& Mosque at Ground Zero"> Peacemakers: Prop 8 & Mosque at Ground Zero

August 5, 2010 in Random Thoughts, Spirituality 14

& Mosque at Ground Zero">

This is one of those posts that has the potential of getting me in a lot of trouble. So be it.

Earlier this week, I put the final touches on this week’s message for Bikers’ Church. We’re in the middle of a series called Seven Choices, and we’re comparing the Seven Deadly Sins with the Beatitudes of Jesus. This week, we’re talking about wrath and the peacemaker.

Perhaps it’s a good week for such a topic. After all, in the U.S. there are a couple of very heated issues trending on Twitter and media websites. The first issue is the court overturning of Proposition 8 in California. What that means is that gay couples can now legally be married in California. When the news came out that the court had overturned the ban on same sex marriage, my twitter feed went crazy. Interestingly, the majority of those who commented on my feed were thrilled at the decision. Since I follow a large number of ministers and churches, I didn’t expect that. A closer look showed that most of the ministers I followed said nothing of the court’s decision, while many of the motorcycle, hockey, and tech people that I follow spoke their mind.

The second issue that is causing a great deal of emotional debate is the decision by a Muslim group to build an Islamic centre (along with a mosque) a few blocks from Ground Zero. Most of the blogs and comments I read seem to consider the idea to be extremely insensitive. Even Canadian journalists are offering their opinions. From what I can see, very few people are as brave as this blogger who suggests religious freedom trumps anything else.

I’m not going to dive in to my opinion on either of these issues. Yes, I have strong feelings about both of them. But that’s not the point of this post. Again, my thoughts are on the message I will give tonight at Bikers’ Church. I will talk about the danger of wrath, and how often our desire for justice takes us down a path of bitterness, rage, and destruction. On the flip side, Jesus invites us to seek justice as a peacemaker.

Sadly, I think most people will choose the side of wrath when it comes to both of these issues. In fact, I’ve already seen it happening on Twitter, Facebook, and various blogs. Those who supported Proposition 8 are bigots, homophobes, haters, and against freedom. Those who cheered the court’s reversal are damned, fags, sinners, etc.

I see the same name calling when it comes to those who support the rights of Muslims to build a mosque wherever they choose vs. those who believe it should be stopped.

Can I suggest something? If you are a Christ follower, then your response to these issues should be the same as Christ. You should strive for peace. No, let me correct that. You should do more than simply strive for peace, you should be a maker of peace. You should be one who goes the extra mile to find the common ground on which intelligent, thoughtful discussion can take place. Where emotions are not allowed to control the conversation. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything others say about an issue, but you should lead the way in showing respect to those who disagree with you.

At the beginning of this week, I read an excellent article on the Church Marketing Sucks website. Brad Abare wrote a great post called “Opposing or Embracing Muslims.” In his post, he tells the story of two pastors who respond very differently to the issue of Muslims building mosques. I’d like to quote part of that post for you, but encourage you to go and read the whole thing at his site.

The opposition for the Muslim community in Southern California includes Bill Rench, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, which is located near the site of the potential mosque. Says Rench, “The Islamic foothold is not strong here, and we really don’t want to see their influence spread.” Not only that, but Christianity and Islam “mix like oil and water” he said. According to the Times, Rench predicted a “confrontational atmosphere” if plans for the new mosque move forward.

On the other end of the spectrum is Reverend Williamson, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Tennessee. Williamson’s story is revered by professor Akbar Ahmed in the NPR story. A local mosque had been burnt down and some had vandalized the remaining property with graffiti and swastikas. Instead of condoning the opposition and wishing Muslims to get out of town, Pastor Williamson gave the Muslim community the keys to the Presbyterian church. “This from now on can be used as your house of worship.”

As Abare points out, both tell very different stories. Both communicate very different messages.

So, am I off here? Am I way out in left field when I suggest that those who follow Christ should actually lead the way in being peacemakers when issues like these arise? Yes, we need to guard ourselves from the danger of compromising our beliefs in some of these areas, but can we not do that and still demonstrate respect for those who believe something different?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

  • http://www.reachachild.ca Melissa Williams

    Great blog post Rob… and yes I am sure that you are going to get mixed reviews on it…

    My response this would be that you are absolutely right that as Christians we are to be peacemakers. However before we can achieve “peacemaker” status if you will, we need to strive to be more like Jesus. Being peacemakers or Jesus seekers does not come naturally for us. It is something that we have to work for through discipline, prayer, study of the Word and hard work, and therefore it is something that so many people struggle with.
    My thought would be that if more Christians strove to be like Jesus than the Peacemaker in us would just come out without a second thought.… who does that sound like?… Jesus!. His example to us was to always lead by example, not judge, and love unconditionally.
    You stated that yes we need to guard ourselves from the danger of compromising our beliefs and I agree with that, but again… if we are striving to be more like Jesus than our spiritual and theological base will be sturdy enough to not only love on those who believe differently but to also to influence them for the good without compromise on our part.
    Love you and Miss you… Melissa

