The role of journalism is critical in shaping public understanding of global issues, particularly concerning Islam and its relationship to society.
By Dr. Tim Orr
The role of journalism is critical in shaping public understanding of global issues, particularly concerning Islam and its relationship to society. Since 9/11, media outlets have often linked Islam with terrorism, extremism, and violence, which has contributed to the rise of Islamophobia. At the same time, there is a tendency to either downplay or ignore the more troubling aspects of Islamic teachings when they are applied to society. For conservative evangelicals, the challenge is navigating this delicate balance: how do we acknowledge the problematic aspects of Islam without falling into the trap of Islamophobia?
As Christians, we are called to engage with the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means we must be discerning when it comes to media portrayals of Islam, neither succumbing to blind fear nor ignoring the reality of Islam’s impact on laws and social structures. The media’s portrayal of Islam can either fuel bias or promote understanding, and our response should be guided by a commitment to truth and a desire for justice.
Media coverage has significant power to shape public perception, especially on issues like Islam and terrorism. Since the 9/11 attacks, much of the media coverage surrounding Islam has focused on its association with violence, contributing to a rise in fear and suspicion. While this portrayal is often justified when discussing terrorism and radical extremism, it also risks painting all Muslims as threats, which fosters Islamophobia.
However, as conservative evangelicals, we must differentiate between Islam as a belief system and Muslims as individuals. While the application of Islamic law (Sharia) can lead to oppressive and harmful social structures—particularly for women and religious minorities—many Muslims are peaceful, seeking to live in harmony with others. The key is to distinguish between the dangers of Islamic ideology in governance and the dignity of Muslim individuals created in the image of God.
One of the most significant issues with media coverage of Islam is the use of sensationalism to attract attention. Headlines often focus on the most extreme elements of Islam, drawing connections between the religion and violence. While it is essential to report on the reality of Islamist terrorism, this approach can lead to an oversimplified and skewed view of Islam, contributing to fear and hostility. Sensationalism thrives on fear, and fear can easily morph into unjust prejudice.
At the same time, we must be careful not to swing to the opposite extreme by downplaying or ignoring the problematic aspects of Islamic teachings, especially those that advocate for the imposition of Sharia law. Conservative evangelicals should advocate for media that tells the truth about the oppressive consequences of Islamic governance without resorting to inflammatory rhetoric. We are called to seek the truth in everything and avoid sensationalism that distorts reality, whether it vilifies or sanitizes the facts.
While it is essential to avoid Islamophobia, we must not ignore the realities of what happens when Islamic law is applied to society. Under Sharia, issues such as women’s rights, religious freedom, and freedom of expression are often severely restricted. In countries where Islamic law is enforced, we see significant human rights abuses, particularly against Christians and other religious minorities. This is not a fringe element of Islam but a direct consequence of its teachings when applied in governance.
The media, in an attempt to fight Islamophobia, can sometimes minimize these realities or frame critiques of Sharia as intolerant. But acknowledging the dangers of Islamic law in society is not Islamophobia—it is a necessary critique rooted in concern for human dignity and freedom. As evangelicals, we must speak out against injustice where we see it while also ensuring that our criticism is focused on ideas and systems, not on the individuals who may follow them.
The rise of digital media and social networks has amplified both the spread of Islamophobia and the reluctance to address legitimate concerns about Islam. On one hand, sensationalist stories about Islamic terrorism spread rapidly on social media, reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices against Muslims as a whole. On the other hand, any attempt to discuss the negative societal impact of Islamic law is often shut down as "Islamophobic."
Conservative evangelicals must navigate this digital landscape carefully. We must reject the spread of unfounded fear and hatred but also not shy away from confronting the truth about the dangers of Islamist ideologies. As people committed to the gospel's truth, we should use our voices on social media to challenge unfounded prejudice and willful ignorance.
Unbalanced media coverage—whether it promotes fear or glosses over the realities of Islamic governance—has real-world consequences. For Muslims living in Western societies, media-driven Islamophobia can lead to discrimination and marginalization. At the same time, the failure to address the legitimate concerns about the implementation of Islamic law allows for dangerous ideologies to go unchecked, both at home and abroad.
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39), which includes standing against discrimination and fear-based hatred. At the same time, love must be grounded in truth. This means advocating for the rights of persecuted Christians and religious minorities in Muslim-majority countries and opposing the spread of Sharia law in the West. Balancing compassion with a commitment to truth allows us to engage thoughtfully with the realities of Islam’s influence in society.
The media can either fuel Islamophobia or fight it, and the Church must help lead the way in promoting a balanced, biblical response. Fighting Islamophobia does not mean ignoring the harmful impact of Islamic teachings when they shape societal laws and governance. Nor does it mean supporting uncritical narratives that portray Islam as purely peaceful or compatible with Western values of freedom and democracy.
As Christians, we are called to engage with the world around us with both truth and grace. Our responsibility is to uphold the dignity of every person, including Muslims, while also challenging ideologies that are incompatible with human flourishing as revealed in Scripture. In doing so, we create an environment where love and truth work together, reflecting the heart of the gospel.
As conservative evangelicals, we must exercise discernment in how we engage with the media’s portrayal of Islam. The Bible teaches us to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), and this applies to how we consume news about Islam and Muslims. We must be critical of biased portrayals that promote fear or hatred but also wary of narratives that gloss over the very real concerns about Islam’s societal impact.
Rather than relying on sensationalist headlines or politically correct reporting, we should seek balanced sources that tell the full story. This includes being willing to confront difficult truths about Islam’s teachings while extending love and compassion to Muslims as individuals. Our media consumption should be guided by a commitment to truth, informed by Scripture, and shaped by Christ’s call to love our neighbors.
Islamophobia in the media is a significant issue that shapes public perceptions, but it is equally dangerous to ignore the negative consequences of Islamic law when applied in society. Conservative evangelicals must walk a careful line, rejecting unfounded fear and prejudice while also acknowledging the harmful realities of Islamist ideologies.
By promoting responsible journalism, advocating for the truth about Islamic governance, and opposing both Islamophobia and the spread of harmful ideologies, we can reflect the love of Christ and stand as a voice for truth and justice. As we navigate this complex issue, let us be guided by our faith in Christ, holding firmly to the truth while extending love and grace to all people.
The ideas in this article are mine, but AI assisted in writing the article.
Tim Orr is an Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 17 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including three books.
