Guest Opinion: Ground Zero is American Holy Ground. No Mosque Near Ground Zero
Don't Let Muslims Define 9-11
Sacred ground is more easily understood by European Christians than their American counterparts. Some events are so catastrophic, or prove to be so historically significant, that they transcend the categories we normally employ to explain them. These events must reference something higher to make sense to us.
The Cross of steel beams left after the 9/11 attack.
NAPLES (Catholic Online) - Muslims have it over secularists, but not Christians - at least the clear thinking ones anyway. The Muslim proposal to build a mosque two blocks from Ground Zero is not only an affront to all people who died there, but another chapter in a cultural jihad that seeks to replace the cultural traditions of Christendom with Sharia, the code of law derived from the Koran and from the teachings and example of Mohammed.
First the caveats. Yes, most Muslims are not jihadists; they may see the non-Muslim as an infidel but won't resort to violence to defeat him . Yes, Muslim believers pose no threat to American cultural norms and legal structures as long as their numbers remain small. Yes, every Muslim citizen should be afforded the rights due to all Americans regardless of their religion.
The $100 million mosque however, represents more than religious freedom. Named the "Cordoba House," it is meant to recall the great Cordoba Mosque built in Cordoba, Spain in 784 after the Muslim conquest (and etch it forever in the West's historical memory). The Cordoba House in New York (which assuredly will function as a mosque) is meant to broadcast to the world that the destruction of the Twin Towers was a victory for jihad.
It's a perverse twist to a practice that Christians hold dear: Some ground is sacred and must reference God to make sense of the events that took place on it.
Sacred ground is more easily understood by European Christians than their American counterparts (the relative youth of America may have something to do with this). Some events are so catastrophic, or prove to be so historically significant, that they transcend the categories we normally employ to explain them. These events must reference something higher to make sense to us; they must appeal to something outside of ourselves that can explain paradox or recognize great moral courage or even reconcile inhuman suffering.
America has places of holy ground, even though most Americans, while drawn to those places and often deeply moved by their visits to them, don't always grasp that the sacred character of those places is what moves them. Appomattox, where the American Civil War ended with Lee's surrender to Grant, is one such place. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor comes to mind. Ellis Island is another. There are surely more.
The secularists don't see it that way of course. But their blindness (which must inevitably default to perceiving these question only in legal categories) is the result of an a priori rejection of the sacred dimension of life.
You can think of secularism as merely a long layover from one city to the next, although this trip takes a few centuries instead of hours. Secularism is not strong or deep enough to sustain a culture. It can't and won't hold. Secularism lives off the religious heritage of Christianity (and Judaism before it), and if Christendom ceases to be Christian the secularist will end up embracing Islam .
The Muslims understand this. Some Christians do too. That is why building a mosque represents not, as some Americans think, an example of American tolerance towards "religious belief," but the continuing desacralizing of American culture under the rubric of tolerance.
If the mosque is built, we will see the slow but certain drift to referencing 9-11 to the god of Mohammed rather than the God of Abraham. And if we drift far enough, religious freedom will die and so will the political and cultural freedoms that are its progeny.
-----
Fr. Johannes L. Jacobse is an Orthodox priest living in Naples, Fl. Fr. Jacobse edits the website Orthodoxy Today and is President of the American Orthodox Institute .
- - -
Deacon Keith Fournier asks that you join with us and help in this vital mission by sending this article to your family, friends, and neighbors and adding our link (www.catholic.org) to your own website, blog or social network. Let us broadcast, we are PROUD TO BE CATHOLIC!
Rate This Article
69 Comments
Leave a Comment
More U.S. News
- A Catholicism of Resistance: Archbishop Charles Chaput's Prophetic Voice
- Dr. Patrick Lee: 'A Catholic Speaks at the Glenn Beck Restoring Honor Rally'
- President says it's time to 'turn the page' in Iraq
- Homosexual couples can't get divorced in Texas
- North Carolina, Virginia batten down for hurricane
- Gunman shot dead in standoff at Discovery Channel
- Poverty programs serve one in six Americans
- Glenn Beck's Rally to 'Restore Honor' Gathers Half a Million Americans, Makes History
- After Hurricane Katrina - Restoring the Soul of a City
Featured News
- Pope Extols Hildegard of Bingen, Example to Women, all who Exercise True Spiritual Gifts
- Gunman shot dead in standoff at Discovery Channel
- North Carolina, Virginia batten down for hurricane
- Mexican cartel leader could be extradited to the U.S.
- Dr. Patrick Lee: 'A Catholic Speaks at the Glenn Beck Restoring Honor Rally'
- Interview with Carmelite Priest: All Are Called to Authentically Christian Mysticism
- Mystery and excitement surround new Apple gadgets
- Alaskan senator concedes defeat to Pro-Life, Tea Party supported opponent
- Christian Call to Generosity: Giving, Even When It Hurts
Video »
Newsletter Sign Up »
Daily Readings »
Reading 1, 1 Cor 3:18-23
There is no room for self-delusion. Any one of you who thinks he is wise by worldly standards must learn to be a fool ... Read all
Gospel, Lk 5:1-11
Now it happened that he was standing one day by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to ... Read all
Most Popular »
Featured Book
PAUL: Tarsus to Redemption (Vol. 2)
In Volume 2 of this comic book series, Paul has returned from years of solitude in the desert ready to begin his epic mission to ... Featured Product
Artificial Christmas Trees & Christmas Lights
Shop for premium Artificial Christmas Trees, Christmas lights, Fontanini collectibles and Nativity Sets, Valencia Religious Gifts ... 
Post & Read News Release from around the world
Read the most widely used Roman Catholic Bible
Sports News and Articles from Around the Globe
Balancing a healthy family and life
Interested in a better tomorrow?
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Find a prayer to help in times of difficulty
Is Obama planning to limit our religious freedom?
My vocation allows me to give my heart and myself
Browse for your favorite Saint
Primacy of Truth over Power: A Man for this Season
Visit daily Readings and Psalms
Respond to the Pope's Call to the Internet
Great to see an article on this important topic!
