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But there are also plenty who are actively campaigning to see evangelism categorized as a hate crime. Charles Kimball's When Religion Becomes Evil (HarperSanFrancisco, 2002) lists five signs that religion has become corrupt. Amazingly, one of them is "absolute truth claims." "Missionary activities informed by absolute truth claims that define sharply who is 'in' and who is 'out' continue to shape the landscape," he laments. "Authentic faith cannot be coerced through aggressive missionary tactics."

Yes, Christians should be sensitive in sharing their faith, but many religious leaders go too far. For example, in 1999, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago said that an evangelistic campaign in their city "could contribute to a climate conducive to hate crimes."

But true hatred is to become so self-absorbed as to deny others the ultimate Joy and Hope. Witherall's widower knows this. "So many people think my wife's death was a waste," he said at her memorial service. "But we believe that coming here with the message of Jesus would never be a waste."

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Related coverage includes:

Killing underscores enmity of Evangelists and Muslims—The New York Times (Nov. 24, 2002)

Death abroad fails to dim Bible students' resolve—The New York Times (Nov. 22, 2002)

U.S. evangelist is shot dead in an attack in Lebanon—The New York Times (Nov. 21, 2002)

Missionary's widower forgives her brutal killers—The Times, London (Nov. 21, 2002)

Christianity Today's daily Weblog covered the Christian backlash after Bonnie Penner Witherall's murder:

New York Times Blames Christians for Missionary's Death in Lebanon | Are Falwell and Robertson to blame? (Nov. 22, 2002)

Muslims, Christians Blame American Missionary For Her Own Murder | Anti-missionary sentiment runs high after Lebanon murder. (Nov. 26, 2002)

In Christianity Today's sister publication Books & Culture, John Wilson wrote on "The Death and Life of Bonnie Witherall."

Related Christianity Today articles on evangelism to Muslims include:

Muslim Phobic No More | Verbal attacks on Islam sabotage evangelism. (Dec. 16, 2002)

Doors into Islam | September 11 has only intensified the dangers and rewards of Muslim evangelism. (Aug. 19, 2002)

Outpaced by Islam? | The Muslim challenge is growing faster than our Christian outreach. (Feb. 4, 2002)

Letter from a Muslim Seeker | Christians aren't the only ones asking 'Why?' after September's tragedy. (Dec. 5, 2001)

Is the God of Muhammad the Father of Jesus? | The answer to this question reveals the heart of our faith. (Feb. 1, 2002)

CT coverage of controversial comments on Islam include:

Comments on Islam Endanger Missionaries, Letter Says | Baptists in Muslim nations plead for restraint in public statements by American Christians. (Jan. 17, 2003)

Jesus Freak | Franklin Graham remains unashamed of the Name, despite public criticism. No generic prayers for him. (Dec. 2, 2002)

Riots, Condemnation, Fatwa, and Apology Follow Falwell's CBS Comments | President of the All India Christian Council: "I prayed that the broadcast would not reach India." (Oct. 17, 2002)

Give Franklin Graham Some Slack—and Some Credit | The evangelist shouldn't be defined by his opposition to Islam. (August 23, 2002)

Southern Baptists Boot Gay Protesters | Messengers at St. Louis convention pick Prestonwood's Jack Graham as new leader. (June 13, 2002)

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February 2003, Vol. 47, No. 2