Herman Cain drops ‘friendly’ warning to American Muslims
In an interview with Christianity Today, GOP presidential candidate and metro Atlanta resident Herman Cain was asked about race and discrimination:
“Do people still discriminate in some small ways against certain people because of their color or their religion? Yes. But it is nowhere near where it was 235 years ago.
Whether we will ever reach that utopian level of all men created equal and all men being treated equal, I don’t know. You know, the journey in life is to strive to be better and better every day, to strive to be more Christ-like. Whether or not any of us get to the level of Christ himself, I doubt it, because we are human. You have secret thoughts, and only God and Christ knows those secret thoughts. And they may not be Christ-like.”
That’s well put. Later, however, the interviewer asks Cain about a speech he gave last month at a church in Milner, Ga., in which Cain recounted his successful battle against cancer. (A video of the speech is below; the section in question begins at the 5:00 minute mark). When he learned that his surgeon would be a Dr. Abdallah, Cain said, he initially balked. But when the physician’s assistant reassured him that “Don’t worry, he’s a (Lebanese) Christian,” Cain reports that he “felt a whole lot better.”
The interviewer uses that incident to inquire about the appropriate role for Muslims in this country:
“The role of Muslims in American society is for them to be allowed to practice their religion freely, which is part of our First Amendment. The role of Muslims in America is not to convert the rest of us to the Muslim religion. That I resent. Because we are a Judeo-Christian nation, from the fact that 85 percent of us are self-described Christians, or evangelicals, or practicing the Jewish faith. Eighty-five percent. One percent of the practicing religious believers in this country are Muslim.
And so I push back and reject them trying to convert the rest of us. And based upon the little knowledge that I have of the Muslim religion, you know, they have an objective to convert all infidels or kill them. Now, I know that there are some peaceful Muslims who don’t go around preaching or practicing that. Well, unfortunately, we can’t sit back and tolerate the radical ones simply because we know that there are some of them who don’t believe in that aspect of the Muslim religion. So their role is to be allowed to practice their religion freely, just like we should be allowed to practice our religion freely, and not try to convert the rest of us.”
“Their role is to be allowed to practice their religion freely … and not try to convert the rest of us.”
In other words, they better not get too pushy, right Mr. Cain? They better recognize their place. They can be equal, but … not THAT equal.
The remarks are particularly interesting in the context of the rest of the interview, in which Cain makes a pitch for political support from the Christian evangelical community. (Cain himself is an associate pastor at Antioch Baptist Church North in Atlanta). One of the defining characteristics of the evangelical movement is the importance it places on, well, evangelizing. You know, trying to convert the non-believing and thus save their souls. Like many in the Muslim faith, they see it as part of their religious duty.
Apparently that’s OK for Christians in this country, but not for others.
– Jay Bookman
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
771 comments Add your comment
Paul
March 22nd, 2011
4:19 pm
WOW
“Yep, and the left continues to divert divert divert…….”
Did you really think people wouldn’t notice you posted that just two minutes after you gave us this?:
“One more time: when did Candidate Obama say he’d end the war in Afghanistan?”
“When did Candidate Obama say we should nation build in Libya”
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:19 pm
“The appendix to the Constitution, George W?”
The laws of the US?
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference_Shelf/Laws.shtml
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:19 pm
Oh and josef at 4:17 —
False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR)
March 22nd, 2011
4:19 pm
Herman is a great storyteller and should stick to talk radio. He lacks credible presidential bearing – just another blowhard that likes to pander to those that cling to thier fear of “others”.
Where's My Party?
March 22nd, 2011
4:19 pm
Eh….nothing to see here. Move along.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:19 pm
“So the Jehovah’s Witnesses should be thrown in jail?”
If they try to knock over my trash cans again, yes.
josef nix
March 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
Michael Sanak…
Yes they do have a right to “push” their religion if that is what their faith dictates…they don’t have the right to legislate it, but they can push til judgment day…and that’s a good thing…
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
WOW……HAHAHAHAHAHA
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
“Did you really think people wouldn’t notice you posted that just two minutes after you gave us this?:”
Paul, you must be under the false impression that I care what you think.
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
Seriously, who is this Cain guy? And more importantly, does he have a brother named Abel?
Jay
March 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
“Jay….when the framers mention “year of our Lord” what do you feel they are talking about?”
