The impact of unregulated religious propaganda on world peace, public diplomacy and ethical business practices is an issue which merits serious debate. Eccentric religious leaders are free to launch hate “missiles” across international borders. Media networks are free to spew provocative interfaith theology. However, self-appointed champions of politically obsessed religious communities, whatever faith they may be, should realize that defending one’s people or one’s faith with gestures of hate ends up damaging one’s cause more than hurting the target.

In response to the Fort Hood massacre, Reverend Pat Robertson condemned Islam and Muslims on his television program Nov. 10. Islam “is not a religion” he declared, it is a “violent political system.”

In response to the Fort Hood massacre, Reverend Pat Robertson condemned Islam and Muslims on his television program November 10. Islam “is not a religion” he declared, it is a “violent political system.” He added that “we should treat it as such, and treat its adherents as such, just as we would members of the Communist Party or members of some fascist group.”
If Robertson wishes to take violent politics out of religion, he should start with his own faith community. He and his fellow extreme Evangelicals are deeply involved in the promotion of war and territorial occupation in the Middle East. What characterizes the politics of Robertson are anger and arrogance, a passion for war, power and wealth, Armageddon ideology, disdain for the United Nations and animosity for diversity of lifestyle and beliefs. As a disciple of McCarthyism, Robertson’s commentary on Islam befits the Spanish Inquisition more than an open society.

While American Muslims are searching for meaningful ways to express compassion for the families and friends of the victims of Fort Hood, and while authorities at the highest levels are calling for prudence during the investigation of this awful crime, some media outlets are helping the healing and others are not. At this critical time of emotional disequilibrium in American society, Robertson’s tasteless and inflammatory statements on Islam trivialize compassion and inspiration and rub salt into deep psychological wounds. As a fellow Christian, I find Robertson an embarrassment and a catalyst of conflict.

Robertson is taking on the Muslim world, a fifth of the world’s population. The harm to American foreign policy caused by televangelical hate has not been assessed. But if we wish to reduce war and enhance communication across borders, new standards of interfaith exchange must be identified.