Ok, it seems like everyone has their opinion on this topic, so let me give you mine. I posted a message about this on facebook a couple of days ago when the news broke that President Obama “endorsed” the building of a Muslim mosque at Ground Zero. Now, due to the outrage of many Americans, he is trying to cover his tracks by saying that he was not endorsing the mosque but rather he was conveying their religious rights. Well, the fact that he was very specific about the precise location of this particular mosque shows that his intention was more than just conveying religious freedom. The President afterall is correct that the first ammendment gives us the freedom of religion and he also is correct that Muslims do have a right to build their mosque. Both of those are freedoms and rights given to us by our forefathers.
This whole ordeal reminds me of what the President said on the campaign trail and what I would like to spend a few moments on. He conveyed his desire for us to recognize that we are no longer a Christian nation, but a nation of Christians, Jews, Muslims and non-believers. Yes, we may have a national population that consists of various religious beliefs, but that doesn’t nullify the fact that the intent of our founding fathers was to create a nation whose principles and laws had their foundation in Biblical Judeo-Christian roots. This is evident in the early draftings of the constitution.
Our effort to be inclusive to all does not give us permission to reidentify America. We are a Judeo-Christian nation – a nation that provides liberty and justice for every person regardless of belief, ethnicity, or social status. That alone being a prevailing reason why this great nation was and is still called a shining city on a hill. We, as a people, must not cower to the pressure of cultural relativism. Our nation must be defined by the intent of the people who founded it. If we allow the current cultural trends to define this nation, then what will stop the culture from giving the people over to do what is right in their own eyes – a devastating ramification of a people that no longer remember their purpose.
Getting back to the subject at hand, I discussed this issue with my brother-in-law who is a former Marine and in my estimation a hero like all of our soldiers and veterens. In our conversation, we concluded that we would prefer that no mosque, and for that matter any church, be represented at Ground Zero. I don’t think any religion needs to build a shrine over or near such a place. To do so can have the appearance of an act of dishonor and even conquest. Let me explain. If you have ever been to Israel, you will know what I am talking about. Every meaningful, historical, and religious event has some religious structure claiming it’s significance at that spot – whether it be a Catholic Church or a Muslim Mosque. These very structures are ornate and gaudy, thus destroying the beauty and authenticity of the sacrifice made at these locations. I think any representation at Ground Zero other than the people’s memorial and remembrance is a tragic misjustice to the brave men and women who never got the opportunity to give their lives for this great country because their lives were snatched, literally stolen, by evil men. To honor them is to build a place of remembrance not a religious structure that distracts from their memory.
These are my thoughts. I welcome yours.