October 14, 2002
Falwell's theology shaped
by politics, BGCT leaders say
___By Ken Camp & Becky Bridges
___Texas Baptist Communications
___Several Texas Baptist leaders have repudiated Jerry Falwell's statements suggesting that Mohammed was a terrorist and the United States should offer Israel unconditional support because of the Jewish homeland's role in end-times prophecy.
___Falwell, pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va., appeared on the CBS-TV program "60 minutes" Oct. 6. The fundamentalist Baptist, who in recent years has aligned with the Southern Baptist Convention, suggested Islam is essentially violent, to the extent that it reflects its founder, Mohammed.
___"I think Mohammed was a terrorist," Falwell said. "I read enough, by both Muslims and non-Muslims, (to conclude) that he was a violent man, a man of war."
___Bob Campbell, president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and Stephen Hatfield, chairman of the BGCT Administrative Committee, both said it would be unfortunate if the public assumed Falwell's views reflect the opinions of all Baptists or all conservative evangelical Christians.
___"There is no doubt when Jerry Falwell speaks, many people listen. Sadly, when he speaks, many assume he speaks for all Baptists. He does not," said Hatfield, pastor of First Baptist Church in Lewisville. "Though we do not believe in the tenets of Islam, many of us do not conclude the founder of Islam to be a terrorist. The use of the term is unfair, at best."
"I think Mohammed was a terrorist," Falwell said. "I read enough, by both Muslims and non-Muslims, (to conclude) that he was a violent man, a man of war."
___Falwell "applies 21st century rhetoric and American culture" to the ancient writings of Mohammed, Campbell observed. He noted that in fairness, critics of Islam also should look at Old Testament passages in which Moses and Joshua were commanded to destroy Israel's enemies.
___"Although I do not believe in the religion of Islam, it is unfair to categorize Mohammed as a 'terrorist,'" said Campbell, pastor of Westbury Baptist Church in Houston.
___Falwell told "60 Minutes" he and other fundamentalist Christians significantly influence U.S. foreign policy regarding the Middle East. He cited his belief that the creation and preservation of Israel is tied to biblical prophecy and that the Jewish home-land will figure prominently in events culminating in the Second Coming of Christ.
___"Mr. Falwell's desire to link present-day Middle East events to biblical prophecy represents only one possible interpretation of 'last things,'" Campbell noted.
___"The blatant disregard of Arab nations is an extreme position that does not reflect genuine biblical scholarship and is more political than biblical. American foreign policy cannot be based on just one biblical interpretation of 'last things' that may, in fact, be the wrong interpretation of the Scriptures."
___Hatfield agreed, saying Falwell's views are colored by a "popularized" view of end-times prophecy and biblical interpretation. "One can read the Bible and draw different conclusions concerning the place of Israel, as well as the ordering of events before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ."
___Justice, not end-times prophecy, should be the guide in making foreign policy decisions, according to Ellis Orozco, who served as chairman of the BGCT Strategic Planning Committee and currently is on the Administrative Committee.
___"As Christians, we should speak out against violence and those who enact it or support it. Whether it is an Islamic state, Israel, or even our own government involved in the violence, it is wrong," said Orozco, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen.
___Jesus saved his harshest words for leaders of his own people, the Jews, when they oppressed the poor and marginalized, he added.
___"We should follow his example and fight violent oppression wherever we see it, even if it is in our own backyard. No, especially if it's in our own backyard. We would be better friends to Israel if we followed Jesus' example and opposed them when they are wrong," Orozco said.
___Campbell concurred, saying God's love extends to all people, and all people have the right to just treatment.
___"Both the Arabs and Jews have a right to live at peace with their neighbors. The Arabs have a right to a homeland, as do the Jewish people. This is a political decision, not a theological decision. I do not want to see Israel treated badly. Nor do I want to see Arabs treated badly. There has got to be a political decision that can please both sides," Campbell said.
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