  • http://www.reachachild.ca Melissa Williams

    Great blog post Rob… and yes I am sure that you are going to get mixed reviews on it…

    My response this would be that you are absolutely right that as Christians we are to be peacemakers. However before we can achieve “peacemaker” status if you will, we need to strive to be more like Jesus. Being peacemakers or Jesus seekers does not come naturally for us. It is something that we have to work for through discipline, prayer, study of the Word and hard work, and therefore it is something that so many people struggle with.
    My thought would be that if more Christians strove to be like Jesus than the Peacemaker in us would just come out without a second thought.… who does that sound like?… Jesus!. His example to us was to always lead by example, not judge, and love unconditionally.
    You stated that yes we need to guard ourselves from the danger of compromising our beliefs and I agree with that, but again… if we are striving to be more like Jesus than our spiritual and theological base will be sturdy enough to not only love on those who believe differently but to also to influence them for the good without compromise on our part.
    Love you and Miss you… Melissa

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    Well, said my dear friend! If only people truly understood that.

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    Well, said my dear friend! If only people truly understood that.

  • Kathryn Hildebrandt

    I am a non-believer who nonetheless respects, and in many cases admires, the spiritual beliefs of others. I was raised Christian, but the fundamentalism of the church I was made to attend as a child turned me off…there was intolerance, and the interpretation of the faith seemed biased against women and minorities, which I could not accept. However, I have retained much of what is good and noble of Christ teachings, for my own personal moral code. One might call me a Christian Atheist ;-)

    I liked your post…I was especially touched by the story of Reverend Williamson, opening the church to the violently displaced Muslim community — what a courageous act! So often, I wonder why people feel so very threatened by the different beliefs of others, that they would harbor hatred, and do violence, even murder, to silence them! How strong could their own faith be, if another’s faith threatens it?

    I have observed that many in our culture, in their fear, fail to make a distinction between Islamic faith, and militant Islamacism — i.e., between sincere faith, and extremist religion used as a tool for power and political control of the people. Admittedly, it is a difficult concept for us as Americans to grasp, because we enjoy and take for granted our freedom of religion, and its carefully maintained separation from government. Yes, horrible acts of terrorism, suppression, murder, mutilation of women and other atrocities have all been committed in the name of Islam. And it is government sanctioned in those other societies. But we seem to forget how much, and even how very recently Christianity has been used to justify these same acts — from the Spanish Inquisition and Nazi Germany to the KKK and the Oklahoma City bombing right here on our very own soil.

  • Kathryn Hildebrandt

    I am a non-believer who nonetheless respects, and in many cases admires, the spiritual beliefs of others. I was raised Christian, but the fundamentalism of the church I was made to attend as a child turned me off…there was intolerance, and the interpretation of the faith seemed biased against women and minorities, which I could not accept. However, I have retained much of what is good and noble of Christ teachings, for my own personal moral code. One might call me a Christian Atheist ;-)

    I liked your post…I was especially touched by the story of Reverend Williamson, opening the church to the violently displaced Muslim community — what a courageous act! So often, I wonder why people feel so very threatened by the different beliefs of others, that they would harbor hatred, and do violence, even murder, to silence them! How strong could their own faith be, if another’s faith threatens it?

    I have observed that many in our culture, in their fear, fail to make a distinction between Islamic faith, and militant Islamacism — i.e., between sincere faith, and extremist religion used as a tool for power and political control of the people. Admittedly, it is a difficult concept for us as Americans to grasp, because we enjoy and take for granted our freedom of religion, and its carefully maintained separation from government. Yes, horrible acts of terrorism, suppression, murder, mutilation of women and other atrocities have all been committed in the name of Islam. And it is government sanctioned in those other societies. But we seem to forget how much, and even how very recently Christianity has been used to justify these same acts — from the Spanish Inquisition and Nazi Germany to the KKK and the Oklahoma City bombing right here on our very own soil.

  • http://lgfonevolution.blogspot.com Mats

    Two things:

    1. The judge rejected the will of the majority, and thus made voting irrelevant. Is this how it will be? Ideology over the will of the people? I thought it was “We The People” but it seems that it isn’t. It’s more like “We the government”.

    2. Muslims are free to build mosques anywhere in the western world, while Christians, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists don’t have that freedom in islamic nations. However, it’s very insensitive to the memory of the deceased ones to build a mosque a kms away from the place where Muslims caused the death of over 3,000 americans in one single day. What if americans want to build in Hiroshima an american monument celebrating their victory? Isn’t it insensitive? What if Japan wants to build a shinto temple in Pearl Harbour as a way to improove “mutual understanding”? Wouldn’t that be heartless?

    Sure it would ‚and that is why it’s sad that the liberals who run New York allow such a slap on the face to be made in the plce where americans were killed by muslims.

    Let us not forget that: Americans were killed by muslims and now muslims want to build a muslim place or worship close to place where the killings happened.

  • http://lgfonevolution.blogspot.com Mats

    Two things:

    1. The judge rejected the will of the majority, and thus made voting irrelevant. Is this how it will be? Ideology over the will of the people? I thought it was “We The People” but it seems that it isn’t. It’s more like “We the government”.

