Conversion and Honor Killings

In the past few decades media show a big deal of interest in reporting news about religious conversion. While some studies have been conducted concerning those who are converted to Islam in Europe, reports on Muslims who are converted to Christianity are always interesting. What is interesting is that such reports on Muslims who are converted to Christianity are often related to ‘threat’ and ‘honor killings’. This can be seen, for example, in the reports on an Ohio teenager who secretly converted from Islam to Christianity. Or click here for another interesting report on 'Iranian women imprisoned for converting to Christianity'.

Of course news reports have details and facts. Indeed, religious freedom should be a personal choice. Decision to be converted to other religion is also part of human rights. Threats or violence over such decisions therefore deny human rights. However, on the news reports level, a careful portrayal of religions is certainly needed. Religion is a complex matter. It cannot be simply painted black and white. Concerning the reports on Muslim conversion to Christianity, attaching violence to Islam can only further sustain the notion and stereotype of Islam as a religion that endorses violence.