Ground Zero Mosque

A national news story that has taken center stage here of late involves the efforts of the Muslim community to build within blocks of the former site of the twin towers a 15 story mosque and community center. What is emerging for some is a battle over religious freedom, for others a slap in the face regarding the perpetrators of the greatest mass murder in U.S. history. This is an extremely divisive issue that is only going to grow more contentious.

Speaking at an annual gathering to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, president Obama had this to say; "As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan in accordance with local laws and ordinances." It may surprise some that I am in agreement with president Obama here. The Muslims do have a constitutional right to build this mosque. But a central question is missing with the president here, that being, does having a right to do something mean that it is the right thing to do?

In our nation, by our constitution, we as U.S. citizens have a constitutional right to practice our religion freely. If a person or group of people desires to worship a turnip, they have the right to do so. But does religious freedom supersede respect for others and in this case common sense? Does having the right to do something always make it right? Certainly the Muslim community knows how divisive this building would be? They must realize how people feel about this particular piece of real estate? Surely they are aware that the buildings that once stood here were destroyed by Muslims in the name of Islam? In a spirit of consideration and respect for others over this national disaster, the Muslim community could acknowledge the feelings of most Americans and find another place to build their building. They have the right to build it, but in their hearts, do they believe that it is right?

Many Muslims, to their credit, have expressed great discomfort with this effort to build a mosque at ground zero. They realize that the memories of 9/11 will linger forever and they are under suspicion from many still because of the acts of a so-called few in their religion. You believe this is not fair? Well, Christians have been ridiculed for years when an over zealous few have bombed an abortion clinic or grossly protested a soldiers funeral. Is this right? No, but it is reality. And the reality of the ground zero situation is that it takes great arrogance and lack of concern for others to even fathom building a mosque to celebrate the religion that executed the events of 9/11.

Do Muslims have the right to proclaim their faith? Absolutely! Just as I as a Christian have the right to proclaim that I believe Islam is part of the "wide road to destruction" Jesus teaches on in the bible. But just because I believe that, does not mean that Muslims do not have rights. But this is not about rights, it's about doing what is right. And the right thing to do here is for the Muslim community to cease this effort. They ask for tolerance, and they have it. Tolerance being something totally absent in Muslim ruled countries. But if one expects tolerance, one must also be willing to extend tolerance. The Muslim community should rally as a whole and do something only a few prominent in their religion have done: Condemn those who murdered in the name of their god and stop this disrespectful and divisive effort at once. It's the right thing to do.