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Friday, November 27, 2015

Save Bharat | Growing intolerance in India

When a few Indians hear the following phrases;

Growing intolerance,  
Modi has failed India, 
RSS is emboldened with extremism
Hindutva...

They go ballistic and busy themselves with hating, cursing and throwing insults, at Muslims and moderate majority of Hindus with common sense.

 I know for sure they are not getting this from Hinduism, but they may be getting it from the RSS ideology of Hindutva, which has nothing to do with Hinduism just as the Islamists have nothing to do with Islam; Neocons to Christianity or Violent Zionism to Judaism.

As Indians of all faiths, traditions and political affiliations, we need to come together and discourage what is divisive and encourage what is inclusive.

The attacks on Aamir Khan, Girish Karnad and other intellectuals show the growing intolerance among a few fellow Indians.  What hurts us is the Indian Americans, a few of whom are more intolerant than the ones in India. I read comments that make me puke at some of them, they have lived in America for a long time, and yet they have not grown up to accept the inclusivism of America. What did they learn here?  Hamare Bhai waisay ke waisay he Rahe!

These very men criticized the UPA government to the hilt, and now they cannot tolerate criticism of Modi’s government, does not amount to criticizing India. It's pathetic that they equate India with Modi, it does not enter their minds that Modi's come and go, but India remains an eternal society. 

We cannot let a few among us tear apart our motherland and hurt her togetherness.  We cannot become a divisive crazy nation like some of the nations we don't appreciate.

I seek your help in writing a white paper, and compile all the intolerant statements made by our leaders and public leaders, as well as the Indian Americans.  

Pull the statements made by Girish Karnad, Amir Khan, Arundhati Roy, and the intellectuals across the spectrum. 

Let this be a document for us to refer to,  and our next generation to see what we have done in preventing destruction of our motherland. We owe it to our motherland to protect her pluralistic ethos.

Please send the links with precise comments and quotes to : MikeGhouseforIndia@gmail.com  

Thank you,

Mike Ghouse, 
(214) 325-1916
Dallas, TX | Washington, DC 

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, newsmaker and a professional speaker on PluralismInterfaithIslam,  politicshuman rights, and foreign policy.  Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com 

American Muslims are proud of taking the right steps towards integration

American Muslims are proud of taking the right steps towards integration. www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org  

On Friday, November 20, 2015, the American Muslims took a bold step in their journey towards being-one with fellow Americans.  


The American Muslim Institution (AMI) led the demonstrations against Terrorism and Daesh on the steps of Lincoln Memorial;  this historic location was chosen to mirror the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who brought a positive change to the American civil society with his immortal, “I have a dream speech" on the very same steps.


It was indeed a symbolic event for American Muslims, and the foundation for a positive change was laid.The next event was held within hours across the White House by ADAMS Center and another one by APPNA at Dupont Circle the very next day. Now, it is gathering momentum.  

The apprehensions and the conflicts Muslims feel is a result of actions and reactions feeding each other. The Media is blamed for amplifying the negative portrayal of Muslims, while our own attitudes have also contributed towards to the feeding frenzy. It is time to change the equation.  

Mother Teresa had said if you want to make peace with your enemies, go talk with them. Praise the Lord, we have begun the process.  Media is not our enemy; they are merely reflecting the fears of a few, some of them have not taken the time to differentiate between religion and its followers, and have mistaken us with the Daesh, Talibans, Al-Qaeda and their ilk. It is our duty to correct these gross errors on a continual basis. God willing, we hope to conduct seminars and workshops with the media to rectify some of the false perceptions about us. Good and healthy communications can always pave the way for better understanding.

We hear, "the proof is in the pudding", indeed it is. In the following links (four videos), listen to the tone of Sean Hannity, Stuart Varney, and Richard Ray of Fox News. They have responded to positive engagement. There is a new emerging language of understanding and support. What has not worked is disengagement; I would rather engage and fail than cause us to dig in our heels.
This week’s output;    
  1. A small step for Muslims, but a giant leap for America - Link
  1. Thanksgiving (Interfaith), an  unforgettable story of Appaiah - Link
  1. Stuart Varney on Fox -Lincoln Memorial – Link
  1. Richard Ray on Fox Dallas -Pastor Jeffress – Link
  1. Sean Hannity on Fox about Syrian Refugees – Link
  1. Stuart Varney of Fox complains  - Link
  1. American Muslims Demonstrate against ISIS - Link
  1. War on Terror is the dumbest idea ever floated - Link
  1. Islamic way of dealing Terrorism – Link
  1. American Muslims Condemn ISIS - Link
  1. Rabbi Jonathan Sachs Hugs Mike on the stage. Link
  1. Moderate Muslims Speak out? Link
  1. What has Sean Hannity done for us? Link (last 9 of the 15 minutes)