Personally, I think they’re talking about a system to measure time, George W. If they were trying to declare this a Christian country, that’s a darn peculiar way to go about it.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
March 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
Minor correction – Mr. Cain is the only candidate I supported directly…. I also contributed to the PACs of Mr. Demint and Mr. Gingrich.
TnGelding
March 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:18 pm
Not the Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:21 pm
Jay 4:18 – sure they have the right to market their religion. But let’s just say they don’t have the right to kill the infidels that don’t convert, as their religion says they should do to those that don’t convert.
Tommy Maddox
March 22nd, 2011
4:21 pm
“In other words, they better not get too pushy, right Mr. Cain?”
Nope: in other words – don’t push Sharia on us.
Simple.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:21 pm
“He lacks credible presidential bearing’
So does Obama and yet he won.
Hillbilly Deluxe
March 22nd, 2011
4:22 pm
Is it true that it was illegal for a Jew to hold public office in New Hampshire until 1877?
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:22 pm
Can’t wait for that Caliphate thing to come along any day now.
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:22 pm
” But let’s just say they don’t have the right to kill the infidels that don’t convert, as their religion says they should do to those that don’t convert.”
Now, I’m no Constitutional scholar like Dave R., but I’m pretty sure we have laws in place that don’t let people kill other people because they won’t convert to their religion.
Isn’t that right Dave R.?
Paul
March 22nd, 2011
4:22 pm
jm
“to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God ”
The Founding Fathers were Druids?!!?
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm
Jay……I am all for the freedom of religion for ALL religions. We are guarenteed that right. However when a religion promotes and defends violence, hate and superiority…..they cannot wonder why so many people are cautious towards that religion.
Where's My Party?
March 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm
False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR)
March 22nd, 2011
4:19 pm
“Obama is a great speaker and should stick to community organizing. He lacks credible presidential bearing – just another blowhard that likes to pander to those that cling to their fear of “others”.”
Fixed your typos.
josef nix
March 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm
BOSCH
“No, we are not, so there. (I can do this all night, you know”
And you’ll still be wrong, so there squared…
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm
“The Founding Fathers were Druids?!!?”
Sweet!! You know Paul, I converted to Neo-Paganism, right? Well, Episcopalian too still, but I have dual religionship.
TaxPayer
March 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm
I think the founding fathers would have preached abortion if they could see some of their Christian offspring today.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm
“Now, I’m no Constitutional scholar like Dave R., but I’m pretty sure we have laws in place that don’t let people kill other people because they won’t convert to their religion. ”
Doesn’t stop Muslims.
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
josef,
No, I am not wrong, so there.
USMC dawg
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
Jay Bookman is a Racist!
Sounds like Jay Bookman’s hidden RACIST agenda is starting to show itself.
Jay’s twisted world view of criticizing Black people is most evident. Leave black people alone, Jay. They have had to overcome a tremendous amount of racism.
Jay must be racist because he is criticizing Herman Cain who is black.
Isn’t that how the Leftwing Liberal (non)Logic madness goes???
Jay
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
Sharia.
OhMyGoodness they’re going to impose Sharia!!!!
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
Paul 4:22 – who knew?
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
Interesting article Jay…http://churchvstate.blogspot.com/2007/10/our-founders-were-they-christian.html
Dave R.
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
“So the Jehovah’s Witnesses should be thrown in jail? ”
No!
They’re too much fun to mess with when they come to my front door . . .
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
“Doesn’t stop Muslims.”
In this country, it certainly does.
Joe Cool
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
HARV
“and you must know those are the one to which I made reference. ”
I know of what you type, not what you meant. I hope you wouldnt also know any extreme evangelist “who will kill someone”.
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
Jay….can you please define SHaria law?
Pogo
March 22nd, 2011
4:25 pm
OK, Jay doesn’t like Christians but he ESPECIALLY doesn’t like this black man who is a conservative speaking such anti-progressive language. The fact that this gentleman is black and not a democratic party sycophant is what really bothers Jay and those that think as he does. Jay is just being a good little progressive and he is giving his editors what he thinks they want and he is probably right. The left in this country are using Islam to further their battle against the hated white Christian conservatives who to them, are the ultimate enemy or “the great satan” if you will. I wish that these very same progressives could live under Sharia law. I don’t think they would be quite so infactuated with it if they did.
