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Mac's Pastor: Make War on Islam

Televangelist calls Allah 'a demon spirit'

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 13, 2008 2:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – The popular televangelist described by John McCain as a "spiritual guide" has called on Christians to "wage war" to destroy the "false religion" of Islam, reports Mother Jones. Apparently, McCain could lead those Christian soldiers, with powerful Ohio megachurch leader Rod Parsley endorsing the candidate as a "strong, true, consistent conservative." McCain appeared at a rally last month with Parsley days before his successful Ohio primary.

The pastor was useful to President Bush in 2004, and could be even more crucial in boosting evangelical turnout this year, giving the Republican nominee needed help with the far right. The preacher has deemed Allah “a demon spirit,” has said America was founded in part to raise money to destroy Islam, and has described 9/11 as a "generational call to arms." The McCain camp has not yet commented on Parsley's positions.

Rod Parsley and John McCain
Rod Parsley and John McCain   (YouTube, AP composite)
A young girl sitting on stage takes photos as Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks at a town hall meeting at Exeter Town Hall in in Exeter, N.H., Wednesday, March 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A young girl sitting on stage takes photos as Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks at a town hall meeting at Exeter Town Hall in in Exeter, N.H., Wednesday, March 12, 2008....   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks to employees at Savvis, Inc. during a campaign stop in St. Louis, Mo., Tuesday, March 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks to employees at Savvis, Inc. during a campaign stop in St. Louis, Mo., Tuesday, March 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks to employees at Savvis, Inc. during a campaign stop in St. Louis, Mo., Tuesday, March 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks to employees at Savvis, Inc. during a campaign stop in St. Louis, Mo., Tuesday, March 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)   (Associated Press)
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Rod Parsley on Hate Crimes Law   (RightWingWatchdotorg (YouTube))
Parsley weighs in against hate crimes legislation.   (RightWingWatchdotorg (YouTube))

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