Some thoughts on the recent controversies between Christians and Muslims:
– Those who oppose the building of a mosque near Ground Zero are unwilling or unable to distinguish between different groups of Muslims. These extremists who want to burn the Koran are simply following that same sentiment to it’s logical conclusion: all Muslims are indistinguishable AND evil. This is precisely why we need a center for dialogue near Ground Zero.
– These so-called “Christians” who want to burn the Koran on 9/11 are no more Christian than those so-called “Muslims” who attacked us on 9/11 were Muslim.
– Christians must unequivocally support religious freedom in America. That includes the right of a group of Muslims to build a mosque wherever it is legally allowable, such as near Ground Zero in NYC.
– Remembering how our Lord hung out with those who were stigmatized and was himself hated, blamed, falsely accused, and put to death by those religious and patriotic folks who feared him, Christians must unequivocally condemn bigotry whenever it arises at the state or local level. We should be the first to condemn the slippery slope of anti-Islamic scapegoating wherever it occurs.
Reflections of Ryberg 