Craig Considine to Appear with Hate Preacher Siraj Wahhaj

Craig Considine

In a recent critique, originally published in the New English Review, Campus Watch fellow A. J. Caschetta referred to Rice University Prof. Craig Considine as "one of the most enthusiastic apologists for Islam in all of academia."

Those apologetics were on display again this week on Considine's Twitter timeline.

First Considine tweeted a rebuke to intolerant Christians. (Or, more precisely, to Christians Considine would consider to be intolerant.)

What Jesus DID:

• Loved his enemies
• Uplifted the poor
• Learned from "Others"
• Embraced strangers
• Healed the sick
• Praised God

What Jesus DIDN'T DO:

• Condemned people
• Argued over theology
• Warned about hellfire
• Excluded "Others"
• Entered debates to win

— Dr. Craig Considine (@CraigCons) November 4, 2019

The very next tweet, Considine promoted his upcoming appearance with Siraj Wahhaj.

"The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr." Prophet Muhammad placed a great deal of importance on ilm, the Arabic term for KNOWLEDGE. I'll be speaking on 11/17 on acquiring knowledge & fostering environments of learning at @RespectGS in Bethlehem, PA. pic.twitter.com/p2iNbMzkE4

— Dr. Craig Considine (@CraigCons) November 5, 2019

Wahhaj is a telling choice. Not only was he named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, but he has raised funds for the Benevolence International Foundation — designated a "financier of terrorism" by the U.S. Treasury for raising funds for Al Qaeda — called gays "cursed," and described non-Muslims as "corrupt" and "foul."

It's obvious that Wahhaj condemns people, argues over theology, excludes "Others," and enters debates to win. He also warns of hellfire and, for good measure, calls for stoning adulterers.

When Considine highlights the traits he doesn't like — by identifying them as actions that Jesus wouldn't do — it would appear that this a standard he applies only to Christians. If he meant to discourage excluding "Others" categorically, he wouldn't be appearing with — and validating — an Islamist like Siraj Wahhaj.