Posted on 03/15/2006 4:25:25 PM PST by Dark Skies
The Rev. Franklin Graham, who outraged Muslims in 2001 when he said that Islam "is a very evil and wicked religion," told an interviewer for Wednesday's edition of ABC News "Nightline" that he hasn't changed his mind about the faith.
Asked by ABC correspondent John Donvan whether Muslim groups had succeeded in altering his outlook about Islam, Graham said "No."
"Do they want to indoctrinate me? Yes. I know about Islam. I don't need an education from Islam," he said. "If people think Islam is such a wonderful religion, just go to Saudi Arabia and make it your home. Just live there. If you think Islam is such a wonderful religion, I mean, go and live under the Taliban somewhere. I mean, you're free to do that."
Franklin Graham is the successor to his father as head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, based in Charlotte, N.C. He was interviewed Sunday in New Orleans, where Franklin and Billy were leading an evangelistic festival.
The younger Graham angered Muslims following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks when he told NBC News: "We're not attacking Islam but Islam has attacked us. The God of Islam is not the same God. He's not the son of God of the Christian or Judeo-Christian faith. It's a different God, and I believe it is a very evil and wicked religion."
In a subsequent Wall Street Journal piece, Graham wrote that he doesn't think Muslim believers "are evil people because of their faith. But I decry the evil that has been done in the name of Islam, or any other faith -- including Christianity."
That article said "the persecution or elimination of non-Muslims has been a cornerstone of Islamic conquests and rule for centuries." Graham said the Quran "provides ample evidence that Islam encourages violence in order to win converts and to reach the ultimate goal of an Islamic world."
Some of Graham's fellow evangelicals subsequently expressed concern that his comments might endanger Christian missionaries working in Muslim countries, strain interfaith relations and make America's war on terrorism seem to be a Christian crusade against Islam.
Billy Graham has avoided such comments about Islam and President Bush has consistently depicted mainstream Islam as a religion of peace.
Another U.S. evangelist, the Rev. Pat Robertson, said of militant Muslims on his Monday telecast: "These people are crazed fanatics, and I want to say it now: I believe it's motivated by demonic power. It is satanic and it's time we recognize what we're dealing with."
"The goal of Islam, ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is world domination," he said.
Ping
He speaks the the truth essentially but it is somewhat inflammatory but much closer to the truth than W's "islam is a religion of peace" but W has obvious need for political cover; Franklin Graham does not but there are Christians in the Muslim world who might appreciate some
since john 14:6 is true, it's not just islam that is evil and wicked...
And that's the truth.
Let me paraphrase a line from the movie "Young Frankenstein": A crusade is a terrible thing, and it's about time we had one!
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
Anyone who thinks that Christians will not be endangered if Graham holds his tongue is living in a fool's paradise.
Christians are constantly in danger from the followers of Islam no matter what country they may be in. Keeping silent will only seems cowardly to a Muslim.
Graham should speak his mind, and use his pulpit to "educate" his followers.
But I digress.....
Good for him, and I hope he doesn't back down.
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.2 John 1:7
My point is only that we must speak the truth at all times. D@mn the torpedos and full speed ahead!
Thank you Rev. Graham for having the courage to proclaim the truth about this evil and soul destroying cult.
The only Muslims I know who are able to live peaceably in America are the ones who aren't particularly religious. I guess Islam is fine as long as you don't practice it.
He is a great commander-in-chief...but we need him to give the lion's roar. I believe he can do it.
A huge vacuum of leadership exists here at home. W needs to fill it.
But the fact that all non-Christians are, by definition "wicked" doesn't make them all terrorists. It means people like the poet Bertrand Russell, who only wanted "peace," are as wicked as Mohammad Atta, but certainly not as violent in this life. That is why there are many, MANY Muslims who either disagree with the Koran (the way many, MANY Christians disagree with parts ot the Bible and sometimes ignore what they don't like), or who have never learned their own religion well enough to know what is in the Koran (again, like many, MANY Christians).
It is a mistake to bow to Islam. It is a mistake not to be ready for war if they come after you, too. No Christian under the theat of Islam should go down without transfering some Muzzies to hell. The Crusaders had it right.
In all due respect, what is your point?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.