Freedom of religion, a cornerstone of this country, includes freedom from religion, a Wake Forest University professor recently pointed out on public radio in reaction to the plans of Christian aid groups, many of them evangelical, to travel to Iraq to spread their gospel. Forcing one’s religion upon another culture, astutely observed Charles Kimball, chairman of the religion department at the North Carolina School, is not a good way to introduce a country, especially one in the Middle East, to democracy.

His comments contrasted with those of the head of one of the groups packing for Iraq. Albert Mohler, a minister and president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said his missionaries would spread the word about salvation through accepting Jesus Christ and would politely tell the Muslims that “what they believe presently is wrong.”

The Rev. Mohler urged extreme sensitivity in presenting this message and his religious concerns appear absolutely genuine, but such words should send shivers down the spine of those serious about rebuilding Iraq. Proselytizing and politics will not mix well in Iraq because the religious mission will confirm fears that America plans to run Iraq as a colony, a Christian one. It also casts aspersions on all the good work being done in Iraq by humanitarian aid groups, religious and otherwise.

Religious groups have done great work in countries around the globe. The have established and run schools and medical clinics. They have provided desperately needed food and medical supplies to combat AIDS and starvation. The best of these groups keeps the proselytizing to a minimum. The Mormons, known the world over for their missionary work, have said they would leave their religious materials at home.

The United States, the current ruling authority in Iraq, should ensure that groups like the Rev. Mohler’s not be allowed to confuse the mission and the reputations of others who are there to help rebuild the country. Those who want to tell Muslims they’re wrong should choose another time to start a theological argument.