“I love New York, and I love the idea of a mosque at Ground Zero,” writes Boston University religion scholar Stephen Prothero. He’s half right. But, for a man of his intellect, that’s not too good.
I love New York, but I hate the idea of a mosque at Ground Zero. I believe most Americans, and indeed most New Yorkers, would disagree with Prothero when he says
I believe a small mosque ought to be integrated into the redesign of the World Trade Center site itself — a reminder in steel and stone that the United States is not at war either with Islam or with our core values.
The proposed construction of the 13-story, $100 million complex — complete with mosque and community center — only two blocks from the site of the worst attack in our nation’s history, has generated a firestorm of controversy. While big-name political figures, like Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich, vociferously oppose the Cordoba Initiative (here and here), others like Mr. Prothero and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg apparently see nothing wrong with building a mosque less than two blocks from where nearly 3000 of our fellow citizens were savagely slaughtered by Islamic extremists.
Mayor Bloomberg, responding to Sarah Palin’s tweet that building the mosque near Ground Zero is “UNNECESSARY provocation,” uses the worn-out trope of “tolerance” as THE reason why this mosque should be built near the site of the World Trade Center towers that were destroyed by terrorists, who were anything but tolerant. Makes you long for the days of America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani.
Bloomberg, who most certainly is not a blooming idiot, understands exactly what he is saying. Tolerance, as defined by elites in this country, may be one of the cultural gods that the left bows down to daily, but most Americans simply do not worship at this warped altar. Not to mention, there are some things even leftists will not tolerate. The use of salt in cooking for one, but I digress. Americans are a tolerant people, but we will not tolerate child abuse, rape, murder, and the like. When one resorts to “tolerance” as their main defense, you understand that the overall case hangs by a bare thread.
Mr. Prothero, the Boston University religion scholar, tries to defend the mosque’s construction by turning to the First Amendment’s “freedom of religion” protections. He insists that building a new mosque near Ground Zero will not only be good for NYC and America, but will enhance freedom of religion such that Americans should support this grand religious project. Would Mr. Prothero be as enthusiastic if a Southern Baptist or Assemblies of God church bought the same property and converted it into a huge evangelical Christian complex? Would he desire a small Christian chapel be integrated into the redesigned World Trade Center? I think we all know the answer to those questions.
Moreover, would members of the Manhattan Community Board 1, who voted 29 to 1 (with 10 abstentions by those unwilling to take a public stand) to support the construction of the Mega-Mosque, have given a similar endorsement to construction of an Evangelical Christian Mega-Church? Would Board Chairman Scott Stringer think that building a Southern Baptist church would likewise send “a clear message that our city is one that promotes diversity and tolerance“? I think we know the answer to those questions as well.
Because of my legal and faith experiences, I have a deep and abiding love for the First Amendment, particularly the freedom of religion that we enjoy in this country. But, freedom of religion and tolerance should never be used as a convenient cover for spineless politicians, pundits, and scholars to hide behind when trying to defend something so blatantly offensive as the Ground Zero mosque — Grand Opening on September 11, 2011. I love New York, but I hate the idea of a mosque at Ground Zero!
Anyone who honestly thinks this is NOT an ideological war against a religion radically opposed to everything for which the West stands is living inside a delusion so well-crafted that the confines of such baffle the imagination.
I see only one benefit of placing a mosque in the area of the new WTC rebuild site. It would ensure the murdering psychos wouldn’t bomb it again. They wouldn’t ever bomb a place with a minaret on it.
Marty,
This most certainly is an ideological war. That the Manhattan Board would vote to give its stamp of approval on this project, with only one no vote and 10 spineless “abstentions,” would be funny if it were not so sad. Liberalism truly knows no bounds. I’m not so sure that the mosque would be a deterrant to a future bombing. That we have escaped two close calls (Detroit and Times Square) can only be attributed to God’s providence. But, time is not on our side in this struggle. God bless,
Howell
Thanks for your post Howell.
I suggest we propose to have Bible studies inside this “community center” since it’s for the “community”, which would allow them to engage in “religious tolerance”!
And WHY aren’t the Arabs/Muslims/people of Islamic faith even somewhat apologetic that it was their people who plowed into the towers???? WHERE was the outcry and condemnation with this act of atrocity????? Nowhere.
The lack of common sensitivity to the families of the 9/11 victims and their wishes is unconscionable. It breaks my heart and angers me all at the same time. God have mercy upon those of Islamic faith and to those who partook in approving this mosque.
Connie,
Thanks for reading and commenting. Had not thought about Bible studies at the “community center,” but I like it! As for where all the Muslim/Arabs are who may not agree with the building of the mosque near Ground Zero, I would point you to a recent article by Andy McCarthy on National Review Online, titled “Which Islam Will Prevail.” A great read. Thanks again for stopping by. God bless,
Howell
Okay people a Mosque at “Ground Zero” would be like bowing to the Islam and actually saying we accept what your actions in what you did…Hence Obama already has bowed the Saudi King. Why cant people wake up? If such were to be put there they should be friend Israel flag and Star of David up atop the Crescent. For it is the SAME IDEA…but they would kill us again. This calls for all the churches whom believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God to Unite and go and have church and unity at Ground Zero…Blessing in Christ.
Celeste,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I certainly understand your concern regarding our actions in regards to the Ground Zero Mosque. I think that the idea of a mosque near Ground Zero, particularly the one that is being proposed and those who are behind it, is insensitive and an unnecessary provocation. While I would defend the First Amendment rights to build the mosque (if all legal requirements were met), I think that if this comes to pass, that there will be more discord and fighting than we can imagine. A united Christian witness, especially at Ground Zero, would show the world (and Muslims) the love of Christ in a powerful way. Thanks for your insight and thoughts on this important issue. God bless,
Howell
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” James 2:1 KJV…We Christians of who believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God we all need not have respect of our denomination but need to unite and have prayer and church around Ground Zero Mosque location for this is not an act of democracy with them nor is it political…just seek them out…you will see for in turn in their eyes it deems victory and we will not bow for that location.