Afghanistan (MNN) — In a negative sign for the future of Afghanistan, the Taliban has dissolved the Women’s Affairs Ministry. In its place, they have set up a ministry for the “propagation of virtue and the prevention of vice.”
Denise Godwin with International Media Ministries says deeply held religious beliefs inform the Taliban’s actions. “The tragedy I see in different kinds of religion is when they have hypocritical views. Suddenly, they’re only giving virtue advice to women. Women are the ones who cause the avarice in their society, in their view. There are other societies that have a similar view. It’s tragic.”
The Taliban’s actions really show their fear of women, Godwin says. Ask God to change their hearts, removing their fear and stopping their oppression.
The way of Jesus
Christianity has not always avoided this attitude. But Jesus taught a different way, one that elevates women and values love over control. Godwin says, “Christ was radical in his treatment of women. Actually, first-century Judaism was [known for] radical compassion, treating women with more dignity, protection, and respect.”
Many Christians throughout history have embodied this attitude. IMM wants to share it with people around the world. Godwin says, “We’ve been super excited the last few weeks to be able to send out the Women of the Bible digest. These are four stories about women in the line of Christ: Ruth, Rahab, Tamar, and Bathsheba.”
Godwin says the response to IMM ministry from these regions has tripled since the Taliban takeover. “We translate the Women of the Bible into Dari, Pashto, Urdu, and Arabic. We send it to people who are working with refugees. We’re getting it to people who are working on social media in the region.” Pray this work will comfort many women with the love of Jesus.
Curious about the Women of the Bible series? Check it out here.
The header photo shows a still from the Women of the Bible series. (Photo courtesy of International Media Ministries on Facebook).
