The issue of the Islamic Center near (yes, near, it is not right across the street!) the World Trade Center site continues to percolate in the media. But now, a little known pastor from Florida has captured the word's attention by threatening to burn hundreds of copies of the Qur'an on the lawn of his church. Now he is demanding to meet with leaders and is basically telling persons in government and real estate that, if they do not accede to his wishes, he will burn the holy books. I have this nagging question that will not go away: Why is he receiving all of this media attention? Has it occurred to anyone that, had the media not jumped on this, he would not even be a blip on the radar of the word's concerns? Could we spend just a fraction of the time and ink that has been given to this man to say that the media created this firestorm, yet they portray themselves as performing a public service in covering it non-stop. I have written before on this blog that an
Islamic Center near the World Trade Center site could be a real step forward in efforts to promote inter-religious understanding. What, Muslims are off-limits in those few square blocks of downtown Manhattan? Did all of their adherents commit the atrocities of September 11, 2001? No. Matter of fact, NONE of their adherents carried out those heinous acts. Islamic extremists should not be lumped in with religious Muslims in the United States, or anywhere else, anymore than Christian extremists like Pat Robertson and Franklin Graham should be lumped together with all Christians. Remember Pat Robertson's comments, along with the late Jerry Falwell, that the events of Sept. 11, 2001 were the result of God's judgment against homosexuals and those who permit abortions? Why does a pastor of a little church in Central Florida have the right to call the shots, and receive attention from national leaders trying to appease him? We were founded as a nation that values the freedom of religion, and of its citizens to worship, or not worship. This whole business reflects a reality that things are out of balance, and that extremism in various sectors is driving the media and public sentiment. Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism Buddhism..and the other major world religions advocate peace and understanding, no matter how a few ill-intentioned or ill-informed adherents may seek to have us believe otherwise. I am tempted to print up a tee-shirt with the words, "Self-avowed, Practicing Mainline Protestant." The Christian faith that I follow is a proud tradition, and must not to be left to extremists to interpret. Rev. Terry Jones and I do not belong to the same faith tradition, no matter what he would have you believe.
1 comment:
I agree with everything you've written! I had this conversation with my work colleagues a couple of weeks ago. I cannot understand why this pastor got so much attention - it's a totally media-created storm. And as suddenly as it came, it's gone now, but the damage was done to the world's view of America (which is already very fragile) and to everyone's view of Christianity (which in the UK at least is also very fragile)! It makes my blood boil.
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