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"Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul," Benedict said. "Whoever would lead someone to faith needs the ability to speak well and to reason properly, without violence and threats." Evangelicals would surely agree.

Evangelical Christians, of course, have the calling to proclaim the gospel to the whole world, including to Muslims. In doing so, we need to remember that a small but highly dangerous group of Islamic extremists wishes to destroy global civilization and impose totalitarianism. This group's first targets are Christians, Jews, and moderate Muslims. For al Qaeda and its supporters, the Good News of Jesus Christ is like garlic to Dracula. But it should be the sweet savor of blessing, hope, and, yes, reason to that part of the Islamic world—the majority—that has a right to look back on its ancient past with pride.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Christianity Today's articles on terrorism are available on our site.

"The Clash on Civilizations" by Samuel Huntington was first published in Foreign Affairs.

David Aikman writes the column Global Prognosis for Christianity Today.

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December 2006, Vol. 50, No. 12