A church at Mecca in exchange would be fitting? But look what is happening in Rome. In Rome's Main Mosque, One Imam Is Calling for Jihad Incendiary sermons are being preached to the Muslims in the pope´s diocese. And this is no isolated case - the mosques are in the hands of Islamic radicals by Sandro Magister ...........And the things said in the Rome mosque are no small matter. The sermon of June 6, 2003, culminated with the following invocations, interspersed with the "Amen"s of the congregation: "O Allah, grant victory to the Islamic fighters in Palestine, Chechnya, and elsewhere in the world! O Allah, destroy the homes of the enemies of Islam! O Allah, help us to annihilate the enemies of Islam! O Allah, make firm everywhere the voice of the nation of Islam!"
Good Day, I'm very confused as a result of the comment made by Fr. Johannes L. Jacobse on the difference between the "Islamic" God and the "Christian" God: "If the mosque is built, we will see the slow but certain drift to referencing 9-11 to the god of Mohammed rather than the God of Abraham." Is it not the teaching of the Holy Roman Catholic Church that the faith of Islam also serves the one true God? The following from the Secod Vatican Council makes it quite clear that it indeed does: "The Church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in himself; merciful and all-powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even his inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. (Nostra Aetate 3) I thus humbly ask what is the purpose and validity of this article? Surely, based on the teachings of the Church, it is quite irrelevant and is more of a political comment that a religious one.
Tolerance: For us to have our Churches others have to have their mosques.
No Mosque please. Why not these politicians and authorities plan on building a church. I assume they might be thinking, "OH NO BUILDING A CHURCH IS POLITICALLY INCORRECT". Building a Mosque will be an insult for the people who died in the 9-11 attacks. This is common sense.
Okay, what fire chief is going to approve the fire inspection of the building. Who in New York City will work contructing this thing.It's not going to happen.
America, I defended it for 29 years of my life believing that I fought for God, our Country's defense, and Freedom of the oppressed...our American Flag stands for this. Our founding fathers fought for freedom of religion among other values of God the Father Almighty. Religions that don't have God and His Most Holy Son Jesus Christ our Lord at the forefront are for us Americans to try to convert. President Obama, freedom of religion, based on our founding fathers' values of God and not freedom of "worship" are the correct words you as President should adhere to. A Mosque next to 9/11 is like putting a Terrorist training camp right across the street from the White House. What an insult! Why do you words that are alllowing our great Country to fall from grace? Pray Pray Pray as I pray for you Mr. President.
While I agree that no mosque should ever be built in NYC, at "ground zero" or anywhere else for that matter; and while I agree that Islam should be turned back at every opportunity because it represents a threat to what the West has traditionally stood for; and while I agree that the idea of building a mosque in this place in Manhattan is a political affront, I simply cannot agree with the notion that the place constitutes "holy ground." In fact, I think the use of such terminology in this case is flirting with blasphemy, ditto for Pearl Harbor and American CIvil War battlefields. American Catholics have simply got to learn to stop wrapping the Cross in an American flag a la Protestant America (and, yes, I am aware that the author is Orthodox and not Protestant, but his proposal smacks of the confusion that has reigned in Prostestant American circles for far too long, of blasphemy like the repugnant Protestant tune The Battle Hymn of the Republic).
In my opinion, this mosque project sounds like an attempt to add salt to the mortal wound inflicted on the United States on 9/11. I'm quite sure that Obama will begin pushing hard on this project, just as he has with abortion, gay marches, and the closing of the terrorist prison in Cuba. Father Johannes, I totally agree with your position on this matter. May all of us see through the smoke screen, and refuse to have this sacred ground violated!
I find it sad that so many Roman Catholics fail to see the important message that is proclaimed by the Holy Roman Catholic Church. What occurred on 9/11 was indeed horrific, but for Roman Catholics to preach hostility and intolerance is for me unacceptable. Saint Augustine put it himself: ""Love men, slay error; without pride be bold in the truth, without cruelty fight for the truth."-- Augustine of Hippo, prescribing sincerest love for the erring with keen repugnance for the error to which they cling, anticipating the very definition of true civic tolerance, as detailed in the article Religious Toleration." What is wrong with having a mosque, a place of worship to the one true God, in the vicinity of ground zero? If we were to follow such reasoning there would be countless sites in Europe (Portugal and Spain for example) where a mosque should never be built as a result of the horrors that occurred in the past..... I fully believe that to be so intolerant of another's beliefs equates Catholicism to any other protestant religion - something that we Catholics are very defensive about. I pray that we may open our hearts fully to the Love of Christ and the teachings of the True Church by loving and respecting all as is demanded.
in principle there my not be anytjing wrong in building a worshipping place for Muslims on the Zero ground. But it surely is improper for a nation to permit it on the place where thousands of citizens were killed by terrorists who believed in the destruction of a nation and a religion. However Americans follow a foolish brand of secularism and live. Ultimate result will be like the friendly lamb devoured and eatenby the lion Will America have courage to ask Saudi Arabia to give freedom of religion and worship in that country ? Even gathering of christians for prayer is not permitted Will America listen ?
I am all for tolerance. Therefore if the Muslim proponents would allow a Christian Church on the Holy Mt in Jerusalem, I would also welcome a Muslim place of worship near ground zero. Of course it is assuming that non violence would be preached in both Churchs. The God of both faiths preaches love not hate. Let us not forget that as the jihads have seemed to forgot. Peace to all!
John, it's not about being intollerant of Islam, it's about understanding the nature and history of Islam and addressing the realities. This is not covered in the PC main stream media. Muslims can build a mosque in Rome, but Christians cannot build a church in Mecca. In fact, persecution and intollerance against Christians (and other religions) is common in Muslim countries. I encourage you to read about it here: http://www.persecution.com/public/restrictednations.aspx?clickfrom=bWFpbl9tZW51. I also encourage you to learn more about Islam and how its doctrines compare to Chritianity. This is a fascinating and very easy read: http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Fisher/Topical/index.htm
John, It may be that the article does not belong on a Catholic website. Fr. Johannes, as you may know, is an Eastern Orthodox priest. Vatican II is not at all relevant to his thinking. If the Roman Catholic Church wants to assert that the God of Islam is the God of Abraham, it's fine by me. However, either Muhammad made up the Quran, or a demon revealed it to him, or it did indeed come from God. If it came from God, then this surah, called Ikhlas (aka Tawhid) also came from God, " . . . He does not beget, nor is He begotten, and there is nothing remotely like Him." Since Islam teaches that it has superceded a corrupted Christianity, that Christ was not divine in any sense, that He was not crucified, that Christians and Jews should be subjugated and reduced to second or third class citizens, etc., it seems to many of us that either the Vatican II statement either does not take Islam at its word, or in any case seriously at all, or it is in error.
