The 37-year-old Dutchman is the boss of BosNewsLife, which this month celebrates its first anniversary as the region’s first Christian news agency. Meanwhile, his work as a journalist is only partly devoted to religious issues – Bos has covered a range of beats for a number of leading international media – and, like the best hard-charging hack, has been threatened with lawsuits on several occasions, recently prevailing in an action brought by far-right Hungarian commentator István Lovas. So what’s it like to be a serious Christian in a country full of people waiting to be sent on a rocket-sled to Hades?
Tell us about BosNewsLife. What is it?
BosNewsLife is Central Europe’s first Christian news agency. I discovered that especially in Communist countries but also in nations that are still in the post-Communist era there are many people suffering simply because they believe in something. So I decided that Budapest would be the place to launch an international news agency covering the plight of persecuted Christians, but also Jewish people in need. However, BosNewsLife doesn’t only cover this issue, but anything that could be interested for our audience, which we see as (traveling) compassionate professionals.
Do you think Christians are being persecuted in Hungary?
I think that the more active Christians still have difficulties, or are made fun off in the media. They are not very well understood. That’s not a problem in itself. But I think that evangelicals especially can have difficulties. I also think that churches here are too often linked to nationalism and national identity. However, it’s much better now than in the Communist years, when my parents as young idealists came here to smuggle in Bibles, or to buy people out of prison.
From your perspective, what’s the worst case of religious persecution you’ve witnessed in Hungary?
From my perspective there have been several cases. For instance, I recall that people of the Faith Church were made fun off in the media, and that right-wing groups have pushed for the state to only recognize churches that are already at least one hundred years old, etc. But what is even more disturbing is the anti-Semitism. Obviously under Communism, Christians were persecuted, especially those not willing to work with the state. I still recall when I had to visit in secret people like priest György Bulányi, who was very much persecuted by the state for his refusal to work within the state sponsored church hierarchy. But in general Hungary is doing better than countries like say Russia, Ukraine or Belarus.
Do you feel people are respectful towards you personally for being a person of faith, especially others in the media community?
In general I think yes, but to be honest I don’t expect respect. It’s not what the Bible teaches. I have sometimes difficulties when I see some church groups demanding that critical films about Christians or for instance Jesus Christ be banned. I think Jesus Christ is strong enough to do that Himself, he does not need us for that. People are not machines and can make their own choices. We are free. That’s why I don’t believe we are a product of Evolutionism. I have had some troubles with the media because of some of my reports about the situation of Jewish people in Hungary. But in some cases it was perhaps because the Hungarian journalists writing it did not read the Bible. They got furious when I suggested in a comment that I don’t understand why there is anti-Semitism within some Hungarian churches as Jesus was Jewish and so was his mother. Faith plays an important role in my life, as I have seen in for instance the wars that I covered that Jesus Christ saved my life. Otherwise I could not explain many situations in Bosnia and Croatia that I survived. I am not a hero and not a "holy" person, tough. Don’t get me wrong. I stay with two feet on the ground. And like Jesus, I love wine. Although perhaps I drink more of it sometimes than He did…
Speaking of which, what’s your favorite bar or restaurant in Budapest?
I think the John Bull Pub near the Intercontinental Hotel is very nice. For the view, one has to go to the nearby bar that used to be known as the "Balloon bar" before Sofitel occupied it. Especially the Puszta Cocktail is my favorite. For restaurants I very much like Le Jardin de Paris (near the French institute, especially when you want/need to impress someone) but I have to say that the cheaper John Bull has also very good food. There are of course other places in Budapest as well. Many of my best columns I wrote in the Balloon bar. Well, at least the most controversial ones.
Okay, back to meat and potatoes. What are the chances that Hungary can be saved, as in saving a significant number of souls, and again becoming a Christian nation?
That’s a very interesting question. I have just learned that next month there will be a conference on this very issue, on how to make a revival here. And there are even prayer groups in Parliament, I was told by a very reliable source. However, first of all I think that God is interested in the individual, maybe even more than in saving a nation. In other words: If you or I would be the only person on this earth He would still have send his only begotten Son Jesus Christ to save you or me from death. By dying at the cross for our sins and especially becoming alive on the third day He took away our debt and death penalty if we want to by believing in Him. So He is not in a numbers game, but obviously wants everyone to be saved. But having said that, I think there is a chance that many Hungarians will become Christians by accepting Him as their personal savior. The issue in Hungary and many other countries is that Christianity is seen as a religion. I don’t have a religion, but a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who is God. That’s more interesting I think than empty churches with beautiful paintings and statues at the walls, or priests with nice ceremonies. But for that to happen, Hungarians will have to stop confusing faith with nationalism or national identity in the crown of Saint Stephen or the annual marches behind the alleged right hand of that king. By the way that brings me to something else: I believe everyone is a saint if he or she accepts Jesus Christ.
