[American] Religious leaders decry death threats [from Iran] against 3 [American] ministers

The Washington Times ^ | November 1, 2002 | Larry Witham

[1bigdictator]

Two U.S. religious leaders yesterday condemned Iranian Muslim death threats made against three American Protestant ministers who have called Islam "wicked" and Muhammad a "terrorist" and "fanatic."

"Responding to intolerance with greater intolerance hurts, not helps," said the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance. He questioned the wisdom of the Rev. Jerry Falwell, the Rev. Franklin Graham and Pat Robertson for making derisive remarks about Islam but said it did not warrant calls for their death by Muslim leaders.

[Monk Dimittis]

In the days after its broadcast, a radical newspaper in Iran and a Shi'ite cleric separately called for Muslims to kill the three Protestant ministers.

By their fruits shall ye know them.

[AnnaZ]

Mr. Graham, son of the famed evangelist, has been unapologetic for his criticism of Islam as "wicked" and, a spokesman said yesterday, "We don't have anything to add."

 

BWAHAHAHAHA!

 

The three evangelical ministers believe the Jews must control Jerusalem before Christ can return.

Uninformed editorializing.

 

 

A few days earlier, the editor of the hard-line Kayhan evening newspaper said, "In accord with Islam, it is imperative to kill the three priests linked to the Zionists because they have insulted Islam and the prophet."

 

Imperative, no less.

 

[john in missouri]

"Responding to intolerance with greater intolerance hurts, not helps," said the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance. He questioned the wisdom of the Rev. Jerry Falwell, the Rev. Franklin Graham and Pat Robertson for making derisive remarks about Islam but said it did not warrant calls for their death by Muslim leaders.

Um.... hel-LO??

A sincerely held opinion, expressed, is known as FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

And you're comparing FREEDOM OF SPEECH with SERIOUSLY INTENTIONED INCITEMENTS TO MURDER PEOPLE???

[1bigdictator]

I just read "Don't Fatwa me", it was fantastic... keep up the good work.

[MEGoody]

"To call for the killing of persons whose comments about other religions have been historically wrong and patently offensive"

I would say in this case, they were proven right.

[Van Jenerette]

Mr, Falwell's "60 Minutes" interview has been linked to riots in some Muslim countries..

What would have happened if Rev. Falwell had made negative comments about...say, the Quakers...would that have led to 'riots' or did the Muslims actions/reactions actually support much of what he said?

I'll ask my students...not the media.

[JasonC]

People incapable of noticing irony... Of course the reaction proves the statements were entirely correct about Muslim intolerance, at least from some.

I am thinking more than more that we need a volunteer movement to call down fatwas on ourselves, deliberately. The fanatics depend on their hatred successfully intimidating people, preventing them from saying what they think. It is not enough to defend a Rushdie or a Falwell (notice incidentally how completely opposite their views can be, and provoke the same reaction). We should stand with them, saying "if you order the death of all who insult Muhammad, then order my death too". And invite them to pronounce their anthemas against half the human race...

[Aquinasfan]

"Responding to intolerance with greater intolerance hurts, not helps," said the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance.

Uh, controversial remarks are one thing. Making death threats with ecclesiastic approval is quite another.

It's Islam stupid.™

[Scarlet_Pimpernil]

Wouldn't it be cool to have your very own death fatwa from Iran or Iraq? I'm thinking commerce here, sort of like getting a star named after you, or some genuine confederate money.....I'm starting to see a website coming...