One listen to his sermon can unravel so much about this man.
I was in his Church on Sunday, September 12, 2010. He wanted 400 of his congregation members to sign up on the Pastors special committee; he would not proceed with the sermon unless he had the count. Their goal was to bring at least one potential convert to the church through the fall, spring and summer seasons. He is an incredible mathematical genius – assuming he figured 2400 new converts at $ 1000 per head would give him in excess of $2million in revenues of which some will go to the expansion and the rest as a reward for his work. During his sermon he shared the story of one of the convert founders who had donated over a million dollars and continues to dole out the monies. The Pastor was seeing the rainfall of green bucks.
In his sermon he told that he would walk and put the fire out on a Jewish home, but on the 3rd day he said on Fox News that he refers to his sermon and because Muslim were listening to him, to look good, he falsified the statement and said that he would put the fire out on a Muslim Home. Both the videos should be available on FSB site and of course Fox news.
In the same sermon he said, “No other religions teaches purpose of life, except Christianity”. Later on in the lobby I had a conversation with him – that Baha’i, Hindu and Islam and other faiths teach the purpose of life – to serve God and his creation. I asked him if he had studied other religions to have made that claim. He simply ignored the question. By the way, most clergy in most religions make the very same false exclusive claims. Shame on them for faking in the name of religion.
What made me visit the church with a fellow Muslim and a non-Baptist Christian was his comment a week earlier, “Quraan is an evil book written by a false prophet" and amazingly his congregation clapped and gave a standing ovation for a hateful speech in the name of Christ. I implored him to tell the truth or at least find the truth and share it with his congregation; he refused even to find the truth for his own congregation. In that speech, he was berating Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. I am really surprised how the Jewish community let him get away with it, he may be the only one or they may look to him as a looney barking aimlessly. I am glad the African Americans and Jewish Americans will nail any one for one wrong word against them; Muslims need to learn from them and not take the crap from these men.
Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress did not take up my challenge to host the Quraan debate on his own turf. I offered him copies of the Quraan translation by Muhammad Asad, giving him the benefit of doubt that he may have read two false translations out of 25 some translations. Steve Blow of Dallas Morning News framed my interview very well, “In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.” I asked the Pastor to invite all the Islamophobes and do a conference and put the falsities behind and look for better relations.
He had the biggest challenge of his life and he chickened out. “Pastor, I will present the right Quraan translation to you, you gather all the Islamophobes and let’s have a talk. If you find three evil things in the Quraan, I will abandon my religion Islam and join your Church, the Baptist Church.” On the other hand I asked him, not to become a Muslim but join me in creating cohesive socieities by respecting the otherness of other, which was a call from Jesus Christ to create heaven on the earth; blessed are the peace makers".
We did the most amazing conference on Quraan addressing difficult verses by Non-Muslims clergy bringing a graceful closure to Pastor Jeffress rants.
Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a momentary gain. Quraan is challenged by Pastor Robert Jeffress, Pat Robertson, Terry Jones, Fred Phelps and others who have not made any effort to find the truth, let alone understand the book.
Ever since we declared our independence, we have been tested time and again by various political, economic and religious forces to divide us, however, at the end we have come out strong as one nation. The Civil War, the Great Depression, the World War, Pearl Harbor, Women’s rights, Abortion, the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Budget Deficits, Unemployment, 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan War have all been difficult, but we will make it through and sanity will prevail. The Quraan conference, Understanding GLBT, Quraan, Anti-Semitism, race, gender and other issues are American issues and not Jewish, Muslim or African American issues. We understand that a few are committed to pitting one American against the other for their own gains.
As Americans Together, we will find solutions to the issues we face and we are indeed committed.
We have to find sustainable solutions by
Links in the article:
1. The Quraan Conference Program http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/12/quraan-conference-program-sequence.html
2. List of difficult Passages in Quraan
http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/12/list-of-difficult-passages-in-quraan.html
http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/12/list-of-difficult-passages-in-quraan.html
3. Graceful Closure to Robert Jeffress rants
http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/09/graceful-closure-to-dr-jeffress.html
http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/09/graceful-closure-to-dr-jeffress.html
4. Americans together
http://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2010/11/americans-together-building-cohesive.html
http://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2010/11/americans-together-building-cohesive.html
Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com
VIDEOS AND PRINT LINKS
Dr. Jeffress Tells The Truth About Islam – At the end of the video, his congregation claps for the hateful remarks by Jeffress.
