Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and the president and CEO of his fathers
evangelistic association, continues to discover that speaking ones convictions
about Islam without receiving severe public criticism gets more and more difficult.
Nothing has placed Islam on the modern-day front-burner of Americas religious
and philosophical consideration as did 9-11.
Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and the president and CEO of his fathers
evangelistic association, continues to discover that speaking ones convictions
about Islam without receiving severe public criticism gets more and more difficult.
Nothing has placed Islam on the modern-day front-burner of Americas religious
and philosophical consideration as did 9-11. The hijackers/murderers said Islamic
convictions motivated their terrorist acts. Their words and actions not only
called for but demanded examination of Islam as would have happened to Christianity
if a group bombed the Saudi Arabia capital and said they did it in the name
of Christ. If Moslems can show that only severely misconstruing the teachings
of Mohammed could have given rise to the terrorist acts of 9-11, then they could
and should fully distance themselves from the acts.
Certainly Moslems can argue that the hijackers/ murderers were cultic fanatics
and not representative of Islam at its truest and best. If that is true, then
the rest of the world, especially the United States, deserves that answer, and
the Moslems should well understand the need for such an explanation.
Still, Franklin Graham points out, “The problem I have with Islam is the
silence from the clerics around the world. These so-called Islamic groups that
try to challenge my statements I dont care about these guys. Who are these
guys?”
Apparently he was referring to groups such as The Council on American-Islamic
Relations, a Washington-based Moslem advocacy group.
“Where are the clerics? …I would like to see an apology from the clerics.
I would like for the chief clerics of Saudi Arabia to come to this country,
go to Ground Zero and say to America, We are sorry.”
Franklin Graham also said, “The Quran speaks of violence against Christians
and Jews. I didnt write the Quran read it for yourself. Its there.
So you make up your own mind whether you think its evil or not.”
It seems Franklin Graham made straightforward observations and asked simple,
to the point questions. Certainly that is the right of any person, especially
in America where we are guaranteed the freedom of speech. Moslems who say they
despise the terrorist acts of 9-11 should be asking the same questions.
Strident, accusatory, inflammatory public remarks and questions meant to arouse
hate serve no possible purpose in trying to help adherents of a religion see
the error of their beliefs. But questions of substance that can be answered
by an examination of facts are not only proper but necessary when souls are
in the balance for eternity.
The United States of America grants the right to every citizen to believe or
not believe according to the dictates of his heart and mind. Certainly this
means Moslems have the right to be Moslems, and to preach their beliefs. But,
everyone needs to remember, including the Moslems, this same right extends to
Christians. Just as Moslems have the right to try to convert people, including
Christians, to Islam, Christians have the right to try to convert people, including
Moslems, to Christ. Standing firm for Christians right to evangelize people
they believe need the salvation of Jesus Christ may not be politically correct,
but it is correct.
Christianity must be accountable, and Islam must be accountable. If ones
faith is true, careful examination of that faith will lead to a healthier faith.
Only those who are not secure in their faith, fear examination.
Toleration and mutual respect are essential for the American way of life. And,
crucially, this toleration and mutual respect are a two-way avenue that includes
the right to examine one anothers beliefs.