Democracy and freedom of religion go hand in hand. For years Arab countries have suppressed the Bible. The result is that no Arab country is a democracy. A citizen cries, "There is no freedom of religion in the Maldives. We are going to hell". A fanatic replies, "We do have freedom of religion: we are free to follow the state controlled religion". But it is well known that the state uses religion to enslave the people.

Freedom demands choice. A child is hungry. The plate before him is full of candy. He is free to eat. But he is denied other food. Any loving parent knows that the result is disastrous. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Maldivians are denied choice of religion. They may even be forced to follow a sect within the 'acceptable' religion. They are brainwashed to suppose that any other believers are traitors. Many Dhivehin are secret Christian believers. Hundreds download the Holy Bible from the internet. My Dhivehi friends, however, tell me that they are afraid to keep a printed Bible in their house! Friends will be Christians openly when it is not considered illegal. Readers may browse many letters from Maldivians interested in following Jesus. Names are not posted to protect the innocent from persecution by the NSS. Censor these links if the truth is feared. A religion of tolerance does not censor men of other faiths.

"Give me liberty, or give me death!" - American patriot Patrick Henry