BUT WHAT KIND OF PEACE?

To those unaware of the history and doctrine of Islam the Yale letter may sound like a great idea. Even though it is an incorrect assumption that secularists love to repeat, the public’s perception is that religion has been the source of the majority of wars. And of course, almost everyone is aware that Christians and Jews seems to be at odds with Muslims. However, before anyone gets to excited about joining in with the Yale mistake let me add my two cents as to why this is not only a fruitless adventure but a perilous one at that.

On a purely human level, it is indeed the civil thing to do to attempt to find common ground with adversaries. However, there are circumstances and reasons that often negate such exploration. Absolute truth would head that list. So, with that as a basis, here are two reasons that neither I, nor any Christian leader should sign the Yale letter.

Reason number one: Biblical Christians have no basis for dialog if the entire discussion is not based in objective and historic truth that both sides agree on as fact.

Reason number two: Biblical Christians cannot compromise if in so doing one capitulates concerning tenets of faith that are immoveable. In other words, doctrine and standards of faith must override our human inclination to try and come into a neutral agreement with the opposition be they secular or religious.

It is for both of these reasons (and perhaps more) that you will not find informed Bible believers signing “Loving God and Neighbor Together: A Christian Response to a Common Word Between us and You.”

When I first heard of the Yale letter and saw the list of signers, I was frankly shocked but somehow not extremely surprised. One could certainly expect a group of liberal theologians to concoct such an idea. The list also included representatives from the Emergent camp and several notable neo-Evangelicals, the usual suspects who continue to prove almost daily that they hold no esteem for the Bible. However, as I read down the list of signers, my heart sank. Previously strong Evangelical leaders - men whom I thought had discernment and who have claimed their basis for life is rooted in truth - how could they be so far from reality on this? The list included Rev. Warren Reeve, whom I preached for several times when he pastored churches in both Canada and the United States. As I mulled over the list I pondered just how many of these men might have signed this love letter to the Muslims but were simply just ignorant without apologetic understanding of the doctrines and history of Islam. You would think that a little research might have prevented some of them from this regrettable alliance. I also wondered whether those who conceived of and signed the Yale document had bothered to pray and seek God about what they were about to do? Did it not matter that while defending authentic Christianity, countless missionaries have lost their lives because of the evil edicts of Muhammad? Didn't anyone bother to point out that no matter how inviting the ovation offered by the Muslim clerics may appear on the surface that the real nature of Islam is displayed by the salvage manner in which people are treated in Muslim nations when they happen to infringe on Sharia Law? I suppose that when one considers the heresy regularly being disseminated by many who’ve adhered to the Yale letter it shouldn't shock us. As Rush Limbaugh would say, it's "symbolism over substance."

In a truly conviction-less display, these leaders embody the philosophy of that wise theological mind, Rodney King, who once said “why-can’t-we-all-just-get-along?" Could it be that concern over doctrine and truth is just simply less important than public perception? Did any of these men bother to research Sura 3 in the Qur'an to see what the Muslim leaders meant by "a common word?" These who claim to represent Christianity certainly aren’t speaking for me or for millions of other bible believers. Grovelling at the feet of Islam isn’t going to win Muslims over – even if it really was the right thing to do. Regardless of all other practical and theological issues, the signers of the Yale letter - including Robert Schuller, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren, Richard Mouw, two prominent Assemblies of God bible college presidents (Joseph Castleberry and Don Argue, former President of the National Association of Evangelicals), and current NAE President, Leith Anderson - should be held accountable for placing their names on this misleading and compromising document. Gentlemen, repent!

For more information on the historical and biblical errors presented by the Yale document “Loving God and Neighbor Together: A Christian Response to a Common Word Between us and You” see the companion article "Their god is NOT our God".