The American Muslim Institution is formed with three specific goals - work with the media, mitigate Islamophobia and speed up the process of integration. We hope to get to the point where fellow Americans will see Muslims as their neighbors and fellow citizens, committed to fight against violent extremism and to protect the homeland. No more them against us, it will be all of us working together for a prosperous, secure and cohesive America. . 

Since August 4th, we have been written up in nearly 300 media outlets, this event at Lincoln Memorial has produced nearly 60 Media reports-videos and write ups.  You can Google "American Muslim Institution." Insha Allah, we will upload all of them including our own video and pictures on this site www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org  within a few weeks.


An integrated society functions effectively when we are all on the same page with our uniqueness.  When we demonstrated against Terrorism and Daesh on the steps of Lincoln Memorial, it resonated with fellow Americans; both of us were against the monsters.  When we celebrate 4th of July in the biggest possible way, it will resonate with fellow Americans; both of us become fellow patriots.  When armed protesters head towards Mosques with a confused intent, we can greet them with kindness and caring hospitality, hoist American flags on our mosques grounds, serve grilled hot dogs and water, the hostility will dissipate and they will view us as fellow Americans instead of perceived hostility. We must connect with them instead alienating them. 

Of course, I suggest our Friday Sermons to teach us in dealing with conflicts in the most simple way.

Islamophobia? Right now 63% of Americans don't see Muslims favorably; we can bring this number down to 32% in 3 years. If you are willing to do certain basic things. I will be happy to give a talk and present practical action plan to your group,  listing seven little and seven big things we can do to shape our future with fellow Americans. We cannot postpone this and live in misery for another decade.  

Mike Ghouse,Executive DirectorAmerican Muslim InstitutionA proactive voice for American MuslimsWashington, DC(214) 325-1916 

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, news maker and a speaker on PluralismInterfaithIslam,politicshuman rights, India, Israel-Palestine,foreign policy and building cohesive societies. Mike offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com.

Muslim Activist: A Syrian Safe Zone Is The 'Most Ideal Situation' For Refugees

Hannity plan: A Syrian Safe Zone is the most ideal situation for the refugees.

November 25, 2015, New York -- Sean Hannity’s radio show is broadcasted across the nation thru 250 affiliate stations.  Brigitte Gabrielle and Mike Ghouse were his guests on the show to discuss the Syrian refugee problems. 


Hannity acknowledged and appreciated the demonstration rally Muslims held on the steps of Lincoln Memorial, a symbolic event to condemn the Daesh, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other terrorist outfits wreaking havoc in Syria and Iraq, and to express solidarity with the people of France, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Nigeria and other places who are victims of terrorism.

When Hannity opened the topic of Syrian Refugees and proposed establishment of a “Syrian safe zone: a secure no-fly zone where refugees could be housed, fed, and clothed by the international community” – his guest Mike Ghouse instantly saw the wisdom in that proposal and supported it whole heartedly.  Both the host and guests were surprised at this agreement.

When you study the refugee issues from Vietnam, Palestine, Lebanon, Ghana, Iraq, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Afghanistan, Rohingya, Israel, Native Lands and other places, one common theme emerges – No human wants to be forced out of his/her home. The longing for mother never dies, and no one desires forced separation from his or her mother.

The humility of getting kicked out of your own home is the most difficult pain to endure. The Syrian and Iraqi refugees are going thru a very painful experience and shame on the Governments of US, Hungary and other nations who are letting their representatives callously rejecting the refugees. 

The alternative championed by Sean Hannity is "the most ideal situation," responded Ghouse on Tuesday's Sean Hannity Show. "The Syrian people don't really want to leave their country, it is their home. They're driven out by these extremists, terrorists, ISIS and they have no choice, they're running for their lives."

