Crocodile Hunter Tears

Last night I watched the memorial service for Steve Irwin. It was very moving, equal parts humorous and sorrowful. The service featured clips of some of the hilarious moments of his TV shows, as well as heartfelt tributes by family and friends. I was especially touched by the tribute Steve’s daughter, Bindi, read. Her father would have been so proud of such a courageous little girl.

I have to admit that I have been a little bummed out since that Labor Day evening when I first saw the report of his death. I think it hit me hard because I was a few days away from my birthday, and realized I was just 5 years younger than Steve. And from all I have read, Steve was a very devoted family man, and my heart ached for his wife and children.

What I most admired about Steve Irwin was his ability as a teacher. It was easy to dismiss him as a daredevil, but in my opinion he was a first-rate teacher. He cared deeply about his subject, he had encyclopedic knowledge, and he communicated with enthusiasm, good humor, and passion. These are the hallmarks of truly great teachers.

The irony of Steve’s death is obvious. A man who gave everything to save and protect animals was killed by one. And yet that is the risk all good teachers must take. To care is to risk.

More Thoughts on Muslim Rage

Since I last commented on the outburst of Muslim anger over the Pope’s remarks, several church buildings in Muslim areas have been desecrated, several death threats against the Pope have been made, and at least one person has been murdered. This is hardly the way for Muslims to refute the Pope’s citation of a medieval characterization of Islam as a violent religion.

I think a few more observations are in order. First, the fact that many Muslims have reacted hysterically to the Pope’s comments does not change the fundamental injustice of the treatment of the Palestinians by the Israelis, or the tragic error of Israel’s ill-fated bombing of Lebanon. I do not believe that if the Palestinian issue is resolved that all Muslim radicalism will vanish overnight, but neither do I believe that Muslim excesses justify the treatment of the Palestinians (not to mention the utter ruin of Lebanon).

Second, I think it is important for Americans to realize how Muslims perceive the Pope. Many Muslims equate Christianity with Catholicism. For instance, it is common for Muslims to define the biblical doctrine of the trinity as the belief in God the Father, Jesus and Mary. Or to believe that if a Muslim converts to Christianity that they are transferring their loyalty to the Pope. Consequently, when the Pope speaks, he represents all of Christianity in the minds of millions of Muslims.

One of the great problems in Muslim-Christian dialogue is misunderstanding, which often grows out of clumsy generalizations. Muslims are certainly not alone in shallow stereoptyping. Many Christians have no clue what Muslims believe about God, Jesus or the Bible, and have almost no concept of the differences between Sunnis and Shi’ites. And if we do not even understand what the other believes, how can genuine interaction and debate ever take place?

Here is my challenge for you – talk to a Muslim. I bet there is a Muslim in your neighborhood, or a local shop, or school. If nothing else introduce yourself. Greet them with a standard Arabic greeting: “Assalamu alaikum.” Start the dialogue that is crucial if the gospel is to spread.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)

The Hypocrisy of Muslim Anger

This week Muslims around the world were inflamed by the Pope’s citation of an obscure 14th century debate between a Byzantine emperor and an educated Persian. The remark that especially angered Muslims was this comment by the king: "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." Even though the Pope said this statement was brusque, Muslims around the world are outraged. One Muslim cleric said of the Pope: "He is going down in history in the same category as leaders such as Hitler and Mussolini."

I am sure you could make an argument that the last person who should criticize spreading the faith by the sword is the head of the Catholic Church. The history of the Church is filled with blood, especially in the era of the Crusades and the Inquisition. However, the Pope would be the first person to say that these were glaring mistakes.

Even more hypocritical is the hysterical outrage on the part of Muslims around the world over this remark. The simple fact of the matter is that the Qu’ran itself argues the very point that the Pope was making, namely that “There shall be no compulsion in religion” (Surah 2:256).

In the past I have written many posts in support of the Palestinians and in criticism of our policy in the Middle East. I am very sympathetic to the grievance of many Muslims. But these overwrought protests over the Pope’s remarks make Muslims look foolish. Where is the outrage when Osama bin Laden releases videos that I know most Muslims must cringe at, videos that make the Pope’s comments ring true?

If there is ever going to be rapprochement between Muslims and the West, both sides must be willing to take criticism without throwing a hissy fit.