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When Muslims explain their anger, they tend to focus on Western and especially U.S. foreign policy. In a videotape aired on October 29, Osama bin Laden appealed to Americans to reconsider their policy toward Muslims. He said the idea of attacking buildings in the United States came to him when he was watching Israeli aircraft bombing tower blocks in Lebanon in 1982.

"It occurred to me," he said, "to punish the unjust the same way—to destroy towers in America." Yousef Qardawi, an influential cleric based in Qatar, disavows terrorism but denounces the United States for supporting Israel's occupation of Palestine, and now for occupying Iraq. People like Qardawi interpret these policies as a war against Islam. Likewise, a Pentagon advisory panel reported last November that "Muslims do not 'hate our freedoms' but rather they hate our policies."

We cannot explain the roots of the rage without turning from the log in our eyes to the speck in our neighbors'. Muslims seem to have a greater problem adjusting to pluralism than do other world religions (they traditionally believe Islam is not just part of a culture but embraces all of life). The Muslim concept of a universal divine law, which renders non-Muslims second class, even when protected, makes it difficult for Muslims to adapt to other political systems. And although the Qur'an encourages forgiveness, it does not require it.

Thus Islam itself contributes to the rage against the onslaught of Western culture. These factors too—foreign policy and Islam—must be added to Pearse's insightful analysis to understand more fully why the rest hates the West.

J. Dudley Woodberry is professor of Islamic studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Stan Guthrie recently reviewed two books on the crusades. Unholy Wars | Two books document the dangers of mixing church and state. (Jan. 27, 2005)

Why the Rest Hates the West is available from Christianbook.com and other book retailers.

More information, including an excerpt and author interview, is available from the publisher.

More Christianity Today articles on Islam include:

'There Can Be No End to Jihad' | Islamist Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad, in an exclusive interview, discusses the rationale for 9/11, the Christians he most respects, and the Jesus he defends. (Feb. 01, 2005)

In Perspective: What's the Difference Between Shi'ah and Sunni? | With a history of persecution and belief in martyrdom, the Shi'ite Muslim majority in Iraq may be more receptive to Christianity. (April 30, 2003)

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)

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

Is Islam a Religion of Peace? | The controversy reveals a struggle for the soul of Islam. (Dec. 28, 2000)

A Many Splintered Thing | Though Muslims shared allegiance to Muhammad and to the Qur'an, Islam faced division as soon as the prophet died. (Dec. 28, 2000)

In 2000, Christianity Today focused on Muslim-Christian relations in a series by Wendy Murray Zoba. Articles included:

Islam, U.S.A. | Are Christians prepared for Muslims in the mainstream?

Islamic Fundamentals | Christians have a responsibility to understand our Muslim neighbors and their beliefs.

How Muslims See Christianity | Many Muslims don't understand Christianity—especially the idea of salvation by grace through faith.

Our sister publication, Christian History & Biography, dedicated an issue to Islam.

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March 2005, Vol. 49, No. 3