I would like to state that I am hesitant to post political content - not that I think it irrelevant, but only that I am unlearned. This is an area of study for me.
At any rate, here is a decent article on the President's comments regarding the Ground Zero Mosque.
The question that is at the forefront of my mind now is, "Do people have the right to practice their religion?"
This is a loaded question, that cannot be made "clear" (quoting the President) without much discussion, definition and clarification. Questions must be answered, like "What religion are you referring to?" and "What are the practices of that religion?" I find it very interesting that no one seems to clarify comments of this nature with direct exegetical references. In this case, comments concerning Islam from the Koran.
I wonder if the President would make the same comments if the New Hebrides of the 18th century were wanting to 'practice their religion' in the United States? In doing so, he would be promoting cannibalism. Surely they would not have the right.
Now, the question should be raised as to whether Islamic religious practices are dangerous to society or not. Again, I am puzzled as to why the religious practices are not publicly defined, with clear citations from the Koran. Instead, we get an over generalized statement, "they have the right." The cited article (along with Glen Beck this morning) brought this very statement under the critical light of the Constitution. At least with the New Hebrides, I would hesitate to say that everyone has a right to practice their religion.
Over generalized comments leave many in the dark regarding particulars. And we all know that darkness is the favored arena of evil practices. 9/11 left many in the dark regarding the nature of Islam. Is it a peaceful religion or not? I have my views. But, I am quite disappointed that the President has not provided any light of clarification and comfort regarding the understandable confusion that surrounds us.
Simply put, if Islam has the right to practice their religion, please show us clearly what those practices are. Religious practices necessarily affect others. Therefore, rights regarding religious practices must not be protected under some ambiguous blanket. Rather, each should be scrutinized and studied through the Constitutional lens, to see whether it is worthy of the right.
Note: I am more than willing to be corrected on my views here. If you see any error in my logic or thinking, please inform me.
Note: I am more than willing to be corrected on my views here. If you see any error in my logic or thinking, please inform me.
It seems to me when people say they have the right to practice their religion what they really mean is they have the right to practice their religion up to the point where it doesn't violate any existing laws. Your New Hebridans, for instance, would fall afoul of many existing US laws. Radical Muslims would violate laws if they were planning to blow something up.
ReplyDeleteMy understanding if the Mosque in question is that it is run by an extremely moderate cleric with substantially pro-american views.
What would you say are the practices of Christianity? Would you include the pedophilia of Catholic Priests? The excesses of the Inquisition? Mormons consider themselves Christians, how about polygamy? Certainly practiced by the patriarchs, so there is scriptural warrant. No, you would probably use, I don't know, the Apostle's Creed as your statement of practice. I think Islam's 5 tenets probably would serve that role for them. Those 5 tenets would probably not offend anyone not already offended. I would be careful using the worst of a religion to judge the whole, because "Christianity: sometimes wouldn't look to good in that mirror.
Would we as Christians really be comfortable without the freedom of religion. Would we like the State Brand of CHristianity. If we are democratic about it, would it be Arminian and Baptistic? Would pedobaptist, covenant Christians have our baby-sprinking ways outlawed?
I certainly am not arguing the correctness of Islam, nor whitewashing the excesses of Muslim extremists, but as your link so nicely points out, it is very difficult to evangelize Muslims in Muslim countries. Here, however, where at least the trappings of CHristianity are part of the fabric of our society, Muslims may be amenable to hearing and responding to the gospel. At its heart Islam is a works based religion, its adherents have already seen a need for God, so the message of the gospel would seem a sweet thing indeed to Muslims.
ReplyDeleteMy two cents... if they are not breaking laws then they have the right to practice their religion. When their practices lead down paths of corruption and lawlessness the rights are taken away from those people, and those people alone. I would hate to see churches in an area closed, because some nut job pastor blew up an abortion clinic...
ReplyDeleteI think the biblical worldview on this is our guide. All religions were allowed to operate; Jesus and the disciples dealt with plenty of cult religions that were up to no good, but within the letter of the law! They didn't demand rights be taken away, they just followed Jesus and the rest is history. More people over the years know Jesus because they didn't get caught up in who has the right to practice... they just practiced under the power of the Holy Spirit and the other religions had nothing to offer. Many converts were added daily! Many Christians are worried about other religions and their practices, because we have doubted the power of our God and have little trust that as we follow Christ He will draw them to himself!
Now, to the Mosque issue... I think it's insensitive to say the least and with the cost of the real estate in Manhatten, I would be shocked to find out that the people who are funding this project and making it happen, are not up to something! They are trying to send a message I think, but I could be wrong! until proven otherwise, I will stand on that!
Lastly, surely your not surprised Obama had nothing to say with clarity about this situation... when is the man clear about anything!
Peace