Comment on Steve Shackleton's post at http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/aug2006/ss831.htmWe do not know, and may never know, the exact circumstances of the journalists' supposed conversions. It's probable that they may have been forced to say Allah is great and deny that God had a son. This is reminiscent of Peter denying any association with Jesus due to fear of an immediate arrest. Peter was forgiven and these two may be also. It depends on the state of their hearts.
The Scriptures very specifically warn against taking the mark during the tribulation period. I think, it will initially be offered on a voluntarily bases without threat of immediate harm. Many will be able to avoid making the decision for some period of time. Finally, only those whose who have faith in Jesus will remain without it and will therefore be easily identifiable as believers, hunted down and most will be executed.
I don't see any reason to compare what may be false conversions with the eternal damnation of the mark.
Marie Komar