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Did you hear about the students at a Florida high school that were wearing T-shirts with the words "Islam is of the Devil"? Those students were sent home. Some people argued that it was a free speech issue—that the students have the right to express their opinions, no matter what they are. Other people argued that clothing with that kind of message was disruptive to the educational environment.
I shall now pontificate. Free speech: yes. Why can't we use situations like that to educate? Isn't that what a school is for? What are we afraid of? That someone will learn something? That we might actually teach young people how to rationally debate subjects? This could be a teachable moment.
I shall pontificate the opposite viewpoint. Free speech: yes. But irresponsible speech: no. Just because we have the right to say anything doesn't mean that anything is beneficial to say. (Does that sound like something is Paul's letters?) It seems to me that the message on those students' shirts (Islam is of the Devil) is not a helpful statement to make if you want to show love to people of a different religion. (I know—you might say that telling the truth is a loving thing to do—assuming you believe the statement is true.)
My own feeling is that a Jesus-way to engage people of different beliefs is to begin with respect. Why be belligerent? Those T-shirts convey to me a sense of arrogance. The students may have felt that they were being courageous and truthful in bearing witness to Christ. I hope they grow up. I hope they will learn from Jesus that he is gentle and meek and humble of spirit (cf. Matt. 11). Young people can get a kick out of being in-your-face. But I hope they find a more excellent way.
What about a T-shirt that says, "God loves all people"? What about going to your Islamic neighbors and ask if you can rake their leaves? I think love packs a punch.
