Naghmeh Panahi: Abuse & The Idol of Marriage

Guest Bios

Show Transcript

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSdvKw8aeqk

In 2016, imprisoned Iranian-American Pastor Saeed Abedini became the focus of a worldwide #SaveSaeed movement. But according to his wife, Naghmeh Abedini, Saeed was a fraud and an abusive husband. Yet because the Christian world idolized marriage and wanted a hero, Naghmeh says leaders suppressed the truth. 

Featuring a powerful talk from the recent Restore Conference, in this podcast Naghmeh Panahi addresses the idolatry evident among some evangelical leaders that has led them to cover-up abuse in the church.

For years, Naghmeh didn’t fully recognize Saeed’s abuse and she explains why. She also unveils the ways Christians pervert marriage. Instead of viewing it as an institution God created to protect the family, they use it to protect abusers.

Most notably, Naghmeh says well-known Christian leader and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, repeatedly ignored Naghmeh’s pleas for help. And instead of protecting Naghmeh and her family, Franklin urged her to reconcile with Saeed. Yet Naghmeh, a brave truth-teller, uses her voice to confront evil and confront the powerful. 

With abuse rampant in the church today, this is such an important podcast for those who care about victims and care about the family.

This Weeks Guests

Naghmeh Abedini Panahi

Naghmeh Abedini Panahi made national news in 2012 when she publicly advocated for the release of her then husband, Saeed Abedini, who was imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith. Through Saeed’s imprisonment Naghmeh was not only able to bring worldwide attention to the plight of the persecuted Christians, but she was also able to proclaim the Gospel to millions of people worldwide by speaking to governments, human rights groups, and major news outlets. When it came to light in 2015 that Naghmeh had been abused throughout her marriage by her “hero” husband, the Christian community turned on her. Though Naghmeh was judged, abandoned, and rejected by the Christian community, she trusted in Jesus to be her defense and to fight her battles. Naghmeh’s story is a story of God’s amazing rescue and restoration.

Show Transcript

SPEAKERS

JULIE ROYS, NAGHMEH PANAHI

JULIE ROYS 00:04

In 2016, imprisoned Iranian American Pastor Saeed Abedini became the focus of a worldwide safe Saeed movement. But according to his wife, Naghmeh Panahi Saeed was a fraud and an abusive husband. Yet because the Christian world idolized marriage and wanted a hero Naghmeh says leaders suppressed the truth. Welcome to The Roys Report, a podcast dedicated to reporting the truth and restoring the church. I’m Julie Roys. And in this podcast, you’ll hear a powerful talk that Nagmeh gave at a special dinner event at the recent Restore conference.

In it Naghmeh explains why she didn’t recognize Saeed’s abuse for so long, and she unveils the ways Christians pervert marriage and instead of viewing it as an institution God created to protect the family, they use it to protect abusers. Most notably Naghmeh says well known Christian leader and CEO Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, repeatedly ignored Nagmeh’s pleas for help. And instead of protecting Nagmeh and her family, Franklin urged Nagmeh to reconcile with Saeed. With abuse rampant in the church today, this is such an important podcast for those who care about victims and care about the family. And I’m so honored to be able to share it with you.

But first I want to thank the sponsors of this podcast, Judson University and Marquardt of Barrington. Judson University is a top ranked Christian University providing a caring community and an excellent college experience. Plus, the school offers more than sixty majors great leadership opportunities and strong financial aid. Judson University is shaping lives that shaped the world. For more information, just go to JUDSONU.EDU. Also, if you’re looking for a quality new or used car, I highly recommend my friends at Marquardt of Barringt