During a recent event on Islamophobia in Eastern Washington (in very close proximity to the parts of Idaho that have the greatest concentration of white supremacists in America), I met a number of Christian pastors and activists. Afterwards, a conservative evangelical told me he felt that Islamophobia and Christophobia were similar (I guess it’s better than denying bigotry exists at all).
I also received an e-mail from a participant in the event who came by because of RD:
Dear Haroon,
Thanks for your talk at WSU tonight and [for] your perspective on things. In many ways I feel that the American attachment to sensationalism, half truths and fear makes your perspective all the more important. I work with internationals at WSU and lately have made some friends among the Islamic community. I have studied side by side with some of these guys and compared the Bible with the Koran and continue to be amazed with the similiarities that I never knew existed most my life. I was the one in the crowd that asked you about the your story and experience in Detroit [see: Jesus, Carpetbomb My Heart –ed]. I’ve quoted you below:
In this time of reconstructing the way our world works, a polarizing and exclusive religious vision is not particularly relevant. America is also inescapably and increasingly diverse, and its domestic and foreign policy requires finding a method of engagement with difference that is reasonable and respectful.
But there is a more inescapable truth about Engle’s “Dearborn Awakening.” He chose a speaker who lied, obfuscated, and confused. Should any of the participants want to learn more about Islam, if even to bring Jesus to Muslims, they have already heard the worst of the worst. And they’ll quickly find out that Islam is very different from what they were told it is. All the passionate music, jubilation, and spiritual energy [at the Dearborn Awakening] cannot hide the meanness of spirit that would perpetrate this kind of fraud.
We as Christians can be very intolerant, and the conservative politics that has shaped many of us makes what we say very irrelevant to today’s issues. I think a good part of the church is in denial as to how this country has really changed. I never heard of this Dearborn Awakening event that happened until I read your piece today, but I want to offer an apology for this speaker that lied and confused people. I offer this as a Christian and student of the Word that is called by God to obey and not simply know Scripture. As we seek to understand, to relate, to pursue friendship with those who are different things can change. I’m trying to do my part of that here in Eastern Washington.
Peace to you,
[Name withheld]
