The New Crusade

We have all heard by now of the conflict created in New York City. Two blocks away from Ground Zero, a group of Muslims would like to build a mosque. This wouldn't be just any mosque; it would be a learning center to help people understand the Islamic religion. No major conversion required. Instead, please come and learn. But, as is the case in America these days, many people have spread false information about who is really building the mosque and what their intentions are. All of this has lead to an anti-Islam fervor in the country. Once again, it is fashionable to be against anyone who might be Islamic, look Islamic or be perceived by others as being Islamic. This is, of course, to my dismay. I know that people are alike. We all put our pants on one leg at a time. We all worry about our children, spouses and parents, having enough money to cover the bills and what will happen in the future. What we don't seem to realize is that people who are passionate about Christianity to the point where they are willing to condone the killing of another group of people who believe differently are just as bad as the people who flew planes into the Twin Towers on 9/11.

All of this though, really just reminds me of the Crusades. It started out harmless enough. Muslims had invaded Jerusalem so the true believers, the western Christians, had to go and free Jerusalem from the infidels. What it turned into was a series of invasions designed more to rape and plunder than to rid the world of Islam, as if we could. By the last Crusade, most of those who went were more interested in furthering themselves than anything that had to do with Christianity. Fast forward a thousand years, we are being called the infidels, a group of radicals are trying to oust us, as if they could, and we once again distrust anyone calling themselves Muslim. But as history has shown, we will not be able to rid the world of Muslims. And we need to look honestly in the mirror and realize that radicals are radicals no matter what disguise they want to wear.

The Bible teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, no matter what. I don't care if you hurt because someone took something precious from you or if it is a "good day." Unconditional love is what is required of those who follow Jesus. I also know the Koran preaches a peaceful existence. No where does it say that we are able to kill non-believers or ostracize them for their beliefs.

This is just a long about way of saying that Muslims are not the enemy. Radicals who preach the destruction of others because they are different are the ones not to be trusted. There are a lot of wolves out there dressed up as sheep preaching a brand of religion that I think must be abhorrent. Religion should not be used as an excuse to suppress someone. It should be a way of encouraging us to be the best we can be.