While many of this past week’s headlines have (rightly) focused on Japan as it deals with the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant issues, others have been at work in our nation’s capital dealing with what are being called hearings on radical Islam in America.

But is this really a good idea? Isn’t there a better way to deal with the radical aspects of Islam without resorting to a reality TV-like approach?

Interestingly, the issue has become very partisan as well, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of many who hold morally conservative values (including many American Muslims) yet are not fans of the recent radicalization free-for-all.

While there are certainly issues worthy of investigation at stake, couldn’t there be a better way to handle this one? I’m sure those of other religions wouldn’t appreciate Radical Buddhist Hearings or Radical Christian Hearings. Rather than jumping on the bandwagon for either side, I would suggest those who say they follow Jesus do what Jesus taught:

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

If we would do more of this, we could sit down and actually talk with America’s Muslims about how to deal with those who support literal acts of jihad and make some progress. I’m afraid the current public spectacle will not only hurt the effort to stop violence, but increase animosity and hatred in a world that has enough hate already.

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DILLON
BURROUGHS is an author, activist, and co-founder of Activist Faith.
Dillon served in Haiti following the epic 2010 earthquake and has
investigated modern slavery in the US and internationally. His books
include Undefending Christianity, Not in My Town (with Charles J.
Powell), and Thirst No More (October). Discover more at ActivistFaith.org.