In Defense of Ann Coulter

I found it hard to type the title of this post. Defending Ann Coulter is not only difficult to do, but can leave a bad taste in one's mouth. Although I have not read any of her books, I find her to be unnecessarily insulting and confrontational in her public appearances. It seems that when given an opportunity to either debate the issues or deliver a zinging insult, she usually chooses the later. We all know that politics is a rough business, however, book titles like "If Democrats had any Brains they Would be Republicans" lower the already dismal level of discourse in this country. Someone with her obvious intellect should aspire to a higher level.
Ann is now in trouble for an interview she gave on the Donny Deutsch Show on October 8th. Who knew Donny Deutsch had a show? Actually, who is Donny Deutsch? I have no idea. My brother, Seth, brought this to my attention and I found a clip of the show on YouTube.
On the show, Donny asked Ann what the America of her dreams would be like. After much baiting, he got her to say that she would desire for everyone to be Christians. You can see the interview here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21257498/ Donny was then offended by her statement and said that it was hateful and anti-Semitic. She attempted to explain her statement and to assure him that she did not mean to be offensive, but he would have none of it.
Despite all the things she gets wrong, and the things she gets right but says in the worst possible way, Ann Coulter was right about this one. She correctly stated traditional, orthodox Christian belief. Christians have always believed that our faith has exclusive access to the truth of God's message for mankind. Christ, in his own words, said that He was the way, the truth and the life and that no one could come to God the Father but through Him. There is no more exclusive, exclusionary statement which could be made and it is straight from Jesus Himself. Christians believe that salvation comes as a free gift from God and that it is not a result of any merit on our part. But we also believe, that unless one places his or her faith in God, through Jesus, that they can not be saved from the result of their sin.
If you truly believe that your faith is the only hope for salvation how can you not wish that everybody would come to believe it as well. In fact, the only way it would be hateful was if you did not want everyone to share in the salvation that you have received as a free gift from God. This does not mean that anyone should be forced to convert or discriminated against in any manner for not being a Christian. It means that Christians honestly believe that the only way to God is through His son and that they want as many people as possible to share in the benefits of His grace by sharing that belief. True biblical faith looks beyond race, color, creed and gender and desires for everyone to come into a relationship with God through His son Jesus.
I honestly do not understand how that desire can be perceived as insulting or hateful. Other faith traditions have claims of exclusivity and truth. They say to me that I, as a Christian, have it all wrong. I am not insulted or offended by that. Certainly, I think they are wrong and Christianity is right. But, I respect their right to their beliefs and, as an American, will defend their right to believe whatever they want. That does not stop me from reaching out to them and sharing what I believe to be the truth.
Unfortunately, I don't think Ann Coulter is a good representative of our faith. I don't know her heart but her words are often offensive and hurtful. But, as a Christian, she is right to desire for all to come to faith in Jesus and should not be attacked for saying so.