Rejection of people in dire needs amounts to callousness, and stripping their dignity.

Given that,  Hannity’s plan is ideal in many ways – 1) It gives hope to the people in despair, 2) Restores faith in humanity, 3) preserves their dignity and self worth,  4) prevents future dictators from chasing people out of their homes and 5) respect for the people of the United States and lastly an opportunity to value democracy.

Every time the refugees are humiliated, Dr. Ghouse goes back into his reflective mood, shaped by the most gruesome scenes from the Holocaust pogroms. The look on the faces of those men and women when they were marched towards the pit to be shot into it is painful and indelible. Their expression was, we thought you were friends and caring Christians, why are you not standing up for us, speaking up for us? They chose to die in dignity rather than beg for life (Huffington post).  When the ship MS St. Louis turned 908 Jewish refugees imagine the humiliation they felt. That is the ugliest kind of humanity expressed by the men and women in the US Congress and Senate this time around with the Syrian refugees.

Given that, Sean Hannity's plan is ideal. It upholds the dignity of the helpless; no one wants to leave their home.


Muslim Activist: A Syrian Safe Zone Is The 'Most Ideal Situation' For Refugees

Posted Wednesday, November 25th 2015 @ 3pm  by Hannity.com Staff
While many American oppose the resettlement of tens of thousands of refugees from the Middle East, a question still remains: what is to be done with them? One of the alternative plans that has been proposed has been the establishment of a Syrian safe zone: a secure no-fly zone where refugees could be housed, fed, and clothed by the international community.

The plan--which Sean has championed since the crisis began--recently gained support from an unexpected source: Muslim activist and president of the America Together Foundation, Mike Ghouse.

"That is the most ideal situation," responded Ghouse on Tuesday's Sean Hannity Show. "The Syrian people don't really want to leave their country, it is their home. They're going driven out by these extremists, terrorists, ISIS and they have no choice, they're running for their lives."

Listen to Muslim activist Mike Ghouse call a Syrian safe-zone the "most ideal situation" for the refugee population:


Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer and a speaker on PluralismInterfaithIslam,  politicshuman rights, foreign policy and building cohesive societies. Mike offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com

Published at

1. http://www.knrs.com/onair/rod-arquette-39518/today-on-hannity-112415-14153067

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Interfaith thanksgiving - Appaiah, the unforgettable story of Gratitude

Mike Ghouse | www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Expression of gratitude is the ultimate balancing act in one's life.  Avoiding a simple thank-you creates discomfort,  awkwardness or imbalance within oneself and with others, while a simple thank you restores comfort, joy and balance. Hurting or 
ridiculing others does the same, and a simple sorry and repentance restores the balance within.

The biggest part of Thanksgiving is sharing and caring. It is a day to express friendship and kindness to those who are struggling with the difficulties of life. It ought to bring out the best in us for others.


I hope and pray that we will be kind to the refugees from Syria and other parts of the world. They have already endured humility and don't deserve more.   
Why should we care about others?

Our happiness hinges on being free from guilt, being free from prejudices and ill-will towards fellow beings. When we are free from these ills, we live in eternal bliss. 
The Native Americans believe that the world is one large family, an interconnected and interdependent web of life, where each one of us is a strand. What affects one, affects the other. It behooves us to care for each other for the web to remain intact. Indeed, Hinduism calls this Vasudaiva Kutumbukum -- the whole world is one family. Judaism, Christianity and Islam strongly believe that we were all created from one couple and made into different races, tribes, nations and communities.  Likewise, every tradition has the common idea of goodness expressed in many different ways. 
Jesus said, do unto others as you would want others to do for you. He reached out to the ones who were abandoned by the society. He embraced the whole humanity with his heart and soul. The Jewish tradition highlights Ve'ahavta la'ger -- you must love the stranger for that guaranteed happiness.

