Job Discussion Forums

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

The young man wasn't a TEFL teacher, but anyone considering a position in Libya should keep in mind that things are not completely stable there.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25239168

JustinC · Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 5:59 am Post subject:

It might have been a case of mistaken identity, considering the paragraphs which state "Residents blame these groups for the almost daily assassinations and frequent bombings targeting the army and police, our correspondent says. Earlier on Thursday, three Libyan soldiers were assassinated in the city. Last week, nine people died in clashes between the Libyan army and an Islamist militia, Ansar al-Sharia." Sad

johnslat · Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 1:53 pm Post subject:

I wonder if this could have had anything to do with it:

""Ronnie's greatest desire was for peace and prosperity in Libya and for the people of Libya to have the joy of knowing God through Christ," it said."

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/american-teacher-shot-killed-benghazi-article-1.1538237#ixzz2mhgLakci

Regards,
John

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Whether or not he was specifically targeted - we'll never know unless those who shot him tell - with an overarmed country with too many armed militias like this, your chance of a random shooting is higher too.

Jogging does make one stand out as it is not that common in the culture. Proselytizing is another way to get oneself deported... or worse.

VS

nickelgoat · Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2013 11:11 pm Post subject:

.....

johnslat · Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2013 11:16 pm Post subject:

Dear nickelgoat

"I wonder if this could have had anything to do with it:"

You do know what "wonder" means, I suppose.

And you do know what a "straw man" is, I suppose.

No one has done this: " . . . don't automatically assume that was why he was killed."

So I wonder why you feel the need to post what you did.

Regards,
John

nickelgoat · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 12:06 am Post subject:

.....

johnslat · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 12:54 am Post subject:

Dear nickelgoat,

Thanks for your kind words. I wondered because I know from experience that talking about another religion in many Muslim countries can, at the least, cause dissension - and sometimes much worse.
And since he was quoted as saying that he wanted the people of Libya to know the joy of knowing God through Christ, I hope he wasn't targeted because of that.
You can be targeted for so many reasons, though - being as foreigner (especially American) or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, for example.
May his soul rest in peace. I am so very sorry for his family.

Regards,
John

MuscatGary · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 7:47 am Post subject:

nickelgoat · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 9:10 am Post subject:

.....

MuscatGary · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 10:00 am Post subject:

Nickelgoat, if somebody asks a question then it's obviously ok to explain the tenets of faith in which they are interested. I have no problem with that. People knocking on my door to offer unsolicited information is not ok and compulsory religious education is absolutely unacceptable.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 2:58 pm Post subject:

Dear nicklegoat,

In Saudi Arabia, it's taking a chance to discuss religion (except Islam, of course, and then only positively) with anyone who doesn't share your specific belief.
If you are in Saudi now - or if you ever go there - please be VERY discrete in such matters.

Regards,
John

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

And I know teachers who got in trouble in the UAE and Oman for religious discussions with students. I would NEVER allow the topic to come up in class or even with students outside of class - although it took a bit of work sometimes to divert them from the topic - especially the semester that my students were taking a Comparative Religions Class. Cool

I know teachers who were deported from Egypt and the Gulf for their religious activities.

There are way too many Evangelicals who think TEFL is a way to sneak into Muslim countries to "save" the locals. The smart ones figure out that any attempt with these locals will get them kicked out very quickly, so they start to work on their fellow teachers.

THAT is what I find offensive. Half of my family are Evangelicals, but they know better than to waste their time with me. Every family needs a Pagan. Laughing

VS

nickelgoat · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 4:31 pm Post subject:

.....

mikkenzi · Joined: 12 Jul 2013 Posts: 16 Location: Kuwait

I think religion-oriented discussions do not have a place in the ESL classroom, especially in the ME. It is a sensitive topic. One can respect one's students without discussing their religion. It is something personal. What is more, in Muslim lands, it can be dangerous to be open about your Christian views. People misunderstand...