John, there is nothing hostile about our response. To cry "intolerance" is to marginalize our own religion, for it seeks not tolerance of all but tolerance only of a certain few. Are jihads tolerant of us? They want to kill each and every one of us, including me, and including you. We are free to advocate our own religious beliefs (supposedly), and as such it is only natural that we, as Catholics, would prefer to see a church built or the land left alone than a mosque built on land brought to ruin by extremists of that very religion that the mosque is built to worship. It is an entirely sensible and understandable position and there is absolutely nothing hostile about it. Do not create panic where panic does not exist, and do not cry wolf when no wolf is present. If you are going to be a man of "tolerance" how about you "tolerate" me and my fellow Traditional Catholics? The truth emerges clearly and at a fairly rapid rate that tolerance is just as one sided as the next man's comment offering an argument on his own behalf.
And for the record John, the message of the Holy Roman Catholic Church is not tolerance. Pope Benedict specifically and literally speaks out against tolerance almost on a regular basis. Tolerance is the message of the secularist Left, NOT the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Tolerance is incompatible with truth. That quote by St. Augustine is not even close to advocating tolerance. Instead if advocates peaceful pursuit of the truth. Tolerance masks the truth, and adheres to relativism in saying "anything goes and all ways are correct." If we defend the Church, we defend truth, and that is why many of us believe so ardently what we profess. If you do not believe that the way of Jesus Christ is the only one true way of reaching salvation, the only one truth, then you have weak faith, and are not embracing the blatant message Christ himself taught, and you do obviously do not believe that the Lord is who he says he is.
John, I think you are miss using the word intolerance. Intolerance is when you discriminate without provocation or reason. In this case the reason is that a mosque maybe be built disrespectfully close to Ground Zero. Is has nothing to do with what the Muslims believe. If someone were to attempt to build a gun shop in an area there was a school shooting for the same reason that it would be entirely disrespectful. I'm not saying that Islam should be banned, what I am saying is that why are these individuals trying to build a mosque in this area when they have all of New York to choose from. No it is not intolerance that is guiding us to prevent the construction of this mosque, but rather it is the refusal to accept the disrespectful nature of the location of the mosque.
We either have religious liberty or we do not. While I think this move lacks a lot of sensitivity on the part of the NY muslim community, it's within their right to do it. Mark my words, if we allow our federal/state/local government to begin controlling religious expression, it will be used against us next. I am really confused why this article was posted. It makes this site lose a lot of credibility in my opinion. Maybe they can do an article discussing what Christ meant when He said to love our enemies.
Rob, it is easy to love your enemies if you are not being hurt by them.Try loving them when you loved ones are being slaughter. Peace !
It shames me that my fellow Amercian Catholics are discriminating against those of the Muslim faith. Yes, there were Muslim extremists that attacked us by flying planes into buildings on September 11th. But the talk of if we let them build a Mosque two blocks away from Ground Zero if they let us build a church in Mecca is retarded. Ground Zero is not Holy Land. And the last time I checked, we don't suppress freedom of religion. It sickens me when my fellow Americans forget that. I don't hate the Muslims. There is no room in my heart for hate. It is said to see my fellow Christians forgetting about the love of Christ and giving into the hatred that consumes their hearts and souls. Those who would give in to that hate should look long and hard into their hearts and pray for guidance.
Newt Gingrich said it right, As soon as Saudi Arabia will allow Christian Churches built in their country, then we can allow mosques built in ours. ABSOLUTELY NO TO BUILDING A MOSQUE AT GROUND ZERO. CAN WE BUILD A CHURCH IN MECCA? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Rob, you (and all Americans for that matter) really need to learn about the history and theology of Islam before making such a comment. No freedom is absolute and that pertains to religion as well. If your "religion" is to persecute other religions, then I'm sorry, that cannot be allowed. When I hear people repeat what you just said, I want to scream because they obviously do not understand the history and true nature of Islam. They have not bothered to read one book or do any research. They just repeat the ridiculous PC nonsense in the media. Well, that's not good enough to understand this problem. Here's a fact: there is no freedom of religion in Muslim dominated countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran. Islam is NOT tolerant. Everywhere Islam has come to dominate can be described as harsh and unpleasant, especially for women. Other postings above reference excellent web sites clearly spelling this out. I encourage everyone to educate themselves and stop buying the PC nonsense.
Tolerance #2: If they ban our churches in the middle east...then let them build their mosques here.A example of the true religion that we are not petty as they are.
I really enjoyed this article, but as a new catholic was saddened to see so many liberal catholics attacking Fr. Johannes for simple stating the truth. I do not know were John learned his faith, but I for one have never heard that Christians and Muslims worship the same God the Father. From what little I know of the Muslim faith there is no way we are worshiping the same God
The Roman Catholics are peace loving people who believes in religious pluralism.The banishment of mosques around the ground zero area would only incite tensions and future problems between Muslims and Christians around the city.Let us bury the hatchet and leave no room for hatred and vengeance in our hearts because war is very ugly.No more war! War never again!
Putting a mosque this close to ground zero would be the same as putting a monument honoring Hitler at Auschwitz; putting a monument honoring Tojo and Hirohito at Pearl Harbor, or putting monuments honoring Harry Truman in Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
To Rob and others: I do not believe that love equals permissiveness; in fact, I believe it is just the opposite in that we are called to help all men and women come to fully respect their neighbor and do what is in the best eternal interest of the neighbor. How is building a Muslim mosque on this site a message of love? I equate that with forcing a woman who was raped to live next door to her rapist's family. We would never think that was "compassionate" or "love." Furthermore, I do not believe that "tolerance" means to let people do whatever they want, especially when what they want can be so very hurtful to others. Where is the MUSLIM TOLERANCE? or compassion for that matter? I will defend their right to practice their religion, but not to erect what is essentially a "monument" and more close to where thousands were killed by men thinking they were serving that god by doing so!
