CS and Eliza are probably right, at least to the extent that this case was more about a lust for power (note that two other victims escaped the worst by saying what their tormentors wanted to hear) and gratuitous cruelty than about Christianity. It might be good if more people cut the same slack for moderate muslims (the vast majority).

It doesn't alter my view that magic and superstitions are the best tools we have for systemic exploitation of the vulnerable, and often remain useful after they've evolved into religions. There will be a lot less depravity when we've all progressed beyond believing palpable nonsense.