I am not exactly sure why, but when I woke up this morning, I knew exactly what I was going to write about today.
I haven’t been paying attention to all the articles about the Muslim mosque being built-in NYC. Nor have I been listening to everyone’s (politicians) commentary on the matter.
Previously, I heard that a Muslim man wants to build a Muslim center (which will include a mosque). It will be near the ground of 9/11, and many disagree with the location. I also knew Obama made a speech in which he condoned it.
America is a funny place. I say that sarcastically and seriously ~ because I am confused by exactly what it is Americans want to be.
Sometimes we say we want freedom, other times we picket for more laws and structure. And sometimes we want to be known as a nation of equality, yet we still fight against equality.
Our nation is going through great change right now, and many previously rigid ways of thinking or judging are being re-evaluated and are in the course of change.
The right for homosexuals to marry and be given the same rights as heterosexual couples – is one example of that fight for equality.
But my question is this: who is really good enough or pure enough to be able to decide what is right or good for anyone else, besides the person doing it? Who has the right to judge? Who has the right to decide what is wrong?
In my own life I am a Christian. I do not attend church regularly (although I wish I was better about that), I cuss and “sin,” I am full of flaws, and I do not view my faith as a religion. I say I am a spiritual person.
Religion has been of interest to me since I was a young child. My parents told me I would keep them up at night asking questions about God and religion they couldn’t answer. Evolution and the creation of our world were subjects I read about earnestly, and I accepted Christ as my personal savior when I was in first grade.
Fortunately for me, my parents never stifled my curiosity and never told me I was wrong. My father views religion openly, while my mother is more fundamental. Their differing ways of practicing Christianity allowed me to see both sides and make my own decisions.
I would never say that I have ever been a good role model for Christianity, nor do I proclaim my faith to anyone around me. I am a private person, but have no problem talking about my faith if the subject is brought up. I have read in-depth about other religions and enjoy learning about them. I am not intimidated by the fact that other people believe different things or have different practices.
I am secure in what is right for me.
I have been the subject of ridicule, and I have been the person who was told I needed to be “saved” by people in my church. I have been hurt and beaten by the church.
And I have never seen greater hypocrisy, than I have witnessed within those walls.
My view of God is simple. In my eyes and heart I know all He wants ~ is for me to love those around me, and to do my best to be non-judgmental. Anything outside of that ~ is outside of my human understanding.
I have no idea what God truly thinks about homosexuality or having another religion. And while I value and appreciate the Bible and the Word, I also know that it has been passed through the hands of millions of men, and translated into thousands of languages.
I do not second-guess the nature of man to change the Word to benefit his own beliefs or judgment.
I, 100% agree with how President Obama has dealt with the mosque debate. The location may or may not be the best place, but the issue that is larger and greater is America’s integrity in accepting other religions and nations the way it “says it does.”
We will lose the ability to call ourself America, if we refuse to allow a Muslim mosque to build on property that they own.
I read a few articles this morning, only to find myself chuckling over the ignorant comments made by politicians, left and right, about the mosque. One woman was saying that the Muslims wouldn’t allow it in their country…well, obviously not. They don’t live in America either ~ do they?
Another man said the building of the mosque was not about tolerance, but truth. Well the truth is, the property is Muslim owned, the area is zoned for religious buildings and in fact, they have already been worshipping there for some time.
They have every right to use their land for their own purpose.
It appears to me, the people behind the center’s plan have good intentions. I think it could be a great example to the East that America can be a good and accepting nation, and that we are interested in peace. I also think it could be the beginning of a relationship with the Muslim community, both here and abroad.
I think building a relationship with the Muslim community is very important.
The events of 9/11 are tragic and heartbreaking, but it is time we move on and concern ourselves with the future of our country, and the place that our children will grow up in.
Do we want America to be a place that touts its quest of equality, but closes doors in the face of it? Or do we want to lead by example?
America is the land of the free, and was founded on the principles of freedom. Being free is having the freedom to practice the religion you want, to marry the person you love, to walk the streets where you live, and sleep in the home you call your own.
If we allow anyone to begin taking any of those freedoms away, it won’t be long before others are also taken.
What do you think?