Prophet Muhammad said the least you can give to others is hope and a smile. The Sikh faith is indeed founded on the principle of caring for the humanity; the Jains and Baha'is believe our joy comes from taking care of others as the Wiccan believe we have to take care of what we see -- mother earth and everything she nurtures. The Atheist morality is based on the logic of co-existence and they believe in thanking the unknown energy or the system that keeps us all going.
Life Is A Self-Balancing Act
Those who achieve balance in life are the happiest people. Our happiness is directly dependent on fulfillment of our desires; lesser fulfillment yields greater discontentment. So, the enlightened Buddha says, fewer desires bring lesser sorrow!
It's just not you, ask Bill Gates, whom God has blessed, he would say not enough! Ask the Homeless and the answer is still the same: not enough. Who has enough then?
Walk the Middle path, said Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), just have enough desires that you can fulfill them, happiness stays with you. My mother used to say "don't stretch your feet beyond your sheet," meaning, stay within your means. Every faith and every family is enriched with such an advice.
For every good we receive, we have to offer our gratitude to the giver, absence of a simple thank you creates an imbalance in the relationship and the spiritual energy. A simple thank you will tie the loose ends and restores the balance.
For every hurt we hurl on others, an equal amount of energy is depleted from us, and until we say sorry and repent genuinely, the energy balance remains low and the transaction remains incomplete.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction; and as a spiritualist I believe that for every wrong we do, an equal amount of energy is drained down from us and for every good we do, energy is recouped.
Life is a continual act of balancing between pain and pleasure, and to lead a normal life we have to maintain that equilibrium. We are constantly receiving and giving energy, intake and output must be equal to have a healthy mindset, or else we are thrown off balance.
Thanksgiving is a day to pull ourselves together and tie the loose ends of life. Through the year we receive a lot of good from others in the form of words and actions, and many a times the transaction remains incomplete. A mere thank you brings genuine relief and balance to the spirit.
The Unforgettable story of Appaiah


I am pleased to share my personal story and few small things you can do to regain your sense of composure and balance.
Firstly, we need to be considerate to those who did not have a good childhood, youth, adulthood or retirement. Let's be kind to those who are struggling to take care of themselves, and fighting for a square meal for their families. The least we can do for them is to let them know that we care.
Secondly, we need to awaken our mentor, be it Zarathustra, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Jesus, Muhammad, Tao, Confucius, Nanak, Bahaullah, Gandhi, MLK or whomever we hold dearly. We need to emulate them for at least for the day as an experiment, ready to embrace every one with a caring attitude.
Finally, let's make a list of people who have helped us shape our lives. We should not lose enthusiasm due to a large number of people we have to thank, we can do it by carrying a piece of paper, and writing down the names as they pop in the mind, even if we don't call everyone on the list, we have already said our thanks by thinking about the individual and writing his or her name down. When we express our gratitude to the person who has made a difference in our life, it brings a ton of relief. It's ours to keep.
The Unforgettable Story of Appaiah
It was a Sunday ritual for me to sit and take care of the poor. A line of the needy people would pass in front of my house, and being the oldest in the family, my father had assigned me the task of doling out the alms to the individuals when they pass by our door. I have seen lepers, people who cannot see, hear or talk, and people with missing body parts.
I was fascinated by one such person, he did not have arms and limbs from the base of the body, and he was just a torso with a head. He wrapped his body with a tube (those days car tires were inlaid with rubber tubes to hold the air) of a car tire, and would slide inch by inch on his back from door to door... his shoulder and rear part would move in tandem similar to a snake.
It was beyond me to understand Appaiah, I often wondered, what is there for him in life? The 14-year-old in me was full of ambition, and was looking forward to getting my education, finding the work, getting married, having a house and kids. I was a typical teenager loaded with testosterones and could not imagine life beyond that.
Why does he not commit suicide? What is there for him to look forward to? One day, I asked him. "Appaiah, you don't have relatives, can't do thing, don't have a place to live, and can't wear clothes ... why do you want to live?"
He turned around and took a deep breath and looked at me, he made an effort to move, but could not, and said, son, I look forward to every morning to see the blue sky or see the rain and smell the earth, I taste the good food people give me, I am thankful to God for giving me these eyes to see the beauty of his creation. I was watching him, he did not have the arms to point to his eyes, he then asked me, isn't there so much to be thankful for? Live for?
He was poetic, philosophical and pragmatic. He shattered my bias to smithereens, here I was thinking, what does this guy know?
I was rendered speechless. Here is a man with nothing to hope for, yet he is not complaining, instead, he is appreciating what he has got, which is nothing. That was quite an influencing experience in my life to treat others as I would want to be treated (Bible).
Just that morning, I heard my Dad's favorite verse from Quran: "Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?" (55:16). Now, when hopelessness hits me, I go to the Scriptures. I have found solace in opening Bhagvad Gita, Bible, Guru Granth Saheb, Dale Carnegie's book, Kitáb-i-Aqdas or simply read Sura Rahman, chapter 55 in Quran, to uplift my spirits. We have to be grateful for whatever we have and express it to the unknown giver, a true thanksgiving.
You can only feel the joy when you say a big or a small thank you to the ones who have helped you along the way, whether it is materially, spiritually or professionally.
A simple thank you will do a lot of good to us, and our relationships. Most people say thanks without fail, those who miss out on a few things; we have an opportunity to reflect on this Thanksgiving Day.
If you don't believe in God, that is fine, it is still a release when you say thanks to the invisible good that came to you un-asked.
Action Items to double your happiness.

