I admit that I write to evoke emotions. In no way, am I writing this article to stir up hatred towards this man, neither the religion he believes in and practice. When I hear foolishness come from the mouth of those in the public eye, it makes me question the rhetoric. I’m speaking of the Reverend Jerry Falwell, whom apologized to the Muslim world for a statement he made while on 60 Minutes. 

Jerry Falwell, a proclaimed Baptist minister, has shown how people interpret what they want from readings. No wonder so many battles and wars evolve from religion. Falwell said this on 60 Minutes, “I think Muhammad was a terrorist. I read enough of the history of his life written by both Muslims and non-Muslims, to know that he was a violent man, a man of war.” Falwell went on to say that Jesus and Moses set the example of love, and Muhammad had done the opposite.  This guy is off his rocker in his perception and interpretation of Prophet Muhammad. 

Let us not forget that ethnocentrism was both expressed and reinforced by white skinned European Christian colonizers who invaded Africa, Asia and Latin America, denouncing other religions as “pagan”. 

Let us not forget the Christian Crusaders invoked discrimination and racism due to their prejudice and primitive beliefs, and misinterpretations. They came to the west as predators with authority, marking the beginning of Western Imperialism. Let us not forget that in a speech given by Pope Urban the Second, November 27, 1095, he called the Muslims “infidels” and an “accursed race.” Urban rallied his people to kill Muslims and non-believers, while promising them that God will forgive the Christians for doing so. It was only a sin to kill Christians. 

Well, they (Christian Crusaders) often killed each other in their bloodthirsty crusade. "Crusade" comes from the Latin word crux, which means cross. The Christian crusade wore a red cloth sewn on their clothing as a sign to be committed to the cause. The crusaders wore knotted scarves (neckties) around the neck as a symbol of Christianity. The neckties were worn around the necks so that they could decipher their enemy and not kill each other. Pope Urban the Second, indulged his people to killing Muslims and Jews. 

In Cologne, Rhine Valley and Worms, thousands of Jews were slaughtered by the Christian crusade. Pope Urban and his crusaders institutionalized anti-Semitism in Europe. “At Marat, it was recorded that the Crusaders roasted children on spits and ate them.” (Intercultural Communication, Rogers & Steinfatt, 1999) 

No wonder Muslims were appalled at President Bush when he made the statement that there were a Crusade against terrorism. Words have different meaning and significance to those who interpret them in different cultures. 

The Arab world was living in the Dark Ages until the vision came to Muhammad by way of the angel Gabriel. Over a period of forty years, Muhammad wrote his vision down in what is known as the Holy Quran. Prophet Muhammad came as an example for those who were known as nomads. He was a loyal husband, an honest businessman, he was dedicated to God, and worked hard to enlighten a people who were once deaf, dumb and blind, walking the earth without a purpose. He was a living example of uprightness. 

Prophet Muhammad was a guide for his people, just as Jesus was a guide for his, and Moses for his. Why should a messenger of God be called a terrorist, by one whom you would think has a higher understanding of God, His messengers, and His books? If true Muslims followed the ways Prophet Muhammad taught, they wouldn’t be at war with self or others. So, what makes Falwell utter the types of accusations of Prophet Muhammad and how should his views be interpreted--an extremist, a preacher of hate, or simply, a man who lacks knowledge? 

Falwell apologized, saying, “I intended no disrespect to any sincere, law-abiding Muslim.” The key words are law-abiding. Since Falwell statement on 60 Minutes, 50 people were injured, and five people were killed during a protest. Also, leaders of Iran had called for the death of Falwell, because of his senseless remarks, disrespecting the honor of Prophet Muhammad. 

Isn’t it true that Jesus never used violence to get people to listen to him, to follow him? If so, why did Pope Urban declare war, murder, and practice racism and anti-Semitism? Why did King James have his people kidnap, sell and trade Africans to America for their economic gain? Were they truly Christians? 

How does the Angry Man interpret Falwell’s apology? Falwell’s apology is empty, because of his reservations--I repeat, it is empty. He apologized not because his understanding has ascended, nor because he has done research that changed his opinion. He apologized because he had caused a disturbance in the Muslim world, and among Arab people, which resulted in threats being placed on his life. Falwell talks with the tongue of ignorance. 

Jerry Falwell demonstrates why there is racism, why there is hate, why there is division, and why there are wars. So-called leaders should think before they speak. Falwell owes a lot of people apologies, but this also goes to show that he is not a perfect Christian, but a mere man with flaws, many of them. 

Frank T. Williams