Posted on 11/16/2001 9:52:01 PM PST by KQQL
Christian leader condemns Islam
Preacher Franklin Graham calls Islam wicked, violent
On the first day of Ramadan, Franklin Graham's comments last month about the Muslim faith are causing problems for the Bush administration.
By Jim Avila
NBC NEWS Nov. 16 The Bush administration continues to be careful about what it says concerning the religion of Osama bin Laden. However, it turns out that one of Bushs close friends in the American religious establishment has had some very harsh words for the Muslim faith. There is fallout from such remarks made last month by Franklin Graham.
FRANKLIN GRAHAM is one of Americas most powerful Christian leaders. He delivered the benediction at George W. Bushs inauguration. His father, Billy, counseled a long list of presidents. But now Franklin is in trouble with political friends for comments made recently, calling the entire Islamic religion wicked, violent and not of the same God.
I dont believe this is a wonderful, peaceful religion, said Graham. When you read the Koran and you read the verses from the Koran, it instructs the killing of the infidel, for those that are non-Muslim.
Asked by NBC News to clarify his statement, Graham repeated his charge that Islam, as a whole, is an evil.
It wasnt Methodists flying into those buildings, it wasnt Lutherans, said Graham. It was an attack on this country by people of the Islamic faith.
Meanwhile, Ramadan, the holiest season of the Muslim year, has begun. Grahams comments came as Bush, himself a deeply religious Christian, wished the worlds 1 billion Muslims, health, prosperity and happiness during Ramadan.
Islam never teaches hatred, Islam never teaches terrorism, says Imam Hassan Al-Qazwini of the Islamic Center of America.
The White House also distanced itself from Grahams remarks Friday, saying the president views Islam as a religion that preaches peace, and that the terrorists do not represent what Islam teaches.
None of the other Christian leaders contacted by NBC News, including Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, would comment on Grahams attacks.
Obviously, Mr. Graham is tone deaf in this respect, says Newsweek religion editor Ken Woodward. Hes certainly not his fathers son in terms of discretion.
A presidential friend and supporter now finds himself at odds with both the Muslim world and the message from the White House.
He may not be hitting the right notes but he's got the right lyrics.
Finally someone who has guts
The White House also distanced itself from Grahams remarks Friday, saying the president views Islam as a religion that preaches peace, and that the terrorists do not represent what Islam teaches.
Ditto !
Come again?
Finally, a Christian with news-status tells the truth about the Qur'an. Verse 9.5. Graham hits the nail on the head, and this is specifically the directions being followed, by Al-Qaeda, Taliban, PLO, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, et al.
When you FIND the truth, pass it on. Thank you Rev. Graham.
BLAH BLAH BLAH
Look at this lame attempt to pin this comment on Bush...the Presstitute Whormedia cant wait to see Bush's numbers go down, theyre salivating the prospect. sickos
THANK YOU! Finally, someone who's willing to say to the world what the truth of the matter is!
TG
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