Why do they need to build a mosque there? To rub salt in the wound. They must be out of their minds.
Greetings: Its me again.3rd Generation American Latino Roman Catholic New Republican A thought, when it comes to the Terrorist, they seem to be doing everything from, their point of View. On Sept.11, 2001 they used Airplanes. The first time they tried Trucks down under the Twin Towers, remember? To me: Mount Rushmore National Memorial is noted for its colossal busts of United States presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The memorial was established in 1925. Varying between 15 and 21 meters (between 50 and 70 feet) high, the massive portraits were carved in the granite face of the mountain from 1927 to 1941 under the direction of the sculptor Gutzon Borglum. If the Terrorist destroyed Mount Rushmore Would the People of America allow the Muslims People build a Mosque and school there? And yet, The Muslim proposal to build a mosque two blocks from Ground Zero…So as to enlighten the people of America. Will they allow Us to Build our Churches in their countries? This brings me to the Buddhs in Afghanistan, The Terrorist Destroyed IT!Enlighten? The Statue of Liberty and Las Vegas are not as much a Treasure as our Government (The Body) the World Trade Twin Towers (The Arms) Mount Rushmore National Memorial of United States presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt (The Face) This part of letter is where PresidentBush , Got “Freedom is not free!” Our Monuments and Buildings are not as Temporal as people. Their Life can be seen by generations to come. The Twin Towers are far more important than temporal beings, which are here for only a short time. Those buildings should be rebuild and covered in Golden Glass with the Great Seals on each doors entrance. The Twin Towers Equals Capitalism, Capitalism equals Freedom and Freedom equal America. And as the Crusaders use to say, Not only in the Bright Days, The Dark Days as well Sometimes you must defend your religion and sometime you must fight for you religion and sometime you must kill for you religion and sometimes you must die for your religion. IN HOC SIGNO VINCES Not only in the Bright Days, The Dark Days as well Sometimes you must defend your Freedom and sometime you must fight for you Freedom and sometime you must kill for your Freedom and sometimes you must die for your Freedom. Freedom is not free! God Bless America and Republican Government and our Troops And The Poeple Lost on Sept.11, 2001.Forever! Amen. Aug.12.Thursday 2004 Antonio
I agree with you John. I for one do not see much legitimacy in this article. Both tolerance AND forgiveness is essential to our Catholic faith. There is no justifiable reason, in my mind, for us to keep anyone from building a mosque near ground zero other than fear. Just because extremists of the faith did something terrible to our country, should we condemn the whole faith? This parallels the situation in Genesis when God was to destroy Sodom...but spared it saying that even if one righteous person inhabited the town, he would spare it. We are to look on the Muslims with mercy because they, just as ourselves, are created in the image and likeness of God. To say that our faith is NOT of tolerance is not fully understand the Gospel message. We are to imitate Christ, the source of our salvation...and salvation history is NOTHING BUT tolerance towards humanity. If we do not tolerate those who offend us, we do not deserve to be tolerated either...condemning ourselves to eternal fire. To clear up Vatican teaching on the Islamic faith, here is an excerpt from Lumen Gentium (Vatican II) "But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Mohamedans, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God, for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things, and as Saviour wills that all men be saved."
Thank you Niru for your understanding and support. It all boils down to one thing really: As Roman Catholics, do we completely believe in the infallibility of the teachings of the One True Church, or do we give into the reasonings of the teachings of the world? There should be no space for doubt but a complete embracement of the teachings of Christ and that of His Church on Earth. We must learn to forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ, even if it is the case that they may not believe in Him. After all, Christ did not teach us to only love those who believe in Him, it was quite clear: "Love one another as I have loved you." ---- John 15:12. I implore all to fully understand the infallible teachings of the Church and incorporate it into their daily lives --- no matter what any other religion may say to be their version of the truth.
Tolerance #3: As Miss Oatnul has replied this will lead to more hatred and prejudice.If they purchased the land and have proper documents then they can build on it whatever they like. If it was a Mega Church would any one care? Evangelicals are far more dangerous to Christianity than Islam.But we need not fear Islam or Rich Warren as the Catholic faith is the true faith and lies can never stand up to truth for long.
First ask the Saudi Govt. to sanction freedom of religion and worship in Saudi. In all Muslim nations they kill christians accusing them of blasphemy. When Mohammed has not agreed for violence on other religions, the Muslims in Iran, Iraq etc are trying to drive away all christians. Are Americans dumb and deaf ? If Ground Zero ia allowed to have mosque, it will serve as the foundation of their"STHAN" like Pakisthan, Afghanistan etc
Although I agree with the intention of the article, but on the different reason--out of the respect to those who lost their loved ones in the event, I sense the "an-eye-for-an-eye" policy and mentality here, esp. among the commentators. I do, however, believe that the ground zero should be left for memorial purposes. Truly as Christians, we must show tolerance, but allowing a mosque to be built in proximity may provoke anger and discordance. Lastly, upon finishing the article, I noticed 2 points: 1) God of Abraham and God of Mohammed reference and 2) American and Christian culture. Questions then arose. Isn't the God of both names mentioned the same God? What makes us Christians is that we follow Christ; Muslims, Mohammed. Theologies differ, but still the same God is revered. American culture is not really Christian culture. If they are, the Church would not have problems preaching Christian values and we should see more Americans love God and one another as their owns. I believe Christians nowadays forget that the value that makes us different than other religions is love. Speak and express out of love first, and all will follow.
As Christians have we learned nothing from Jesus' teachings? We live in America a land of religious freedom. Have any of you who are against the Mosque investigated the proximity of the Mosque to ground zero? It's two blocks away. I think some uninformed think it will be part of the memorial complex. Are you all under the impression that every Muslim is a terrorist? Have we not learned from historoy that every German is not a Nazi every Italian is not a Facist. Let's re-examine this issue. Let's be sure that we make the right choices and regard our Muslim sisters and brothers as we would our Christian sisters and brothers, people who want to worship God.
