The Mosque, The Church, and the Koran

I realize I’m a “Johnny-come-lately” on much of this, mainly because much of it arose while I was on sabbatical and wasn’t blogging. Part of it comes from my desire to process things a little first before reacting.

Much has been made of the “Ground Zero Mosque” that is moving forward. It is a mosque that is very close to Ground Zero site. As an American, it’s tough for me to swallow the thought of a mosque going up there. I admit it.

Yet, as an American, I also deeply believe in freedom of religion. While it may not be the best thing to do at that particular site, it is the freedom we allow and to NOT go forward is going against the very fabric of our soul as Americans.

As a Christian, I do have a few questions, though.

Why has no one objected to the strip clubs near the Ground Zero site? Let’s take it a bit further. If Ground Zero is “sacred ground,” why have we not created a true memorial there?

But let’s take it even further. Build the mosque. And rebuild the Orthodox church that was lost on 9/11 as well! As Christians, why can’t we get behind this church and help them rebuild? Wouldn’t that be as important statement to the world?

By allowing the mosque to be built, there is another issue we can then legitimately raise: the denial of churches to build in strict Muslim countries. Muslims are free to have a mosque here. Why do some countries not allow churches? Again, it can show the world who we are as true Americans. It can also show the plight of persecuted believers in other countries.

We also need a new spirit of repentance. I do not wish to be associated in any way with the wacky display of perverted Christianity displayed by the poser preacher in Florida who wants to burn a Koran. God help him.

But God help us all. We need to step aside this weekend as 9/11 rolls around again. We need to pause and reflect. As the people of God. As Americans. We need to remember that horrible day. We also need to see the open hole in our nation. We are soul-less as a nation. 9/11 exposed that. Hurricane Katrina exposed it further.

We are a people in need of healing. We can do better. We must do better.