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:26 pm
I had some JW’s come to my door….I invited them in…..then I pointed to the American Flag on a mantle and ask them to recite the “Pledge of Allegiance” IT WAS GREAT!
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:26 pm
Well, if Nazi’s, Southern Baptists, Commies, and the KKK are legal in this country, I guess the Muslims should be allowed to hang out here too….
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:26 pm
“I hope you wouldnt also know any extreme evangelist “who will kill someone”.”
Sadly enough, I’ve know two of those.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:26 pm
“OhMyGoodness they’re going to impose Sharia!!!!”
Jay obviously doesn’t understand Islam.
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:27 pm
Pogo,
“OK, Jay doesn’t like Christians ”
What on Earth has Jay written for you to make that leap? I hope you stretched first.
josef nix
March 22nd, 2011
4:27 pm
Hillbilly
Yep…believe it was..
Oh, and Jay, AD=anno domini…alternate, CE Common Era…I use the latter…
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:27 pm
“In this country, it certainly does.”
Slain Over Hijab? Father Allegedly Strangles Daughter Over Head Scarf
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3987812
Paul
March 22nd, 2011
4:27 pm
George W
“However when a religion promotes and defends violence, hate and superiority…..they cannot wonder why so many people are cautious towards that religion.”
I know what you mean. I mean, Christian church membership is way down since those Baptists started desecrating all those servicemen’s funerals. Now people know what Baptists and Christians are really like,
Bosch
Good strategy. Enjoy life here and still get into Heaven!
(do Episcopalopians still believe in Heaven?)(
Tommy Maddox
March 22nd, 2011
4:28 pm
You asked Jay. I simply explained the readily apparent.
Big D
March 22nd, 2011
4:28 pm
Herman Cain has had a REAL job and we REALLY do know where he was born and I’ll bet you he can have a real birth certificate in a mater of minutes, that alone makes him a better choice that the OBOZO the vacation boy.
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:28 pm
They really should make our currency more PC. My suggestion:
In Allah, Jehovah, Buddha, God, Jesus, Maybe Nothing, and Definitely Nothing, We Trust
Then again, I guess electronic transactions are going to make paper currency meaningless soon enough. Whatever.
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:28 pm
Paul…..great point!
Dave R.
March 22nd, 2011
4:28 pm
“Now, I’m no Constitutional scholar like Dave R., but I’m pretty sure we have laws in place that don’t let people kill other people because they won’t convert to their religion.
Isn’t that right Dave R.?”
Well, yes, you are no Constitutional scholar, Bosch.
And the Constitution SHOULD adequately protect us from any form of Sharia law being implemented, as long as the SCOTUS rules accordingly.
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:28 pm
I guess you missed the phrase in that article:
“will appear in court today” meaning he’s been arrested for the charges. Again, we have laws that say you can’t do that.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:29 pm
Muslim husband who killed his wife and children because of their Western ways
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/muslim-husband-who-killed-his-wife-and-children-because-of-their-western-ways-437199.html
JF McNamara
March 22nd, 2011
4:29 pm
This guys a little mixed up. Last I checked, we had freedom of religion. That means that American Muslims can do whatever they chose so long as they do not break any laws.
I actually like his approach though only I want to ban recruiting of any religion. I’ve been approached by Jehovahs Witnesses, Atlanta Church of Christ, Mormons, and Baptists and I not so politely told them to get the (blank) out of my face.
I don’t care about anyone’s cult, and I’d prefer they all stay away from me.
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:29 pm
“And the Constitution SHOULD adequately protect us from any form of Sharia law being implemented, as long as the SCOTUS rules accordingly”
Thanks Dave, in other words, I’M RIGHT…go ahead and say it.
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:29 pm
The US Dollar is worth less than the Canadian Dollar. So sad.
TnGelding
March 22nd, 2011
4:29 pm
Dave R.
March 22nd, 2011
4:24 pm
There WAS hope for you. You’ve got to admire their dedication.
TaxPayer
March 22nd, 2011
4:29 pm
Well, if Nazi’s, Southern Baptists, Commies, and the KKK are legal in this country, I guess the Muslims should be allowed to hang out here too….
And you even get to pick which ones you like. Ain’t America Great!
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:29 pm
“I mean, Christian church membership is way down since those Baptists started desecrating all those servicemen’s funerals. Now people know what Baptists and Christians are really like”
And where is your proof?
Jay
March 22nd, 2011
4:30 pm
Define Sharia? Sure, George W.
