At the level of the Ten Commandments, for the Islam religion we hear about proclamations for killing of infidels, stoning to death, and eye for and eye, disfigurement of women, etc. We do not hear from moderate Muslims. Hence, we tend to be suspicious of all Muslims. We can't tell before the fact whether a Muslim is a zealot or not. The after effects of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will be with us for decades. The mistrust of Muslims, and vice versa, will also continue if not increase.
I think it would be judicious for principals on both sides to agree that it is not in the best interest of either side to erect a mosque at the proposed site in the near future.
Call me naive, but I tend to go with the idea that we should pursue peace with all men and trust God to take care of the rest.
ReplyDelete"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:17-21
I think God means that.
Certainly Scripture teaches that evil exists, but we are also told that such evil is found in 'principalities and powers' and that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6:12) Whether or not the Islamic faith advocates killing infidels or if some interpret things that way or if most are peaceable but some are violently extreme is not the point. We, as Christians, are called to nonetheless do good to others. I see no reason why a group of Muslims cannot place a Mosque wherever they are legally allowed to do so if there is no evidence of planned violence toward the community. It is just a building.
I understand that those who grieve losses from 911 may experience painful memories because of the association between the terrorists and the Islamic faith, but, and hopefully this doesn't sound too cold, that is their issue. They (not the outside world) are responsible to manage their own feelings and inner experiences. It is really no different than, say, a veteran of war who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Should all television stations cease to air war movies in case it causes pain for a psychologically wounded vet? Should motels take down all palm trees because it reminds the soldier of Vietnam and causes a flashback?
While the Muslims may, in kindness, choose to be sensitive to such traumatic pain in the local residents and so decide not to place their Mosque there; I do not see that they are obligated to do so. Those that are troubled by the Mosque can always move and it may just be a good thing that spurs them to seek acceptance, forgiveness and recovery from the painful past.
God is, after all, STILL sovereign.