and Christian Socio-Political Responses to Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws
A Comparison, Contrast and Critique with Special Reference to the Christian Church in Pakistan
The roots of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws can be traced back to the British colonial rule in India, but their harsher clauses were added to the Pakistan Penal Code during a wave of intense Islamization in the 1980s. Everyone in Pakistan is threatened by the misuse of these laws, even Muslims; however a disproportionate number of victims targeted by these laws have come from two minority groups, the Ahmadis and Christians.
Dr Qaiser Julius focuses on how these two groups have been affected by Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, their different reactions to these laws, and more specifically, why they are responding differently despite living under the same circumstances. In this well-structured and understandable study, Julius provides a valuable tool for Christians to understand what it means to be a minority in a hostile culture. This thorough analysis presents a way forward for the Christian church in Pakistan, providing hope amidst the discrimination and persecution.
Endorsements
This book breaks new ground with its broad-ranging analysis and especially by comparing the experience of Christians with other religious minorities in Pakistan. It is a remarkable contribution by one of Pakistan’s finest Christian theologians.
Rev Tim Green, PhD
General Secretary, Increase Association
Senior Consultant on church-based training, World Evangelical Alliance
Qaiser Julius’s scholarly and thorough treatment of this sensitive issue lays out the matter in an engaging and thorough manner, while at the same time offering a way forward for the Christian community of Pakistan. It isa must-read for anyone who wants to understand these laws, particularly as there has been so much misinformation about them.
James A. Tebbe, PhD
Rector, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan
This study by Dr Qaiser Julius represents an important contribution to research into the religious minority experience living under Islamic rule in Pakistan. . . this is essential reading for anyone interested in Pakistan and the march of blasphemy laws across the Muslim world.
Peter G. Riddell, PhD
Vice Principal (Academic), Melbourne School of Theology
Professorial Research Associate, SOAS
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Acknowledgements
- Transliteration Scheme from Urdu/Arabic into English
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- The Research Issue, Methodology and Structure
- PART I: BACKGROUND
- Chapter 1: The Development of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws
- Chapter 2: A Theological Analysis of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws in the Light of Islamic Sharía
- Chapter 3: The Design Flaws in Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws from a Legal Perspective
- PART II: EXPERIENCE
- Chapter 4: Ahmadis and Christians in the Minority Context of Pakistan
- Chapter 5: The Experience of Christians and Ahmadis under Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws
- PART III: RESPONSE
- Chapter 6: An Exploration and Comparative Analysis of Christian and Ahmadi Responses to Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws
- Chapter 7: Theological and Contextual Reflections on the Christian Response to Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws
- Chapter 8: Conclusion: A Way Forward for the Christian Church in Pakistan
- Glossary
- Bibliography