Dr. Smiley responds Critical “Times” Editorials

 Recently I submitted an article to The Gainesville Times regarding a guest columnist's perspective about bridge-building between Muslims and Christians.

While there were many statements in the author’s comments that I took exception to, I basically submitted my response to sound the clear, concise truth that what is needed, more than dialogue, bridge building, or debate, is to tell people the TRUTH ABOUT JESUS.

The Christian faith CLEARLY teaches that the only way to know God and be forgiven of sin and to experience eternal life in heaven is by accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.

Since the publication of my comments, I have been referred to as narrow, unloving, and unenlightened.

In a more recent editorial, it was insinuated that it is unwise for me to publicly disagree with another minister in that it is a bad witness to a lost world.

I take great exception to that insinuation, because as a minister of the Gospel, the most important thing I do is clarify the message of the Gospel.

It was further inferred that I was over-confident and was speaking about “God things” that are not necessarily true.

The writer used a passage from Job to suggest that as a Pastor/ Bible Teacher I did not know what I was talking about.

Whether or not I am unloving toward Muslims or unenlightened is something people will have to determine for themselves.

But, not knowing what I am talking about as a Pastor/Bible Teacher is an accusation that is unwise for me to let go unchallenged.

This congregation has a right to know whether or not as your pastor, when I stand behind this pulpit, I know what I’m talking about.  You have a right to know if I am speaking “off the cuff” or “shooting from the hip” or if I am speaking truth.

Since my father first challenged me, almost three decades ago, to consider the seriousness of this work, I have taken speaking factually, honestly, and uncompromisingly from the pulpit with careful regard.

What I wrote about Islam and Christianity in my first editorial was based on facts.  I wrote with no agenda other than to present the errors of Islam and the TRUTH of God’s Word.

My discussion was not a matter of personal preference.  It wasn’t even about being right.  It was about the truth. The Christian tradition has always been to affirm that truth is found in the clear teaching of the Christian scriptures, not in someone’s point of view.

I stand by my truth telling and my statements that Islam worships a false god, written about in a false book, founded by a false prophet.

Islam is a deception that leads people from the TRUTH of God to an eternity in Hell.

I stand by this analysis of Islam, because JESUS said,

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.  John 14:6-7

Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

The point is that no amount of bridge building, discussing, or agreeing to disagree will EVER set anyone free.

The only hope for people to be set free is to KNOW JESUS.  Without Jesus, there is no FREEDOM, and precious people remain imprisoned by sin, regret, shame, and guilt.

In discussing the need to stand for truth, Dr. Emir Caner, now president of Truett McConnell College, once wrote:

This hour must be one of courage and not cowardice, for if the doctrine of God is compromised, other crucial doctrines will soon fall as well.