Recently, Franklin Graham called Islam an evil religion, offending many Muslims and causing him to be uninvited for a speaking engagement in the Pentagon. This sweeping statement that the Rev. Graham made is an example of the black and white thinking that does not do justice to reality. However, the opposite reaction of denying that there may be strands of intolerance in Islam also does injustice to reality.

    If we are to take into account the truth that men and women are made in the image of a good God, and that men and women are also sinners, not just in their actions but in thedirection of their hearts, we could not make these black and white statements. There is a good strand in Islam. Although I don't claim to be an expert, it is zealous for the creator God. Now some may argue that Allah is not the same as Yahweh, the creator God, but I beg to differ.

     As a Christian, I do believe that God has revealed himself fully in the Old and New testaments. I believe that Muslims do worship the one who created all things. The point of monotheism is that there is a God above all creation, and that everything else is not god. Other spirits may be acknowledged, but there is to be only one God to be worshipped. Muslims have zeal for this God. Another good strand is that Almsgiving is one of the pillars of Islam. This shows love for neighbor, something that is right. 

     However, there is also an evil strand. The prophet Muhammad did engage in Jihad (holy war), and although Jihad can be reinterpreted, it definitely included war on those who do not follow Allah so Islamic law could be implemented. Also, the concept of Jihad shows an "us and them mentality" which denies the universality of human sinfulness. In biblical thought, all men have sinned, and that does not exclude those who follow God. Therefore, humanity's stance towards God and man should be humility. That is why the exiles of Israel were called to live in peace wherever God placed them, not overthrow the structures of society and implement biblical law.     

     It is not realistic to judge an ideology/religion as completely evil or completely good. If we do that, then we are denying the truth about human beings as both glorious and fallen. I want to conclude by saying a little bit about the proposed construction of a mosque in the former site of the World Trade Center. Instead of making an argument for or against it, I want to propose a good use of this site. It could be a memorial museum to the effects of terrorism. We can feature stories of men and women whose lives have been cut short because of a suicide bomber. This may not make as much revenue, but this could have a sombering effect towards those who take lightly the toll that terrorism takes in the hearts of people. I have been to Auschwitz and it is a somber experience. It made me think about these men and women whose dreams of life in peace have been cut short because of man's disregard for life, in the service of their ideology.