A former United States mayor, Mike Arnold, has shared his perspective on why individuals carrying out violent acts in southeastern Nigeria are not described as “Christian terrorists.”
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday, Arnold said a Muslim acquaintance had questioned why he did not address what was described as “Christian terrorists in the South East of Nigeria.”
The question relates to criminal activities allegedly carried out by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in the region.
Responding, Arnold argued that such a label is not applicable, stating, “There is no possible way for there to be a “Christian Terrorist.” Why? Because such acts prove that the perpetrator is NOT a Christian”.
He further explained, “It is a 180 degree departure from the teachings and example of Jesus. Just because one is from a predominantly Christian tribe or region, or perhaps even labels themselves such, doesn’t make it so.
“It’s like saying someone is a flagrant homosexual Muslim. You would deny such a person is Muslim because it is not possible.
“They are not following Mohammed or the Quran. Right? On the flip side, however, all the bloodthirsty terrorist who are slaughtering, raping, enslaving, displacing, destroying while yelling Allahu Akbar… they are indeed faithfully following the footsteps of Mohammed and the foundational teachings of Islam.
“This is why we talk about Islamic terrorists and not Christian. One is a bloody reality, the other is impossible fiction”.
The remarks have generated discussions around the interpretation of religion and the terminology used in describing acts of violence.
