This has created quite a stir among Americans. Though I usually steer clear of politics on this blog site, I thought it would be good to take an opinion poll from the TruthWalk readership, to get an idea of where you stand on this issue. Most of us would claim to have a "Christian worldview" which would affect our political views. As a Christian, and as an American, what are your thoughts on this matter?
I'll borrow the same question and options put forth by the Fox News poll:
Should New York Allow Mosque Near Ground Zero?
- No, of all the places to build a mosque, don't allow one there.
- Yes, the Constitution protects freedom of religion, so government can't stand in the way.
- Don't prohibit it, but work with the mosque backers to find a more appropriate location.
- Other (leave a comment).
In the 'Comments' section below, simply put 1, 2, 3, or 4. Then, if you wish, add any comments to further explain your position or rationale (especially if you chose option #4).
I broached this subject with one of our associate pastors this morning and discovered that we held essentially the same view. Once we've received some significant feedback, we'll add our two cents.
Definitely 2.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to say 1.
ReplyDeleteI feel that this is a slap in the face to the America people. So many people's lives were lost in the 911 attacks. I feel that building a mosque near ground zero is their way of saying (victory). I think if we were to build a Christian church on a site or near a site where America just bombed a building killing thousands of people, we would be run out of town, or not not run, executed on site. Recently on the news it was broadcasted that a city in the midwest is almost 90% Muslim. In fact, they had the noon day call out over the loud speaker for Muslims to bow in prayer toward Meca (sp?). I know we live in a free country, but I don't think Muslims have a good track record. I'm not going to be black and white here, but the Koran is the Koran and not the Bible. It isn't a book were I have heard that Muslims are instructed to live peaceably with all people. This is America...not liking the mosques. And Obama currently has a voice piece going to Muslim populated countries telling them that America loves the Muslims...(end times?)
2
ReplyDeleteMany times, it has been the case that what the devil intends for evil, God instead works for good. A consolidation of a known group of lost people who do not know Christ should lead to a simplification in the efforts of Christians to reach the same for Christ. We should merely ask that there be no barriers established to expression of the gospel message to anyone who is willing to listen.
There should not be a moaque built so close to ground zero. It is an insult to any american that loves this country, and a slap in the face to those people that lost their lives on 911. I find it very offensive especially to the brave first responders that gave their lives on that dark day. And it is a hurtfull thing to our men and women that stand in harms way in our military on our behalf. The whole concept is 100% wrong. DO NOT BUILD IT..
ReplyDeletethis should never be, it is an insult to those who lost their lives on that dark day in american history, and to our brave men and women in the military that stand in harms way keeping us safe each and every day.
ReplyDelete2
ReplyDeleteWhile I find it offensive, it is protected and if they have done all their legal work (permits etc) there's no valid reason to prohibit.
-Stephen
I would, without a doubt, go with 1
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with the second comment from Anonymous. The very idea of this is absolutely absurd! I mean why do they want the mosque to be built at this very location? The Muslims building this mosque are obviously trying to send Americans some sort of message stating that they are a big part of American history. Or probably even of what Anonymous said of them saying "victory" to us.
These Muslims are probably pulling this move because they feel defeated by the great wave of American pride and patriotism that they were hammered with following the 9/11 attacks. Whether it was our soldiers doing there superb job of fighting against and conquering those who threatened or even already hurt our country, or of the American people at home displaying such wonderful support for our troops and the work they do knowing that it is all for the best of our country.
With this in mind, these Muslims in the U.S. want to build this mosque to show America that their so-called faith will prevail.
So this whole idea is not only a "slap in the face to America" but the very idea itself is weak. Like they're thinking of ways to show the world that the Islamic faith is the religion the world cannot go on without.
So they think that building a mosque right next to where thousands of Americans died because of actions they executed will fulfill their dream? Absolutely not. It is such a pitiful idea.
Before sharing our opinion, let me first give you the results of our survey. Only six people responded to this poll. Three said, "No, of all the places to build a mosque, don't allow it there." Likewise, three said, "Yes, the Constitution protects freedom of religion, so government can't stand in the way."
ReplyDeleteThese results were very similar to the original Fox News poll, which had 49% going with option #1 (no), 46% going with option #2 (yes). Only five percent chose option #3, "Don't prohibit it, but work with the mosque backers to find a more appropriate location." (Less than 1% shared an opinion besides options 1, 2, or 3.)
Upon discussing this issue initially with fellow pastor Nick Jones, we both settled on option #3 for the following reasons:
1. It's not really a moral decision. There is not a "right" or "wrong" answer, biblically speaking, except as it concerns general principles that come into play. This leads us to the next reason.
2. We believe that the better part of wisdom would be to work out other arrangements, given the public sentiment, and the sensitivity that all Americans - particularly those of the Muslim faith - should have regarding the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Nevertheless, sensitivities and sensibilities are not the rule of law, which takes us to point 3 (see below).
3. Religious liberty is a double-edged sword. We can't insist on it when it benefits us, yet oppose it when it benefits those with differing views.
4. While the Muslim faith does not accord with Scripture and the true way of salvation, which is through Christ alone, our Lord would have us to view these people as souls to be saved not as our enemies. (Even if some among them would consider themselves to be our enemies, the Bible says, "Love your enemies.")
So while we think the better part of wisdom would be to find a more suitable place for the mosque, we cannot politically insist upon it without being inconsistent in our view of American liberty. Whatever your opinion, let us remember that at the heart of all of this is the Gospel, and our goal is to evangelize the lost. This comes not through political persuasion but through Gospel proclamation.
First off, being an American and being a Christian are two seperate things. One has nothing to do with the other. That being said, as an American the disappointment and even outrage at such a proposal is understandable. As a Christian, we follow what Scripture says, and we do this regardless of whether we are American, French, or Yugoslavian.
ReplyDeleteGod has above all else called us to bring sinful people to salvation through Jesus Christ. The solution to America's problems is the gospel, not politics. As John MacArthur says, "In the truest sense, the moral, social, and political state of a people is irrelevant to the advance of the gospel. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36)."
It is a noble goal, and even our duty, to work and vote to change laws for the common good in whatever country you find yourself a citizen of. However, one election and one swipe of a pen can wipe out hundreds of hours and millions of dollars of work to change a single law. But all the powers that be on the entire planet cannot veto out the change wrought by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in one true regenerate individual.
We are called to fight a spiritual battle. Our marching orders still stand to go into all the world and make disciples. That includes that piece of land now called Ground Zero. And whatever we find there in the future, a skyscraper, a mosque, or an amusement park, the people that will inhabit there are not the enemy, they are the mission field.
Rob
Good thoughts from Truth Endures. And thanks to all for your participation, regardless of what view you may hold regarding this issue. God help us to see things as He sees things and to carry out His kingdom purposes here on earth by the power of Christ in us.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to learn the identity of the seller and the buyer of the property where the mosque is to be built. Would the seller have made a deal if he knew a mosque was to be built on the property? If Adolph Hitler were to build a concentration camp there in 1938 would there have been a public outcry?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I am christian and don't believe in the muslim religion. They don't follow the christian bible. Second, it is an insult and a slap in the face to Americans; especially, the people who lost loved ones in the 911 attack. It is like building a trophy to the terrorists for what they did. It makes me angry to even think that someone had the idea.
ReplyDelete