Nirhu & John, so then let me understand you. We should welcome, with open arms, a religion who by their actions continue to persecute Christians in their native land? We should welcome a religion which refuses to allow a church to be built in Saudi Arabia or Iran? I know there are kind Muslims out there, but they are obviously not calling the shots. Do you think the people who are in charge are nice, tolerant people we can work with? This is breathtakingly naive. Being Catholic does not mean you accept accept and condone poor behavior in the name of "tolerance". We are called to speak the truth. Here it is: Islam is not tolerant. Not all Muslims are terroists, but there are certainly enough Muslim terrorists out there to steer the religion in frightening directions. There are absolute rights and wrongs. This is wrong. One religion persecuting others is wrong and a message needs to be sent - or we will one day find ourselves in a very undesirable situation.
As a former teacher of morality, I understand that what makes something "right" is more than just the object or action itself. For a person, their intent/motive also factors into whether or not the action is right before God. Circumstances only modify the goodness or badness of the action, but do not make it fundamentally right or wrong. So, from an objective Christian view, there should be no problem with allowing a mosque to be built. The problem comes in when one examines the circumstances and the motives (and I would add, the history of the Muslim religion over the course of history). First, ground zero is also a cemetary. Many died there and we were not able to recover all of the remains. They were killed by admittedly extremist factions within the religion, but those factions are actually quite large and build on tenets within the faith. They are also gaining ground in many parts of the world and are fairly established in others (remember the Ayatola Khomeini in Iran during Carter's administration?). Because it is a cemetary, I think having any building within a fairly close proximity to it that reminds the families, friends and citizens of New York of the group responsible for the killings is an assault on their emotions and psychological well-being. How is that loving, kind and sensitive to their needs? Why doesn't the Muslim community acknowledge this? Minimally they should acknowledge that despite their claimed motive of trying bring healing and understanding, that the real effect could be much different and actually do just the opposite. Secondly, the imam that is spurring/financing the building of this mosque seems to be in the more radical segment of the faith. It is not enough to look at his recent language about why he wants the mosque built, for this kind of language is cheap. When one looks at the bigger picture over time of his beliefs - both spoken and written, his agenda and true motives become suspect, even possibly harmful to Americans and our way of life. Since the real motives of this particular group cannot be fairly determined because of the mixed messages that have been sent, and true damage to the health and welfare of innocent citizens has happened under this type of philosophy/faith, it would be better to err on the side of protecting citizens and not build the mosque. Finally, while it is not at ground zero, 2 blocks is close proximity. Why is it so essential to this Muslim group to build it so close? Can they not fulfill their stated intention several miles away? I would think so, but because they are so insistent that it be built at this location, it makes me very suspect of their intentions and motives. I do not think that it should be allowed for these many reasons I have stated. Good job Father Jacobse!
Very well put, Jennifer! I only hope people take the time to read your comments. They are right on target!
Tolerance#4 To John D....Yes you have to accept those that persecute us..."Do good to those who persecute and hate you..." Oh who said that? Some left winger maybe? It all comes down to this: Not every Islam follower is responsible for 9-11 just as not every Catholic is responsible for Northern Ireland terrorism. If we are to freely celebrate our faith with out intimidation from the government or outside sources,then it goes for all...ESPECIALLY those with whom we disagree.
Antonio,,right on my man..our school lost 12 at this place and I had 8 of those former students...fireman,policemen etc...this is a vile in your face proposition! To even entertain such thoughts is bad enough..like putting a big Macs on Mount Calvary. The mayor of NYC bought his job since he is a millionaire and thus simply has no feelings for anyone but himself. A human barricade of indignant citizens should block this huge insult to decency and common sense. when the nut house is run by the inmates well..check the soup before you take a sip.......
I have read the comments and have noted that many have given sincere but what I believe misguided comments in favor of this mosque mainly because they're viewing Islam through Christian eyes and that is one big mistake. Much is said about sensibilities but wasn't it not too long ago when the Moslems in Europe and the world threw their usual tantrums over a cartoon depicting Mohammed saying how offended they were while issuing a fatwa to kill the cartoonist? Didn't some in Arab Moslem cities dance in the streets over 9/11? We hear them speak often referring to Allah The Merciful but unlike Christianity, Islam does not define mercy in the real sense and expresses it only basically to Moslems as non-Moslems, according to the Koran are already condemned to Hell and referred to as kafirs, which is something like a cow. Islam also, unlike the other world religions does not have a general recognition of humankind in general such as, if I was to kill a large number of innocent Moslems I would be condemning myself in my religion before God by violating the commandment Thou shalt not kill. The terrorist Moslems who flew the planes into the buildings, killing many, can still be viewed in Islam as good Moslems with the right to enter Paradise as long as they fulfill the five pillars of Islam. It is strange that they have several chapters on Marian (the Blessed Mother of Jesus )in which she is referred to,by Fatima (Mohammed's daughter) as the greatest woman ever born, but yet there is no explanation why she's the greatest. I truly hope that those who are not informed (I'm no expert) would take the time to check out from the library a copy of the Koran and read it. It will open your eyes.
Denial of a place like Ground Zero is not an " Eye for Eye" Christ said that if your enemy slaps you on your left cheek, show your right cheek also. This has a sacred meaning , that is a divine lesson of love and forgiveness to the enemy. It does not mean that you should get slapped till you die. Here the experience shows the perpetuation of intolerance by one community. Is there democracy in any of the Muslim nation ? Except for avenging or killing people in the name of God, what are the works of mercy and love to the human beings, the creation of God ?Why Iraq, Iran, Pakistan Afghanistan etc are driving away christians ? If Ground Zero goes to them, America can expect an Osama at the top , may be within five or ten years
I do have mixed feelings about this proposal to construct a mosque only two blocks from Ground Zero. I feel for the non-militant believers of Islam. However, I am very concerned about the history of the intented name for this mosque; the history of non terroristic jihad; and most of all, for my brothers and sisters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Decisions are not always easy; many decisions do not please all people. In this regard, I say NO to this mosque and maybe I would change my mind if they Saudi Arabia was to build a church or synagogue.