“Sharia (n): A paranoid and absolutely groundless right-wing fixation; a fantasy that has about the same odds of becoming reality in this country as an invasion of little green men from Mars.”
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
Arizona Police Hunt for Dad Accused of Running Over Daughter
Police Say Faleh Hassan Almaleki Believed His Daughter Was ‘Too Westernized’
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/US/arizona-police-hunt-muslim-father-ran-westernized-daughter/story?id=8890844
misplaced
March 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
what about this?
In Luke 19:28 Jesus said, “…who would not have me reign over them, bring them hither and kill them before me”.
The Leg Lamp™©® is a “major award”…..
March 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
Hey, everybody. I’ve been out of touch taking care of some sick relatives. Can anyone update me on the expensive, illegal, regime-changing Obama war in Libya?
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
“Sharia (n): A paranoid and absolutely groundless right-wing fixation; a fantasy that has about the same odds of becoming reality in this country as an invasion of little green men from Mars.”
Thanks for proving that you don’t understand Islam.
Joe Cool
March 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
“Herman is the only candidate I have supported financially in the past 10 years”
Wasted Money….You Coulda Got You A Six Pack
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
Sorry Paul, missed your post back to me — but of course they do!! We are a wise bunch of cultists, we are.
TaxPayer
March 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
And where is your proof?
Coming from WOW, that’s just WOW.
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:32 pm
Sharia….really…that is what it is????? Who knew…..
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:32 pm
Dave R, Bosch – well now wait a sec. Islam requires infidels to be killed. And the constitution requires the free practice of their religion. I sense a potential constitutional crisis coming on here.
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:32 pm
Dammit, Jay, you just made me waste a perfectly good bite of ice cream. It’s Chunky Monkey too, that stuff ain’t just ordinary ice cream, you know.
Dave R.
March 22nd, 2011
4:32 pm
“Thanks Dave, in other words, I’M RIGHT…go ahead and say it.”
Nope, won’t go THAT far, Bosch, since I don’t think you could EVER be called RIGHT.
More like “correct” in this instance.
The Leg Lamp™©® is a “major award”…..
March 22nd, 2011
4:32 pm
Jay
March 22nd, 2011
4:30 pm
I thought Sharia was Obama’s long lost muslim sister.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:32 pm
Luke 19:28
28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
misplaced hasn’t read his Bible.
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:32 pm
I thought this was Sharia Law Jay….
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=474_1296205218
TimFromLA
March 22nd, 2011
4:33 pm
I posted this comment in Christian Today, but it was removed:
Herman, can I have a large pizza, pepperoni, sausage, cheese with onion? Your logic of “converting” infidels to the Muslim race makes no sense. How so? Because Christians do the same. They try and convert. But instead of killing them non-believers outright, the Sky-Spook and the son, Jeebus, whose mother was born of rape, will kill you. Just like they do in Nebraska: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110306/NEWS10/103060331 Thank dog that the mother had the opportunity to say goodbye to a living child who suffered. Religion makes me puke!
I wonder they censored me?
josef nix
March 22nd, 2011
4:33 pm
Bosch
You are, too…nyanh, nyanh!
POGO
Jay is not anti-Christian (at least here and from what I’ve seen) by any stretch of the imagination…in fact, I’ve found him to be very tolerant of all faiths and or lacks thereof…it’s refreshing…
And those of y’all bashing Mormans and JW’s…if I have the time, I invite them in for a discussion since I do enjoy that…if I don’t have the time, I invite them in, tell them that is so they will know I respect them and their efforts but that I’m not a candidate for conversion and come back later when I have time and we’ll talk about theology and the origin and meaning of the universe…sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t…but I was taught to be polite and welcoming to the stranger at your gate…
TaxPayer
March 22nd, 2011
4:34 pm
Jay,
Are you sure they’re green. I mean, it is the red planet and little green men on mars would provide sufficient contrast to pick them out in a video image.
Paul
March 22nd, 2011
4:34 pm
George W
Seriously, take the actions of some here, broadcast it in certain parts of the world, and I’m pretty sure they get a view of “all Americans” and “all Christians” every bit as skewed as we get of Muslims.
