Apostasy and the Liberal Predicament

Abstract

In 1994, Husayn Ali Qambar, a Kuwaiti Shici, abandoned Islam and joined the Evangelical Church. The news of his conversion caused quite a sensation in Kuwait, as such an event is practically unheard of in the Arabian Peninsula. Instead of keeping a low profile, as is the custom amongst converts in the Middle East, Qambar self-confidently stood up to the storm of reactions. He agreed to meet with the press and appeared in photos wearing a small silver cross around his neck and holding a Bible in his hand. To the question of why he had decided to become Christian, Qambar candidly answered 'I have found God else where'.