While I have my doubts about the intentions of this mosque, this article is blatantly Islamophobic. The great Islamist conspiracy only exists witht the Islamists, that is, the fundamentalist Muslims. They make up a minority of Muslims around the world. Other Muslims distust them, for a good reason. Yet you mistrust them simply because they are of the same religion as the nuts. Then you claim that ordinary Muslims are not making their voices heard about the fundies. Yet you people hate it when the Church apologizes for the Inquisition or the Crusades. And you support the clergy who covered up the sex scandal. Very hypocritical. And then there's the other usual nonsense: America is a Christian nation, we practice religious tolerance. Nonsense. America is a secular nation (which is not the same as atheist or agnostic, as this article implies), always has been. And we practice religious FREEDOM, which is very different from religious tolerance.
Ok, so I want to make sure that I follow the logic on some of these arguments. Because a majority of the Islamic countries are not tolerant of other faiths then I should be just as intolerant? I should judge the intentions of all Muslims because of a bad history or because of the horrific actions of a few? That is no different than our Catholic faith being judged by the actions of a few pedophile priest or some statements by outlandish liberal Catholic theologians. But opinions aside, please provide me the Chruch document or reference in the CCC that supports your position. As for the comment regarding my family members being slaughtered, please do not make comments like that assuming you know anything about the person you are making them to or the events that have transpired in their life. I know that pain all too well. But I'll sit back and wait for someone to provide the Church teachings for the positions that are being espoused.
Reading several of the Comments along with the Article, I can only add that we know the significance of Ground Zero; we also know the history of Mosques--including where and why they are built....(It has been said that there already 100 in NY--Is that true?) Yes, the Muslims believe in Allah; supposedly, the God of Abraham. I say "supposedly," because the Muslims' allegiance is at least primarily to the Koran--not the OT Bible and certainly not to the NT teaching of Jesus which is contrary to the "JIHAD" approach to converting peoples. Yes, we had the Crusades and Pope JP II apologized....But weren't the crusades the result of Muslim militant invasions and the imposition of Sharia on Christians?....I It is also my understanding of history that the motivation of the Crusades was not the conquest of the world for Christ, but, basically, self-defense. The Muslim JIHAD expression of "faith" in the "One God" barely resembles the OT expression, let alone the NT--nor the Crusades. It seems to me that Pope JP II was expressing something of a simplistic (meaning "one-dimensional") approach to the Muslim belief in the One God--in order to, perhaps, "by all means save some" of them (something like St. Paul in 1Cor 9:20-23). Religion is the basis of JIHAD. In the USA, we have not quite so gravely suffered physical persecution for "religion" as have some other countries--until 9/11.... But knowing what we do now about radical Islam--even if the number of Muslim "extremist" is "small," the effects of that "extremism" are increasingly manifesting themselves, now, within our Borders and the potential for greater devastation and killings is high. (We do know the history of the Imam behind the push to build in the area of Ground Zero and the traditional symbolism of buildings where they worship.) A few weeks ago, I heard a Muslim convert to Christianity explain radical Islam... and I'm inclined to believe we are very naive--if we think this new "move" of covert radical Islamists is insignificant. This is not just a "political" matter--it touches matters of "freedom of religion" (not "from" religion), freedom to practice religion in public and private, including faith and morals, and our very lives! But there is something else going on here....
John & Nuri, In 1979, I was very proud of my priest for speaking out strongly against fellow Americans who committed hate crimes and various acts of harrassment and discrimination against all Muslims in this country in the aftermath of the Iranian hostage crisis. I also believe in recent papal overtures to the Islamic world calling for peace, dialog AND RECIPROCITY. So, I am happily progressive and therefore both anti-reactionary AND anti-liberal (just as being truly orthodox means being opposed to fundamentalism and its distortions). Let's be careful not to confuse gospel love and forgiveness with muddled p.c. concepts of tolerance. We must accept and treat all with dignity, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. However, forgiveness does not and cannot mean ignoring unreformed behavior. I have forgiven people who have hurt me and others in our community, but I don't entrust to them certain responsibilities they have proven that they are not ready for; I have to consider the other members of the community and the common good and not just what they (those who have caused injury in the past) want. With a fraternal spirit, I constantly look with hope for signs of maturity and I will certainly give them another chance, AFTER they have grown up in their attitudes and behavioral patterns. So, treat the Muslims from Cordoba House as little brothers and say "no" until we know they are acting in good faith and do, in fact, renounce Islamic triumphalism and the spirit of conquest. I'm sure you wouldn't tolerate triumphalistic words from Catholics, John, so it would be hypocritical (or insane) to allow triumphalistic actions from Muslims.
Cant believe the bigotry and intolerance expressed in this article and some of these comments. If you want religious freedom for yourself you had better support it for others. The idea that a mosque in Lower Manhatten is somehow an "affront" is absurd. What's next ban American consulates in Hiroshima? Or perhaps Catholic churches in London because of Guy Fawkes. By the way Im a conservative Catholic.
Forgive me I've if I'm wrong but I can't recall any christian groups cutting off people's head on vidoeo's that get posted on youtube. Crusades might have been diffirent but have we not advanced since then? Of course in my ignorance I could be wrong? But I also can't recall Jesus saying that you will mutilate other human beings in his glory. If your God says that killing other people is sound; well fine but I know the God I would rather meet when I am exposed by the reality of death and humility and regret of judgement. Jesus suffered for us not only to save us from us our sins but to show he knew our predicament. Jesus offered a new convenant; kill or hurt no-one as it was an affront to God and his creation. i.e.me and you thus saying he emphasised with us.) To say that a religion has advanced on his sayings of true humility when it pronounces judgement by people (i.e iman's beset by personal and regional interest) is trully flawed if you accept God is all merciful. The OT is full of quotations' asking people NOT to pass judgement but to allow his machinary to do such a thing as only he can pass true justice and not to ask why and when. Jesus did not question that , he just said he fulfiiled everything that had being said. Jesus was meek and mild when asked but also he was quick to dismiss affronts to God's authority when occassions provoked him. I believe that although the mosque proposal is trying to engender forgiveness and tolerance, it will ultimately backfire and do the opposite. Obama thinks this may be correct but obviously he does not understand the current hurt and loss people are suffering. He believes he understands the American mind but as a man of obvious seclular conviction (with all his cronies and underlings who surfed in on his ticket), he does not. What he does think in his arrogance, is that he can supply all the answers. He can't. Don't think that will work personally. All the best to all.
