The global cartoon crisis is revealing yet another example of how Islam is spawning violence and thus further stigmatizing Muslims. In fact, it is prompting many people - both Muslims and Christians - to consider how one ought to respond to mockery, especially in light of the fact that most prophets were mocked and mistreated. Naturally people are asking, "How did Jesus and Muhammad respond to insults?" Exploring this question leads one to understand the heart of the gospel, see

• http://www.desiringgod.org/library/sermons/06/012206.html.

Our prayer is that Christians will not be silenced or intimidated by the prevailing threat of violence. On the other hand, may we not react in a proud or vindictive way, but rather, speak the truth with wisdom and grace. Two other relevant articles can be found at:

• http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Arlandson/mockers.htm
• http://www.answering-islam.org/Clarke/defaming_islam.html

Registered users who want to see a letter which uses utmost sensitivity in exposing Mohammad's retaliatory responses to being mocked, may go to

• A letter to Ahmad