1. Call the persons you have failed to express your gratitude.

2. Call and apologize those whom you have hurt.

3. Seek forgiveness and forgive others.

4. Be good and kind to those who are unfortunate.

Happy thanksgiving ya'll.

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, news maker, and a speaker on PluralismInterfaithIslampoliticshuman rightsIndiaIsrael-Palestine and foreign policy. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and bulk of his writings are at TheGhousediary.com  

Mike Ghouse with Stuart Varney Show on Fox News

Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 8:40 AM 
Stuart Varney Show on Fox Business

Video link to the show will be added upon availability

# # http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/4631439376001/american-muslims-speaking-out-against-isis/?#sp=show-clips


These were my talking point, and did not make them all, but a few, that's how it goes.

First of all, I thank you and Jennie Lubart for being the catalyst.   Stuart, your goading did it. We were planning for end of December but we did it now before thanksgiving.  And Jennie, thanks for the PSA’s in support of our event. 



It was a small step for Muslims, but a giant leap for Americans.  It will release a few from the guilt of mistreating fellow Americans who are Muslims.  We are moving towards building a cohesive America where no human has to live in fear of the other. Human beings feel good when they are free from hate and ill-will, and are more like God, just kind and merciful. 

I believe that this effort has seeded the momentum for yet another positive movement; acceptance of Muslims as equals in the process of integration and removal of hate and restoration of God within those who were misguided and loaded with ill-will.

Muslims are reluctant to demonstrate for their own rights, but they will stand up for others rights.  As usual we had naysayers, urging us to back off, drop it off, don’t rock the boat. Indeed this is how all moderates act in every group, Chrsitians, Jews, African Americans or Hispanics.

The symbolic location was chosen to mirror the effort of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who brought a positive change to the American civil Society with his famous, “I have a dream” speech.  Indeed, this event seeds the Muslim dream to be contributors and productive citizens of America without the fear of the disappearing few. It was symbolic for us to speak from the same spot seeding a positive change for full integration and acceptance of Muslims.


Evil exists because good people do nothing about it. We the good people wanted to send a clear message to the terrorists, that we are sick of their gangs like, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and their ilk committing evil acts and conveniently passing the buck on to the religion.

Muslims are neither happy with those few gullible fellow Americans who are too eager to buy the poor excuses of these gangs. Instead of punishing these criminals, my fellow Americans are hell bent on finding faults with the religion.

Trump is a bubble that will burst any time, look at the history of our elections in the last 30 years, Americans have never elected irresponsible extremists to the office of the President, and I am not worried about Mr. Flip Flop.

Carson or Trump, need to learn to respect our constitution, and understand why America is one of the most stable and powerful nation – we are a country of Law and order and that is what holds us together.  These whimsical men cannot destroy our country

Stuart you are a smart guy, you will build your ratings by inclusion of all Americans on your show. What you have done is incredible. I have seen emails from the moderate Americans, The Christians, Jews, Muslims and others to watch your show and Hannity when I am on it.

It was a small step for Muslims, but a giant leap for Americans.  It will release a few from the guilt of mistreating fellow Americans who are Muslims.  We are moving towards building a cohesive America where no human has to live in fear of the other. Human beings feel good when they are free from hate and ill-will, and are more like God, just kind and merciful. 


