| | The Cost of Compassion
I’ve had a nagging sense of irritation over the critical reactions of South Koreans throughout the hostage situation in Afghanistan. That irritation has turned into a full-blown rash of resentment.
It all came to a head when I read this: South Koreans Turn Anger at Hostages
Granted the article is trying to spin a story, it’s still sickening to find how this sort of sentiment is pervasive enough to warrant such an article. Regardless of their true intentions or motives, 23 Korean nationals traveled to Afghanistan to help their fellow man. Even from a secular standpoint, this would be considered a compassionate and noble effort. Two of their number were executed, the remaining 21 facing the constant fear of death and captivity in a hostile land.
And yet it seems like most of South Korea’s efforts to secure the release of these hostages were to prevent further embarrassment rather than genuine concern for the safety of the hostages. I’m sure many South Koreans expressed relief that the captives were safely back at home, but to see that quickly give way to resentment and anger, what does that say about that nation? If anything, it shames the country more than anything they can blame on those 23 hostages.
It’s that mentality of sweeping things under the rug to save face that really bothers me. It was present in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, and I see the same thing now. Whatever deluded notions of nationalistic pride South Koreans may have, it is no excuse for this. Granted I am a little more critical towards South Koreans, but they’ve really outdone themselves this time.
News stories relate how some of the former captives collapsed upon hearing that two of their members were killed—they didn’t even know. Early statements from the hostages express apologies for the distress they’ve caused their country. “I can’t sleep due to concerns that we caused so much trouble,” Yoo Kyung-sik, one of the freed hostages, stated in an interview.
To add insult to injury, the article mentions that South Korean officials hinted at seeking compensation from the former hostages for expenses incurred in obtaining their release. This is the most backward, asinine thing I have heard in a long time.
It’s not enough to endure six weeks in the hands of terrorists for trying to help a person in need. It’s not enough to know that two of your friends and colleagues were executed. It’s not enough that the sentiment from your countrymen is not, “Thank God you’re safe,” but, “it’s your fault, and you shamed our country.” But now you’re going to bill them?
I have never felt more justified to use the F-word in my life.
There are probably countless people in South Korea that do feel genuine sympathy and relief for the former hostages. Perhaps even the overwhelming majority, but most of that charity will never be reported. This I understand, but to think that even a vocal minority would hold to such a critical view of the former hostages is reprehensible.
What I find so mind-numbing is that the popular opinion in South Korea very may well be that the hostages were at fault and they ought to feel ashamed for putting the country through this. I’ve found this documented at every stage during the hostage crisis, an air of criticism towards the hostages for getting themselves into this situation, even from churches.
"Of course, the country has a duty to protect its people, but I'm worried that the status of South Korea will slip a lot in the international community," said Kim Kwang-ho, 32, an employee at a consulting firm.
Come hither, sir. I’d like to give you a swift kick in the baby-maker.
Then there’s the whole matter of alleged ransom paid to the Taliban and making concessions to terrorists in general. Again, there probably was legitimate concern for the safety of the hostages, but to deny that South Korea wasn’t motivated at all by saving face is being naïve. Even if it was only a minor factor, to know that it was a factor at all disgusts me. The government didn’t even try to mask their feelings on the situation. Come on, guys, at least try to lie to us.
What I find even sadder is that the church has felt the need to apologize and make excuses. The government has no place to restrict what the church does or where it chooses to go. For a nation that is so heavily Christianized, there is a tremendous disconnect from what people profess to what they practice. This is true of Christians anywhere, but for a country’s government to concede to terrorists that Christian ministry activity will be prohibited, that’s going too far. The call of the Gospel can not and will not be thwarted by the hands of men.
As critics have levied, perhaps the activity of missionaries in countries like Afghanistan have been rash. Perhaps the former hostages could have studied the culture and situation more. Perhaps they could have chosen a country that was less hostile to foreign aid and mission work. But that isn’t the call of the Gospel, to go to just parts of the earth most amenable to us. It’s countries like Afghanistan that need the Gospel the most because they are the ones that want it the least.
The Church, capital C, wasn’t built on prosperity or riches or good reputation, but the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The Church continues to grow through the blood and efforts of those who sacrifice everything for the name that will NEVER be shamed. It’s frustrating to see how a nation so outwardly Christian, even the church within the country itself, doesn’t seem to make that connection. But to be fair, it’s difficult even for Christians to understand the cost of the Gospel. I guess for all my ire, it’s hard for me to be too critical, looking at the failings in my own Christian life--the gracious irony of it all.
It’s my secret hope that most of the churches in South Korea will give a big middle-finger to the government and continue their mission efforts in secret. Am I being too optimistic?
I prayed for the hostages and the persecution they were facing at the hands of their enemies. But now I’m afraid more prayer is necessary for the persecution they face at the hands of their neighbors.
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| | Posted 8/31/2007 7:08 PM - 114 Views - 6 eProps - 4 comments
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