That’s why I like some of those Christian charities that operate in desperate parts of the world, No evangelizing, no restricting aid to only their members, but food, medical and other assistance to those who need it. All the people in the communities see is people who ‘aren’t like them’ helping them with not strings attached. Counters all those negative stereotypes they get of us.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:34 pm
“But instead of killing them non-believers outright, the Sky-Spook and the son, Jeebus, whose mother was born of rape, will kill you.”
Gee, I wonder why your hate filled rhetoric was censored.
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:34 pm
Jay….here ya go….you are actually more ignorant than I thought.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharia
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:34 pm
“More like “correct” in this instance.”
More like, I’M RIGHT — Hahahahahaha! I know that just eats you up inside to admit it…..
hehehehehhehehehhe.
TnGelding
March 22nd, 2011
4:34 pm
The Leg Lamp™©® is a “major award”…..
March 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
War is a little bit of an exaggeration. Nothing but a routine training exercise. France and Britain are supposed to be doing most of the heavy lifting. Now Congress is upset because it wasn’t asked for approval that it hasn’t had the guts to give since WWII after many complained because Obama didn’t act sooner..
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:35 pm
Paul….and your point?
Dave R.
March 22nd, 2011
4:35 pm
” Islam requires infidels to be killed. And the constitution requires the free practice of their religion. I sense a potential constitutional crisis coming on here.”
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:35 pm
“France and Britain are supposed to be doing most of the heavy lifting. ”
BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:35 pm
josef,
Nah, uh! So there!
Peadawg
March 22nd, 2011
4:36 pm
“So the Jehovah’s Witnesses should be thrown in jail?” – Of course not. All you have to do is answer the door when they knock butt naked and they’ll never bother you again.
Paul
March 22nd, 2011
4:36 pm
WOW
““I mean, Christian church membership is way down since those Baptists started desecrating all those servicemen’s funerals. Now people know what Baptists and Christians are really like”
And where is your proof?”
Wound a little tight, are we?
Dave R.
March 22nd, 2011
4:37 pm
I’m merely using “correct” in the purest sense of the word, Bosch.
I didn’t want to offend you by calling you “right”, being the dedicated lefty that you are.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:37 pm
“All you have to do is answer the door when they knock butt naked and they’ll never bother you again.”
Or you could come to the door wearing a UGAG shirt and yell GO DAWGS WOOF WOOF SIC EM!
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:37 pm
“Wound a little tight, are we?
Not at all, Paul.
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:37 pm
Dammit, Peadawg (where’s that brain bleach?). Hey, be careful, did they catch that guy who killed the cop yet?
josef nix
March 22nd, 2011
4:38 pm
Tim
Why did they censor you? Maybe because you’re rude and ill mannered.
JF McN
So you not so politely told them…why not politely, works just as well…but then I guess you don’t want to get above your raising…
Bosch
March 22nd, 2011
4:38 pm
Dave R.,
“I didn’t want to offend you by calling you “right”, being the dedicated lefty that you are. ”
I actually thought about that after my last post — thanks, you can be quite swell sometimes.
Paul
March 22nd, 2011
4:40 pm
misplaced
“In Luke 19:28 Jesus said, “…who would not have me reign over them, bring them hither and kill them before me”.”
What translation you using? NIV renders it “After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.”
jm
March 22nd, 2011
4:40 pm
Dave R 4:35 – there’s nothing in the constitution prohibiting the taking of life. As a matter of fact, when the thing was written, slavery was ok, and state governments continue to conduct executions to this day.
Seems perfectly reasonable, since constitutional law precedes any federal laws prohibiting murder, that Muslims are perfectly within their rights, as guided by their religion, to go out and kill the infidels. Bad news for those peaceful religion folks….
Peadawg
March 22nd, 2011
4:41 pm
“Hey, be careful, did they catch that guy who killed the cop yet?” – Nah they haven’t caught the little thug yet. Still looking…
George W
March 22nd, 2011
4:41 pm
Ok guys I am out, have a great evening.
Jay….keep working on that Sharia thing….I am sure you will get it sooner or later.
WOW
March 22nd, 2011
4:42 pm
“What translation you using? NIV renders it “After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.”’
Paul, I posted that entire verse along with some that followed. Me thinks misplaced has a few screws loose.
TnGelding
March 22nd, 2011
4:42 pm
Sounds like some creative Bible editing.
Jay
March 22nd, 2011
4:42 pm
it was 19:27, Paul.
josef nix
March 22nd, 2011
4:42 pm
Bosch
Are, too!