There has been a lot of talk lately about Islamophobia – the irrational fear of Islam. There are at least two problems when such labels are used for people with whom we disagree:
- Calling people names like Islamophobe does not promote dialogue.
- Many who talk about Islamophobia do not fear God.
Most Muslims I’ve talked with are nice people and would make great neighbors and friends. Most American Muslims are ordinary and likeable people as the following video demonstrates:
I love Muslims, but I do not share their beliefs about Muhammad and the Qur’an. Labeling my disagreement Islamophobia doesn’t promote the cause of truth – unless you believe it is irrational to believe in truth.
It is a fearful thing to reject the Son of God’s death on the cross for sin. It is a fearful thing to reject Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Christians fear God which is why they share, hopefully in love, the truth of the Gospel (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 14:6-7).
Is there a word for fear of theological dialogue? If so, I think it would well describe America’s public life. To prove my point, take a closer look at recent articles about Islamophobia.
