King Abdullah at the National Prayer Breakfast
His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan offered a prayer at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington last week, and then spoke at a related event later that same day. Bono received most of the press for his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, but I think that King Abdullah's remarks are equally - if not more - significant. The future of our planet depends on Islam living in peace with the rest of the world, in a community marked by religious freedom and tolerance. Unfortunately, only those Muslims unwilling to do so get the headlines. Their road leads us inevitably to a century of armed conflict. The hope for peace lies with those Muslims who, like King Abduallah, can envision living in a pluralistic society. King Abdullah said:
At this point in history, our service to God, our countries and our peoples demands that we confront extremism in its myriad forms. To overcome this common foe, we must explore the values that unite us, rather than exaggerating the misunderstandings that divide us.
I doubt that the theology of the speech will be persuasive for many evangelical Christians. There are ultimately serious theological differences among Christians, Jews and Muslims. There are still, however, values that unite us. There are common interests in religious freedom and human dignity that we share.
Religious tolerance is in the best interest of humankind, and as a Christian I believe it is in the best interest of the gospel. I'm not afraid that the Christian faith can't compete in the marketplace of ideas.
How we frame the issues facing us matters very much. His majesty notes:
September Eleventh; the train bombings in Spain; the underground and bus bombings in London - these outrages have led some to believe in a "Clash of Civilizations". Nothing could please extremists more; that is their view of reality.
Once we frame the question as an inevitable clash of civilizations, there is only one way forward. That path is in no one's best interest. King Abdullah and like-minded Muslims offer the world a different path. The most important audience for the king's message are the members of the Muslim community. The rest of us, however, also need to hear the king's words. Perhaps the clamour of radical Islam will drown out the voice of reason, freedom and tolerance, but at this point it's still worth rooting for King Abdullah's vision.
Jordanian Embassy Press Release
Text of King Abdullah's Remarks