Uploaded by firstbaptistdallas on Aug 23, 2010
First Baptist's Robert Jeffress Won't Be Winning Muslim Converts This Way.http://www.dallasobserver.com/2010-09-02/news/first-baptist-s-robert-jeffress-won-t-be-winning-muslim-converts-this-way/
Unedited: Dr. Robert Jeffress statements on Islam (same as above)
Posted on August 29, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Dr. Jeffress Responds to Dallas News Columnist
He claims to speak the truth...
He claims to speak the truth...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4dHHbO7Slw&feature=player_embedded#!
Uploaded by firstbaptistdallas on Sep 5, 2010
Dallas Pastor Defends Claim That Islam 'Promotes Pedophilia' (VIDEO)
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/dallas_pastor_islam_promotes_pedophilia_video.php
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/dallas_pastor_islam_promotes_pedophilia_video.php
An Open Letter to Rev. Robert Jeffress, FBC Dallas
http://www.chicktalkdallas.com/blog/?p=4631
Sunday Morning on Foxhttp://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/christians-and-muslims-meet
Published: Sunday, 12 Sep 2010, 10:55 PM CDT
Posted by Richard Ray: Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 4:52 PM CDT
Muslims, Jews and Hindus are going to hell http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor%2C-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran
Dallas Morning News Responds - In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_19met.ART.West.Edition1.356a575.html
Mike Ghouse Challenges Quraan Translation with Pastor Robert Jeffress - 1 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMN8Zy1kc64
Mike Ghouse Challenges Quraan Translation with Pastor Robert Jeffress - 2 of 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZOFLQSAOhA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZOFLQSAOhA&feature=related
Mike Ghouse challenges Robert Jeffress
Monday, September 13, 2010
Islam is a false religion by a false prophet, unraveling the difficulties - Americans Together http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_slI-CwnW7g&feature=related
Uploaded by Pluralism center on Nov 3, 2010
Americans have been challenged time and again - Americans Together - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcW84KjXsqo
Uploaded by Pluralism center on Nov 3, 2010
Americans need not live in fear of others - Americans together
Uploaded by Pluralismcenter on Nov 3, 2010
We have to build, rebuild and continuously build the social cohesiveness of our nation. Details at: http://dallasquraanconference.blogspot.com/
Perry's Values Voters Endorser: Islam is an "Evil, Evil Religion"http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/10/perry-values-voters-endorser-robert-jeffress-islam-evil
Jeffress Says Satan Is Behind Roman Catholicism
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/robert-jeffress
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/robert-jeffress
Submitted by Brian Tashman on October 8, 2011 - 1:15pm
Jeffress on Mormons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mht8Vq8aDs Uploaded by daveweigel81 on Oct 7, 2011
The Reverend Jeffress and Mormons
http://www.rightwingnewswatch.com/2011/10/08/the-reverend-jeffress-and-mormons/
By on October 8, 2011
Jeffress: Mormonism from Pit of Hell
Uploaded by RWWBlog on Oct 8, 2011
Jeffress Calls Mormonism A Cult – Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism are all false religions
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/jefress-stands-by-calling-mormonism-a-cult
Published: Sunday, 09 Oct 2011, 9:46 PM CDT
Published: Sunday, 09 Oct 2011, 9:46 PM CDT
Read more on myFOXdfw.com: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/jefress-stands-by-calling-mormonism-a-cult#ixzz1aM0DqHyH
Jeffress: Jews, Mormons, Muslims And Gays Are Going To Hell
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/robert-jeffress
Submitted by Brian Tashman on October 8, 2011 - 8:55am
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/robert-jeffress
Submitted by Brian Tashman on October 8, 2011 - 8:55am
Richard Ray of Fox4 News interviewed me about Pastor Jeffress and the Quraan at 11:00 AM this morning, however due to time constraints, or other reasons they have edited out the critical points about killing the infidel and Quraan Translations. I will recreate that interview and post it on the web in a few days, right here.
