Christian T.V. host Randall Terry, who is currently working on a new series titled "What Would Muhammad Do? Understanding Islam Through Muhammad's Life", has received death threats from Muslims angered by his criticism of Sharia law.
Christian Newswire first reported that earlier this week, Terry, who is also the founder of the pro-life organization Operation Rescue, received a letter with Quranic passages warning him to stop filming the show under penalty of death.
Charisma News notes that the letter came from a Coppell, Texas, U.S. mail facility, supposedly from the "Theo Van Gogh Society." However, because there is no record of a "Theo Van Gogh Society," the report notes that the name is likely in reference to Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh, who was killed by a devout Muslim after he produced a film critical of the treatment of Muslim women in Islam.
"Stop doing TV shows critical of Islam. Stop production of What Would Muhammad Do? or face Van Gogh's fate," the letter warned.
The letter also contained threatening passages taken from the Quran, including the phrases, "When you meet the unbelievers in the battlefields, strike off their heads" and "those who make war against Allah and His apostle and spread disorder in the land shall be put to death or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, or be banished from the country."
In response to the threats, Terry has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise the money for appropriate security measures, and is asking Christians to pray for both his safety and the safety of his family and staff.
"Given the brutal killings at Charlie Hebdo, and the attempted killing in Garland, Texas, we take this seriously. But this is exactly what Muslim militants do throughout the world; they seek to terrify and intimidate opponents into silence. But we refuse to be silent. We will tell the truth. Jesus told us to not be afraid of those who can kill the body, but to fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell," reads a message from Terry on the GoFundMe page.
"However, we are not acting in a cavalier manner. We have given the letter to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. And we are taking measures to protect our families," the message continues.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the page had raised $2,155 of the $200k goal, with some contributors donating up to $100.
"I stand with Terry and his courageous efforts to reveal the truth of the horrors of abortion and the horrors of Islamic terrorism against Christians and the world!' wrote one donator. "Lord Jesus protect this ministry and all those involved and multiply my gift 100 fold in Jesus name Amen!!!"
"God Bless you for your continued strength and perseverance to shed the light on Truth. You are saving souls and lives. Keep fighting the good fight!" added another.
Former presidential candidate Dr. Alan Keyes is also encouraging Christians to show their support for Terry, insisting we all must "stand together for our brothers and sisters everywhere to bear witness to the truth."
"This is the kind of threat that a responsible person can't ignore..Randall Terry has shown great courage over many years..against those who have stood in defense of innocent life..his courage cannot be doubted," Dr. Keyes said in a video posted on the GoFundMe page. "But he also bears responsibility for his young ones...I believe he is doing the responsible thing [in seeking protection], and I feel called and obliged to ask you to stand with him."