Do you think Allah and our God are the same?
So I guess there should be no churches built in Northern Ireland then?
Lest there be any misunderstanding of what I wrote above, as a general principle, we should not oppose the building of mosques (even if Muslims in Islamic countries do not reciprocate ... although a failure to reciprocate on their part would be an important measure of their level of maturity, respectfulness, and good will--or lack there of). However, general principles do admit of exceptions. There are rational concerns regarding the _particular_ group of Muslims associated with Cordoba House. THAT specific group of Muslims does have something to prove. Their lack of transparency, triumphalistic symbolism, and possible jihadist motives require further scrutiny rather than unquestioning support. At the same, time we should not and must not approach all Muslims this way, ONLY ones that behave suspiciously, as has Cordoba House. Yes, Muslims worship the same God but their understanding of Him is less complete. Also, Mohammed is prophet, but in a mitigated sense. The words of prophets must be discerned and refracted against the larger revelatory Tradition. Mohammed's were never fully subjected to proper scrutiny by Muslims the way prophets were in the Jewish or Christian communities. Part of the problem is that Mohammed presumed to judge the Tradition itself rather than allow himself to be judged by it. Mohammed as a divinely sanctioned religious leader appears to be more in the mold of the Hebrew judges rather than belonging squarely in the stream of classical prophets, He did receive at least a partial authentic revelation and was likely divinely elected to deliver the Arabs from polytheistic paganism (i.e., the ones not already Christian or Jewish). However, Mohammed overstepped his mandate as a judge (-prophet?) and imposed his less complete monotheism outside the Arabian peninsula in realms already evangelized by more mature monotheistic faiths (albeit traditions in a state needing reform -- Islam's rationalization for domination & conquest until it, too, proved to be in need of ongoing reform). Islam certainly has a positive & constructive role to play in God's plan & provision for redeeming fallen humanity, but a more modest one than what Muslims have imagined it to be.
Our brotherhood embaces all, whose Father is the same. Do not leave room in your heart for anything but love for yor neighbor. Why concern yourself with these things father, when you have important work to do. Love your brother, most of all those you cause you such anxiety. In all of them is the face of God. Do not segregate, or judge. Be an example of Christianity. Our faith is not threathened by a building, the intonations of another's prayers nor how anyone rewrites history. We are Catholic and we will live for ever because of our faith in God and our love for one another. Within you, from you, then to you must love grow, be given with the grace of our Lord. Amen
Mr. Ciliberto, the striving to be in an anxiety-free state by looking past everything around you is a necessary dimension of the contemplative life. Equanimity is a high virtue. Yet, as you mature as a mystic you will be able to cease drawing a false dichotomy between truth & love, and you will become sensitive to the need to discern, distinguishing properly between judgment and judgmentalism (the lack of which may also be a part of one's cultural conditioning as a post-modern American). May you also come to embrace the prophetic dimension of our faith and the responsibility that comes with it. Loving one's brothers and sisters is not an exercise in Quietism. That is not appropriate. Often, love--speaking the truth in love as the Scriptures admonish us to do--requires asking the hard questions we wish to avoid ... especially of those who give the appearance of acting in bad faith. Love is open to hearing what the other has to say for themselves and is eager to give the other the benefit of the doubt when reason makes this possible. Let Cordoba House explain itself and let us be fair, objective, and generous but, if necessary, protective.
I am a Christian, an American, apolitical & a union journeyman laborer of the building trades sector of the construction industry for over 22 years; in that order. In my opinion, nothing should be built at the Ground Zero site except perhaps a memorial to the people who lost their lives, the people who died trying to save them & the people who tried to save them who live with that day forever burned into their minds. The mosque would create work for my union brothers & sisters but there are better ways to make money instead of selling out. That Ground is Sacred to Americans-muslims (radical or not) did not originate in the United States and I'M SURE there are other places to build that mosque, community center, whatever it is.
I love the USA and her Christian history and traditions. I want the USA to remain a Christian nation, is that so wrong ? I don't want to sit around "tolerating" while Muslims are hitting the pavement trying to convert my Christian brother and sisters to their religion.
I do want to ask if someone can provide references in the CCC or other Church documents that support's the opinion given in this article. There are continued references to speaking the truth. I would like to start with that as the basis. Perhaps the website will provide that as a follow up to this article? This article is of the kind that I do believe deserves a well researched follow up. Everyone's opinions are great and have made me think, but what does our Church say about it?
Building a mosque will be the "desacralizing of American culture"? When did "American culture" become sacred? Which part? Is Elvis sacred? Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring"? How about a romantic comedy? A slasher movie? Gilligan's Island? All of these are part of American culture, which is a pretty broad brush, and it isn't sacred. The Eucharist is sacred. The sites involved with Jesus and the saints are sacred. Even though culture can be used by God, culture is one of Ceasar's things, and the culture of any nation is never sacred. To argue otherwise is idolatrous.
Rob, you may consult the Vatican website (www.vatican.va) and find a number of key documents. From Vatican II, we have the DECLARATION ON THE RELATION OF THE CHURCH TO NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS (a.k.a., NOSTRA AETATE). You may follow this up with REDEMPTORIS MISSIO, an encyclical by Pope John Paul II. I also recommend the book by Cdl. Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) entitled, TRUTH AND TOLERANCE (Ignatius Press). The Church actually teaches respect and cooperation based on religious freedom/religious liberty and freedom of conscience rather than on the concept of religious toleration, an inferior concept with a lot of liberal baggage that secularized Catholics cannot see through and frequently mistake for Gospel charity. The authentic Catholic understanding is actually much more demanding than the liberal notion.and is one which most orthodox Protestants should have no difficulty accepting as biblically sound.