The challenge is simple; I will present the right translations of the Qur'aan to Rev. Robert Jeffress in his congregation and challenge him to find 3 evil things about Quraan, if he does, I will go work for his ministry, if he does not, I ask of him to retract the thoughtless cavalier statements he made about Islam and Quraan, and take up the challenge of becoming a peace maker.
Thanks to the Islam bashers for telling me what is it that bothers them, they have time and again given me a list of about 60 verses, and I have made serious effort to address them most directly at: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/ I have dealt with some of the Islamophobes who have made their business by maligning others including Islam, in this case. Look at their websites; they shamelessly ask for money, people should seriously debate if their money is going to bring peace or chaos.
Whether it is Pastor Jones, Jeffress, Phelps or Robertson, the media has failed to nail down the exact words or phrases that cause them to make such divisive declarations, and the unfinished business is frustrating the public.
America needs peacemakers who can boldly clarify the un-truths and myths about each other for the sake of peace. We owe peace and security to each one of the 301 Million Americans, our efforts ought to be directed so everyone us can live without fear, without harassment and without prejudices. My question to Pastors Jeffress, Jones, Phelps, Robertsons and their likes is this; Didn't Jesus pray and worked to create the kingdom of heaven on the earth, so all of us can live freely?
Some 2000 years ago, Jesus delivered the sermon "Blessed are the peace makers" on Mt. Beatitude, I was there and felt the power of that statement. I walked where Jesus walked on via Dela Rosa; I was baptized in the river Jordan where Jesus was baptized. Symbolically, I accepted Jesus’ message to become a peace maker by drenching myself in the holy water.
The role of people of religions is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. I ask Rev. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Fred Phelps and Rev. Terry Jones to walk the journey of peace with me.
Pastor, Muslims Meet to Discuss Quran
Published : Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 4:52 PM CDT
Richard Ray
FOX 4 News
Adapted for Web by Tracy DeLatte, myFOXdfw.com
DALLAS - First Baptist Church of Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress said he has no regrets about calling Islam an evil religion. But on Sunday he gave a warm welcome to a group of Muslims visiting his church.
It was an unusual meeting of the minds. A pair of Muslim leaders showed up unexpectedly wanting to talk to the pastor, not sure what kind of reception they’d get.
“We have some very special guests here this morning. Leaders, members of the Islamic faith in Dallas and I want you to join me in giving them the warmest First Baptist welcome you can,” Jeffress said to his congregation.
Muslim Mike Ghouse was part of that small delegation and afterward met with Jeffress to discuss the Quran.
“He asked us to stand up and there was a good welcome. It was beautiful. I really liked that,” Ghouse.
He is convinced that Jeffress and most Americans have only read mistranslations of the Quran, where ugly language about Christians and Jews has been incorrectly inserted.
“What he said about the Quran and Islam I agree with him. He has read the wrong translation. To find the truth, to be peacemakers, we have to find the truth for the sake of a secure America. His statements are divisive and offense,” Ghouse said.
A study last month by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that over the past five years the percentage of Americans with a positive view of Islam has dropped dramatically from 41 to 30 percent.
Jeffress said he enjoyed his meeting with Ghouse and the others, but still believes he has read an accurate translation. He expresses no regret for what he’s said about the religion.
“I have to regrets at all. I think some of my statements have been mischaracterized simply because the whole statement wasn’t given. I don’t believe most Muslims are terrorists. I don’t think most Muslims oppress women. But there is something within the religion of Islam itself that I believe incites violence,” he said.
Jeffress said he thinks he can disagree in a loving and kind way.
“I think we need to quit walking on egg shells. I think we do need to tell the truth. We tell it in love. But we still tell the truth,” he said.
Ghouse and the others involved in the meeting said they’d like to meet with Jeffress again in the future to have a deeper discussion.
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