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"I am sure the vast majority of Muslims would say it is just ridiculous," he told CT. "It is quite clear that any ruling from Iran would not have any particular weight outside Iran. It is very much a matter of individual decision whether these kinds of rulings are listened to at all. For most Muslims, this one would be disregarded."

Regardless, George, dean of Beeson Divinity School, says that any death threat must be taken seriously. "It is disturbing," he said. "I think this needs a great deal of discussion between Christians and Muslims as to how this kind of scripture—calling for violence against another person in the name of God—can be justified and what that means in a world like ours."

George, author of Is the Father of Jesus the God of Muhammad? (Zondervan) and a CT senior editor, said Christian and Muslim relations need a great deal of discussion and comments like Falwell's do not help that dialogue.

"To use highly charged language as such as he did in referring to Muhammad as a terrorist is unhelpful to present the good news of Jesus Christ to Muslims," George said. "Those Christian leaders who have spoken with such passion and lack of caution about Islam will maybe step back for thoughtful concern of 'How can we Christians who are called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ conduct ourselves so that there will be a warm, winsome witness?'"

Todd Hertz is assistant online editor for Christianity Today.

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October (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46