Hadeel Oueis, a journalist and former political prisoner, shares her harrowing experiences as a Christian in Syria under the Assad regime, discussing the struggle for survival and support for her community. Beth Moore, a dynamic teacher and bestselling author, dives into moral complexities surrounding NYC figures and emphasizes the duality of human nature. They also explore the challenges in Bible education today, advocating for revitalized Sunday school amidst growing public school integration, highlighting the need for community and effective teaching.
Hadeel Oeuis shared her personal experience of fear and oppression faced by Syrian Christians under the Assad regime's brutal rule.
The dwindling Christian population in Syria, now less than 2%, highlights the urgent need for international advocacy and support amid political instability.
Church leaders in Syria are adjusting their roles and strategies in response to the changing political landscape to ensure community safety and engagement.
Deep dives
The Syrian Christian Community and Its Challenges
The plight of Syrian Christians remains grave amid the shifting political landscape following the fall of Assad's government. With the Christian population dwindling to less than 2% over the past decade, many Christians have faced imprisonment and persecution under the regime. Hadil Uwis, a journalist and former political prisoner, shared how her family has lived in fear of the Assad regime's reprisals for expressing dissent. Despite their historic presence and cultural significance, the community now grapples with uncertainty about their future and safety in a country integral to Christian heritage.
Personal Experiences Under the Assad Regime
Hadil Uwis's personal narrative underscores the oppressive nature of life under Assad's regime, where fear permeated the atmosphere. Raised in a Christian family, she became politically active after witnessing uprisings in neighboring countries. Her arrest at 18 exemplified the brutal crackdown on dissenters, even amidst peaceful protests. The intervention of local Christian leaders to secure her release highlights both the fears and the complex dynamics of Christian leaders under oppressive governments.
Uncertainty about Syria's Future Governance
As the Assad regime crumbles, fears about what follows are prevalent among Syrian Christians and broader communities. The chaos of potential future governments poses risks that may rival those posed by the Assad regime itself. The nuanced recognition that not all opposition groups are friendly to Christians complicates the hopes for a better future. This situation calls for careful diplomatic engagement from foreign powers to ensure that the rights and safety of minority groups, including Christians, are preserved.
International Advocacy for Syrian Christians
Syrian Christians are appealing to the international community to advocate on their behalf as the political situation evolves in Syria. They urge Western nations to prioritize their rights in dialogs regarding the new government's legitimacy and the lifting of sanctions. This advocacy is seen as crucial for preserving their cultural and religious freedoms, allowing them to practice and express their faith openly. Hadil Uwis emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue about the specific challenges Christians face in an increasingly volatile region.
The Role of the Church in Post-Assad Syria
The church's role in Syria has been mixed, oscillating between support for stability under Assad and fear of reprisal from a potentially hostile new regime. The recent commentary suggests a shift as many church leaders adapt to the new political reality while prioritizing the safety of their congregations. Amidst hopes for a return to normalcy, church leaders recognize the necessity for change in how they engage with both the state and their communities. The precarious future of Christianity in Syria hinges on both internal and external pressures, requiring vigilant support and advocacy to navigate these challenges.
Clarissa, Mike, and Russell welcome Hadeel Oeuis to talk about Christians in Syria and their response to the fallen Assad regime. Then, Beth Moore joins us to talk about the “bad guys” of NYC: Elphaba and Luigi Mangione. Finally, Beth sticks around in a discussion about Bible education, both in public-school classrooms and in Sunday school.
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ABOUT THE GUESTS:
Hadeel Oueis is a writer and journalist focusing on the Middle East and a research fellow at the Philos Project. She majored in political studies, and in 2011, at the age of 18, was arrested by the Assad regime for playing a key role in the early days of Syrian protests. In 2012, the US delegation in Geneva met with Oueis and helped her relocate to the United States. She currently analyzes US policies in the Middle East for major Arabic networks. Oueis reported for years through the JIMENA platform about Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews and has been an active voice in calling for peace in the Middle East.
Beth Moore is a dynamic teacher whose conferences take her across the globe. She has written numerous best-selling books and Bible studies. She is also the founder and visionary of Living Proof Ministries, based in Houston.
ABOUT THE BULLETIN:
The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.