Happy thanksgiving, I will have a beautiful story about thanksgiving on our website American Muslim Institution. Org and of course on my blog TheGhouseDiary.com  As a Muslim, I am grateful to the God and our founding fathers for Making America God’s own country. 

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, newsmaker and a speaker on PluralismInterfaithIslam,politicshuman rights, India, Israel-Palestine, foreign policy and building cohesive societies. Mike offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com. 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress criticized for sermon denouncing Islam

Dallas Fox News - Mike Ghouse about Robert Jeffress
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V15q2b_-ZgM


It's scratching the old wounds, Deja vu! Pastor Robert Jeffress of the First Baptist Church of Dallas is at it again, calling undesirable Epithets about Islam, Prophet and the Quran.

My response has remained the same, condemn the sin and not the sinner. The Pastor has a moral obligation to search for the truth and share it with his congregation for creating harmony in the society.

I have offered him an incentive to have a dialogue in the public. If he can find three errors in Quran that are not about creating just societies, and we agree to it, I'll become a member of his church, if not he has to give up on his rhetoric and join me in creating peaceful Societies. 

His passion can do a lot of good for America if he subscribes to the idea of one nation.

Full story from five years ago is at www.quraanconference.com 

This is an amazing model we have established, there is nothing like this, but a very powerful event.

The interview with Richard Ray of local Fox News was excellent and will be broadcaster tonite at 10:00. If fox cuts out the key elements, I'll rewrite this in full and share.

2 Videos are embedded in this link at Fox News
http://www.fox4news.com/news/53942247-story

Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress criticized for sermon denouncing Islam



After the terror attacks in Paris, Pastor Robert Jeffress from First Baptist Dallas denounced Islam, calling it an evil and false religion.
This isn't the first time he's made headlines for fiery rhetoric, and that's why one of his critics calls him "bad for Dallas."
Jeffress says he is faithfully teaching the word of God, and that it's politically incorrect to say the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ, but it's God's truth.
“It is impossible to separate what these eight suicide bombers did from their faith, their religion that inspired them do to do this,” said Jeffress.
First Baptist Dallas is 12,000 members strong.
"These terrorists were not acting in opposition to the teaching of Islam,” said Jeffress. “They were acting according to the teaching of Islam."
Jeffress’ comments sparked a scathing blog post by Dr. Robert Hunt at SMU's Perkins School of Theology, entitled "The Darkness in the Heart of Dallas.”

Jeffress says he is faithfully teaching the word of God, and that it's politically incorrect to say the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ, but it's God's truth.
“It is impossible to separate what these eight suicide bombers did from their faith, their religion that inspired them do to do this,” said Jeffress.
First Baptist Dallas is 12,000 members strong.
"It's certainly the case that members of the Muslim community here in the DFW area perceive that Dr. Jeffress' speech is hateful toward them,” said Hunt. “And, so I think it's fair to call it hate speech."
In his blog, Hunt accuses Jeffress of systematically attacking tolerance and respect for religious minorities.
"I believe all false religions, whether it's Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, are deceptions by Satan to lead people away from the one true God,” said Jeffress. "To tell people that the only way to heaven is through faith in Christ is a message of hate but a message of love…what you've got is a liberal professor at a liberal seminary that really doesn't believe what Jesus said. They don't believe that Jesus was telling the truth that there’s only one way to heaven."
“That's flat wrong,” said Hunt. “I hear that accusation all the time, but the reason is because pastors like Robert Jeffress and his followers simply believe that there’s only a binary world. You either agree with them or you disagree with them. This is not an either or; you're either with Jeffress or you’re against him. It's a matter of asking that he show the dignity and respect for other religions that they deserve and for other religious people that they deserve."
Mike Ghouse of American Muslim Institution has been down this road before. In 2010, he and another Islamic leader met with Dr. Jeffress at First Baptist after similar remarks from the pulpit.
Ghouse says Jeffress has a flawed understanding of what Islam's Quran actually says.
"Whether it is Christianity, Judaism, Islam or Hinduism, God doesn't hate his own creation,” said Ghouse. “God doesn't tell anybody to hate someone else."
Jeffress has written 23 books. His latest, "Not All Roads Lead to Heaven,” will be out soon.
# # # Indeed, we have been down on this road before, and we found a solutions that has never been done before - details are at www.QuraanConference.com