Perceptions of Islam among Protestant Pastors

I’m reposting all of the below from Ed Stetzer.  It is important for us to know what many of our churches think about Islam.  Be sure to read the comments from Stetzer’s post as well.  Here you go:

“The Christian Post has released some brand new data about the views of Protestant pastors in regard to their views of Islam.

The article explains:

Protestant pastors in the U.S. have a negative view of Islam and more than half agree with Franklin Graham's statement that Islam is an "evil" religion, according to a just-released study by LifeWay Research. More than 4 in 10 agree that Islam is dangerous and promotes violence.

Be sure to read the whole story here, but this excerpt may help:

Protestant pastors were asked which is closer to their beliefs: Graham's widely reported comment that Islam is "a very evil and a very wicked religion," or former President George W. Bush's remark that "the Muslim faith is based upon peace and love and compassion."

Forty-seven percent of the pastors surveyed believe Graham's assessment of Islam is accurate, and an additional 12 percent agree with both Graham's and Bush's statements. Twenty-four percent agree with the former president's statement only. The rest could not decide.

This graphic helps illustrate some of the other questions asked:

The survey indicated:

• Three out of 4 pastors disagree with the statement, "Christians and Muslims pray to the same God"
• Eighty-two percent say Islam is "fundamentally different from Christianity."
• Forty-two percent agree that Islam "promotes violence."
• Four in 10 say the religion is "spiritually evil."
• One in 3 says Islam "promotes charity."
• Twenty-eight percent consider the religion "relevant today."

You can download the full PowerPoint presentation at the LifeWay Research web page.”