    2. Muslims are free to build mosques anywhere in the western world, while Christians, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists don’t have that freedom in islamic nations. However, it’s very insensitive to the memory of the deceased ones to build a mosque a kms away from the place where Muslims caused the death of over 3,000 americans in one single day. What if americans want to build in Hiroshima an american monument celebrating their victory? Isn’t it insensitive? What if Japan wants to build a shinto temple in Pearl Harbour as a way to improove “mutual understanding”? Wouldn’t that be heartless?

    Sure it would ‚and that is why it’s sad that the liberals who run New York allow such a slap on the face to be made in the plce where americans were killed by muslims.

    Let us not forget that: Americans were killed by muslims and now muslims want to build a muslim place or worship close to place where the killings happened.

  • Trevor Hilton

    I am against the mosque being built at the site of the World Trade Center. I’ve heard it compared to a memorial to Japanese Kamikazi pilots being built at Pearl Harbor, or a memorail to militias being built on the site of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City. I’ve had muslim friends. I respect their right to believe how they want. I let them know I’m a Christian, and so, believe differently. We got along fine.

    Those two Preachers, Bill Rench and Reverend Williamson, well, Mr. Ranch did sound a little too confrontational, but I also disagree with Mr. Williamson. I don’t feel he should have allowed, indeed, even promoted, pagan worship in God’s house. But, that’s just me.

  • Trevor Hilton

    I am against the mosque being built at the site of the World Trade Center. I’ve heard it compared to a memorial to Japanese Kamikazi pilots being built at Pearl Harbor, or a memorail to militias being built on the site of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City. I’ve had muslim friends. I respect their right to believe how they want. I let them know I’m a Christian, and so, believe differently. We got along fine.

    Those two Preachers, Bill Rench and Reverend Williamson, well, Mr. Ranch did sound a little too confrontational, but I also disagree with Mr. Williamson. I don’t feel he should have allowed, indeed, even promoted, pagan worship in God’s house. But, that’s just me.

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    Thanks Trevor & Mats for your thoughts … please don’t miss the point of my post. I’m not really asking for people’s opinion on whether or not it should happen. I’m simply suggesting that the discussion should be clothed in respect and not name-bashing.

    I think the flaw in the Hiroshima or Pearl Harbor argument is that both of those acts were official acts of the U.S.A. and Japan. That isn’t the case with 9/11. Many muslim people spoke out against what happened. They were very clear that the people responsible for the attack were extremists. To say “Muslims attacked New York” would be the same as saying “Christians shot abortion doctors.” I don’t know any true Christ follower who would support that second statement. Muslims didn’t attack the World Trade Centre, terrorists did. Yes, they belonged to an extreme Muslim group, but that doesn’t make all Muslims guilty by association.

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    Thanks Trevor & Mats for your thoughts … please don’t miss the point of my post. I’m not really asking for people’s opinion on whether or not it should happen. I’m simply suggesting that the discussion should be clothed in respect and not name-bashing.

    I think the flaw in the Hiroshima or Pearl Harbor argument is that both of those acts were official acts of the U.S.A. and Japan. That isn’t the case with 9/11. Many muslim people spoke out against what happened. They were very clear that the people responsible for the attack were extremists. To say “Muslims attacked New York” would be the same as saying “Christians shot abortion doctors.” I don’t know any true Christ follower who would support that second statement. Muslims didn’t attack the World Trade Centre, terrorists did. Yes, they belonged to an extreme Muslim group, but that doesn’t make all Muslims guilty by association.

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    Thanks Kathryn for your post. I chuckled at your term “Christian Atheist.” Craig Groeschel, a pastor in the U.S., just wrote a book by that very title.

    I agree with you that many struggle to differentiate between Islamic faith and militant Islamism. As a Canadian, I often chuckle at my American friends because most refer to themselves as “Christian” even though there is no substance to their faith. In fact, many consider the U.S. to be a “Christian Nation” even though it’s not true in practice. As a result, I think it is difficult for some to differentiate between the Islamic groups, even though those who are part of both groups make it clear there is a difference. As an outsider, I must accept that, just as I hope they accept my belief that not every who claims to be a Christian truly lives out that faith.

    It’s pretty clear it is a delicate subject with so many angles to view things from.

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    Thanks Kathryn for your post. I chuckled at your term “Christian Atheist.” Craig Groeschel, a pastor in the U.S., just wrote a book by that very title.

    I agree with you that many struggle to differentiate between Islamic faith and militant Islamism. As a Canadian, I often chuckle at my American friends because most refer to themselves as “Christian” even though there is no substance to their faith. In fact, many consider the U.S. to be a “Christian Nation” even though it’s not true in practice. As a result, I think it is difficult for some to differentiate between the Islamic groups, even though those who are part of both groups make it clear there is a difference. As an outsider, I must accept that, just as I hope they accept my belief that not every who claims to be a Christian truly lives out that faith.

    It’s pretty clear it is a delicate subject with so many angles to view things from.