Dear Mr. Falwell,
First of all, let me begin by saying that I'm not an uninformed Christian millennial. I listened to your entire message during Liberty University's convocation service this past week. I'm not here to say you were wrong or right or judge you based on your beliefs. I'm here to tell you why I am grieving.
I'm grieving for the 2 to 7 million Muslim Americans who are going to bed tonight in fear for their lives. I can't imagine immigrating to a country that is supposed to be full of "opportunity" and "promises of a better life" only to be met by prejudice and radical hate. You see, Mr. Falwell, not all Muslims are terrorists, and not all terrorists are Muslim.
I'm grieving for the students of Liberty University who heard your message and believe that violence is the only way to protect ourselves and our country. My heart goes out to the students who are going to bed tonight wondering if they are going to continue to going to your prestigious school.
As a Christian, I cannot sit back while your rhetoric spreads like rapid fire, conflicting with what I believe Christians are called to do.
I don't claim to know where your heart is, Mr. Falwell, and I don't know what God is telling you currently. But I seriously hope that you hear the cries of those who are oppressed. Step inside their narrative. Picture the pain in parents' hearts when their children come home crying because someone made fun of their hijab. Imagine the hurt inside all Muslim American veterans, who risked their lives to protect this country they love. Hate produces more hate. An entire people can only be oppressed for so long before they break.
For those who have been committing horrendous crimes against our country, I believe scripture is the best place to look to know what to do. Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-48: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Please. Spend time with some Muslims this week. Talk to them about how they feel regarding the recent events. Their responses will probably surprise you. We all have experienced loss and heartache. See that they are human beings, created in the image of our powerful God. Hear their stories. Give them hope.
"If there is not radical, concrete growth in humble love towards everyone (even your enemies), you don’t really know you are a sinner saved by grace. And if there is not radical, concrete growth in confidence and joy (even in difficulties), you don’t really know you are a sinner saved by grace." -- Timothy Keller
