A random sample of 1002 pastors was asked, in a telephone survey conducted in October, 2008, to what degree they agree with the statement, “I believe Islam is a dangerous religion.” While opinions vary widely based on factors such as denominational affiliation and political ideology, the survey found that 45 percent strongly agree with the statement “I believe Islam is a dangerous religion,” and 21 percent agree somewhat.
Mainline denomination pastors are less likely than evangelicals to declare Islam to be “a dangerous religion.” While 77 percent of evangelical pastors either somewhat or strongly agree Islam is dangerous, only 44 percent of mainline pastors feel the same way, and 38 percent strongly disagree.
On Dec. 10, evangelist Franklin Graham told CNN that while he loves the Muslim people in countries he’s visited with his Samaritan’s Purse ministry, “I don’t agree with the teachings of Islam and I find it to be a very violent religion.”
“It’s important to note,” Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, pointed out, “our survey asked whether pastors viewed Islam as ‘dangerous,’ but that does not necessarily mean ‘violent.’ ‘Dangerous’ can be defined in a variety of ways, including from the perspective of spiritual influence. Regardless of the definition, the numbers tell us that Protestant pastors are concerned.”
Studies also indicate a need for interaction. For example, data from the Gallup Muslim-West Dialogue Index shows that when given the option of labeling greater interaction between Muslim and Western worlds a threat or a benefit, 70 percent of Americans call it a benefit.
