This past week, the imprisonment of Abdul Rahman made international headlines and created a furor over the Afghan government's plan to execute him. It must be noted that there are thousands upon thousands of Abdul Rahmans in the world. While enjoying strength in the United States, Christianity is still the most persecuted religion on Earth.

The difference this time is that the world had just finished expending blood and treasure to secure the liberty of the Afghan people. To then turn around and execute a citizen for the simple act of changing religions was an abomination to the conscience of the coalition nations.

In the videos of Rahman, we saw something that can be missed, basic Christianity. In America, we've allowed the basic fundamentals of Christianity to be obscured. Indeed, American Christianity can be as philosophical as the religion of Ancient Greeks.

We have a lot of issues we love to argue about. We see churches splitting over issues as vital and important as worship styles, the use of pews instead of theater seats, and dress codes. We have the Prayer of Jabez, the Purpose-Driven Life, the Power of a Praying series, marriage guides, classes and programs upon programs, and nearly every program has a rebuttal book (or more) written by a less successful writer explaining why they believe first writer was of the devil. We have Christian novels, Christian movies, Christian Radio, and Christian Television.

Now, I'm not saying all these things are bad. Far from it. However, they're not what matters most. Abdul Rahman reminds us that understanding Christianity doesn't require a degree, just simple faith and courage. Few people in history have had such common access and knowledge regarding the great truths of Christian scripture as American. The question is, What have we done with them? Sad to say, in most cases, not much. So much great preaching and teaching is ignored as we've hardened ourselves against familiar truths.

Too often, we turn to the Church for entertainment. There are contests held for America's best preacher or its most exciting choir. Yet, Rahman reminds us that the Christian Faith is not about entertainment or comfort, but commitment and being willing to stand up for Christ no matter what the risk or price.

As we approach the Easter Season and remember Christ's sacrifice, let us think also of the Abdul Rahmans of the world. The Persecuted Church has chosen the path of righteousness though it lead to suffering, rather than the pleasures of sin for a season. If we really know anything about God, if we understand Christ's sacrifice, than how can we choose to do anything else?

Adam Graham is the author of the Screwtape Report which is available at www.lulu.com/content/165415. He was the 2000 Montana State Coordinator of the Alan Keyes Presidential Campaign. He and his wife live in Boise, Idaho. He is a columnist for AmericanDaily.com, RenewAmerica.us, theConservativeVoice.com. and Conservatown.com. You can visit his blog at www.adamsweb.us/blog You can also subscribe to his nightly podcast at feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/blgH