The Winds of Change: Iran’s Christian Awakening and the Collapse of Islam
By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim Christian, I’ve watched with profound interest and hope as the winds of spiritual change sweep through my homeland. Iran, a country that has long been under the iron grip of Islamic theocracy, is witnessing a remarkable shift in its religious landscape. Recent reports suggest that one million Iranians have left Islam and converted to Christianity, a development that marks a significant transformation for a nation historically tied to its Muslim identity. But there’s more. An equally astonishing fact is that 50,000 of the 70,000 mosques in Iran have reportedly shut down due to declining attendance and a general disillusionment with Islam.
This is an extraordinary moment for Iran’s future and a powerful signal to the world that the Iranian people are not defined by the oppressive religious structures imposed upon them. As a conservative Christian, I see this as a divine intervention, a breaking away from centuries of religious and ideological bondage, and a shift toward a faith rooted in personal relationship and freedom—principles deeply embedded in Christianity.
The Collapse of Islam in Iran
For decades, Iran has been one of the pillars of Shia Islam, both culturally and politically. The 1979 Islamic Revolution solidified the intertwining of religion and state, creating an environment where Islam became not just a faith but a political tool. The mosques, once centers of not only religious life but also social and political activity, are now largely empty. A report from 2023 indicated that approximately 50,000 mosques in Iran—out of 70,000—have been forced to close their doors. This is a clear indicator of a deep spiritual crisis within Iran, where the regime’s use of Islam as a mechanism of control has disillusioned millions.
The youth, in particular, are leading the exodus from Islam. According to some estimates, a staggering 60-70% of Iran’s population is under the age of 30, and many young Iranians are turning away from Islam, viewing it as a religion that is not only outdated but also complicit in their oppression. For those of us who cherish freedom and individual rights, this is an encouraging sign. Iran’s younger generation is increasingly rejecting the religious authoritarianism imposed upon them by the clerical regime.
A Christian Awakening: One Million Converts
Perhaps even more exciting is the news that one million Iranians have converted to Christianity. This number might seem small in a country of over 85 million people, but it represents an enormous spiritual breakthrough considering the extreme dangers Christians face in Iran. Converting from Islam is illegal, and apostasy is punishable by death under the Iranian regime. Yet, despite the risks, many Iranians are embracing the message of the Gospel.
This is no small feat, and it’s not something happening by accident. Over the past several decades, brave Iranian Christians, along with international partners, have been smuggling Persian-language Bibles into the country, often at great personal risk. I’ve had the privilege of hearing the testimonies of some of these brave individuals—many of whom have to operate in secret, knowing that discovery could lead to imprisonment or worse. And yet, they are calling for more Bibles, as the demand is growing at a pace that they can hardly keep up with.
The Need for More Bibles
With one million new converts to Christianity, the underground Church in Iran is rapidly expanding. Many house churches have sprung up across the country, meeting in secret to worship and study the Bible. But as the Christian population grows, so does the need for more resources, particularly Persian-language Bibles. The supply simply cannot keep up with the number of Iranians seeking to understand the Christian faith. There is an urgent need for more Bibles to be smuggled into the country.
This underground effort, led by courageous believers inside and outside of Iran, is reminiscent of the early Church, where Christians gathered in secret under the threat of persecution. Yet, just as in the first centuries of Christianity, the faith is flourishing under pressure. The spiritual hunger in Iran is real, and the people are searching for something more fulfilling than what they have experienced under the regime’s version of Islam.
Why Are Iranians Converting?
So why are so many Iranians converting to Christianity, despite the risks? There are several factors at play:
Disillusionment with Islam: After decades of living under an Islamic theocracy, many Iranians are disillusioned with Islam, seeing it as a tool of oppression rather than a source of spiritual guidance. The Islamic Republic has used religion as a means of control, and many Iranians, particularly the youth, no longer see Islam as a viable path for their future.
The Christian Message of Love and Hope: Christianity offers a message that is radically different from what many Iranians have been taught. At its core, Christianity is about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, a message of love, grace, and hope. For Iranians who have experienced the harshness of Sharia law, the Christian message offers a path to personal freedom and spiritual renewal.
Personal Testimonies and Miracles: Many Iranians have reported experiencing visions and dreams of Jesus, which has played a significant role in their conversions. These personal encounters with Christ are deeply transformative, leading many to seek out the Gospel.
The Underground Church: The growth of the underground Church in Iran has provided a safe space for converts to explore their faith. These house churches, though small and hidden, are multiplying rapidly, offering Iranians a place to worship in secret.
The Role of the International Community
As an Iranian-American, I believe that the international Christian community must continue to support the underground Church in Iran. This includes smuggling more Bibles into the country, supporting Christian media broadcasts in Persian, and advocating for the rights of Iranian Christians who face persecution. The pace of conversion is accelerating, but the resources to meet the spiritual needs of these new believers are insufficient.
The Iranian government may try to suppress Christianity, but history has shown that no government can ultimately quench the Spirit of God. The collapse of Islam in Iran, marked by the closure of mosques and the mass conversions, is a sign that the people are hungry for truth—truth they are finding in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: A Nation on the Brink of Transformation
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim Christian, I am filled with hope as I watch these developments unfold in my homeland. The rejection of Islam and the embrace of Christianity represent more than just a religious shift; they are a profound turning point for the future of Iran. The regime may try to suppress this Christian awakening, but the message of Christ cannot be silenced.
Iran is on the brink of spiritual transformation, and it is our responsibility as Christians around the world to support this movement through prayer, advocacy, and the provision of resources like Bibles. The hunger for truth in Iran is real, and the time is now to help these brave new believers stand firm in their faith.
Sources:
- "Iran: 50,000 of 70,000 Mosques Closed Due to Lack of Attendance," Mohabat News, 2023.
- "One Million Iranians Have Left Islam and Converted to Christianity," Open Doors USA, 2023.
- "Iranian Christians Smuggling Bibles into Iran: The Growing Demand," International Christian Concern, 2023.
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