Rob, also see Vatican II's DIGNITATIS HUMANAE (Of the Dignity of the Human Person) DECLARATION ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, ON THE RIGHT OF THE PERSON AND OF COMMUNITIES TO SOCIAL AND CIVIL FREEDOM IN MATTERS RELIGIOUS. This is also available at www.vatican.va. Helpful commentaries include "The Myth of Religious Tolerance" by Fr. Thomas Williams, availabe online at catholiceducation.org. See also the interview of Fr. Richard John Neuhaus by the title of: Vatican II, 40 Years Later: "Dignitatis Humanae" available at Zenit, the Catholic news service, http://www.zenit.org/article-8747?l=english. The late Fr. Neuhaus, a famous Lutheran scholar before he converted to Catholicism, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights era; he was probably America's most significant theologian of culture since John Courtney Murray and the Niebuhr brothers. Neuhaus thoughtfully challenges the notion of religious toleration in favor of religious freedom in said article. In it, you will find specific references to Islam, the significance of 9/11, and government infringement against religious freedom in the name of toleration.
Thanks for the references. I do plan on reading these documents, but for the sake of simplicity, these documents will address the issue of a government, in this case the US government and religious tolerance. My question is not the fact that as Catholics we shouldn't be unaware of agenda, motives etc. (I actually think we have enough issues to worry about than being overly concerned about Muslims...we seem to be hell bent on destroying ourselves without their help). So if I review these documents, I am going to find that the Church unequivocally states that our government should deny this application? Would folks opinions change if this request was for some other part of the country?
Rob, in short, what you will find is the case for principles favoring religious freedom (not religious toleration, which is a subversive ideological weapon and a potential weapon of state). However, as always, the need for prudential judgment still remains. YET, prudential judgment--and any necessary weighing of vartious principles in relation to, or even against, each othe--must NOT be invoked in order to justify putting any group of people, INCLUDING Muslim in general or any particular group of Muslims, into a no-win situation. So, even if there are some prudential reasons and/or any rights to be observed (e.g., those of 9/11 victims' families) that can justify denying Cordoba House's present application, they would be case specific. Only prejudice or fear would be able to fabricate/imagine a case based on Catholic teaching that would call for a blanket denial of the right for Muslims to build mosques in this or any other country. We should not accept the mentality that every mosque is a threat even if it turns out that there are sinister motives behind Cordoba House [if you know anything about the recent history of Saudi internal politics and the desperate strategy of buying off Wahabi jihadists.with bribes in the form of mosque-builiding & the setting up of the most fanatical preachers as well-paid imams for said mosques in the West, the possibility is not far-fetched since Cordoba House is being secretive about its funding]. So, yes, reasonable Americans and Christians can specifically challenge/question Cordoba House [and oppose the royal Saudi jihadist export program] but not all would-be mosque building programs. I will go one further: It is un-American and un-Catholic to automatically oppose all mosque-building.
I don't have time to read all the comments here, so my apologies if this is redundant (one can only hope)... "Clear thinking" Christians? I'm glad they're out there, but this viewpoint certainly doesn't represent that. Who says this particular sacred ground is sacred CHRISTIAN ground. Do you think the people who died there were only Christian? Perhaps it would be more appropriate for all faiths to be represented near ground zero as this mosque would represent the non-jihadist side of the Muslim faith. And what of all the other lands considered sacred ground to the Native Americans that the Christians who conquered and destroyed their culture built their churches upon? Well, maybe that's what your religion is so fearful of... KARMA?
Did someone say Karma? What a joke....
Dear John, your idea that we should not hate,shouldbe tolerant is really christian.. If some one inimicaltoyour way of life comes and occulies part of your house,do you like it ? Even taking it as a charitable act,if the occupier wants to teach you that your property and even your wife may be shared with him,what willyou do ? It is like that if followers of this religion occupies such Ground. Later Osamas will govern and you will have to vacate. Do you agree ?
Please read the following paragraphs with the understanding that these words are unaltered words from the Quran. (The Quran was written in Arabic, but like the Holy Bible, has been translated into English with the most popular and purportedly the most accurate being the Yusuf Ali translation from which these passages are quoted). Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for Allah does not love transgressors. 2:190 And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out, for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. 2:191 And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and let there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. 2:193 Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not. 2:216 Let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fights in the cause of Allah, - whether he is slain or gets victory soon shall We give him a reward of great value. 4:74 Etc Of the Unbelievers: "seize them and slay them wherever you find them: and in any case take no friends or helpers from their ranks." 4:89 …"for the Unbelievers are open enemies to you." 4:101 From those too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent to them: so We estranged them, with enmity and hatred between one and the other, to the Day of Judgment. And soon will Allah show them what they have done. 5:14 O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he among you that turns to them for friendship is of them. 5:51 Of the Jews: When in their insolence they transgressed all prohibitions, We said to them: "Be you apes, despised and rejected."7:166 "Many are the men We have made for Hell" 7:179 Remember your Lord inspired the angels with the message: "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: you smite them above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them." 8:12 Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah. Whatever you spend in the cause of Allah shall be repaid to you and you shall not be treated unjustly. 8:60 O Messenger! Rouse the Believers among you to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish two thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are people without understanding. 8:65 Then fight and slay the Pagans wherever you find them, seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem of war Fight them and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you to victory over them, heal the breasts of the Believers. 9:14 Fight those who do not believe in Allah … until they pay the Jizya with willing submission and feel themselves subdued. 9:29 Etc. In fact these acts are diametrically opposed to the teachings and writings of Jesus who affirmed the greatest commandment(s): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and all the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Mt. 22:37-40 Etc.
The question about the mosque at Ground Zero is an emotive one. We cannot help our feelings but we are Christians/Catholics. Following Christ is difficult but we cannot do it without him and the comforter, the Holy Spirit. This issue has psychological and political ramifications but as Christians/Catholics we are called by God to forgive.Our christianity should not be reactionary to the present climate of terrorism. We are called to love our enemies. Pope John Paul II apologised for the excesses of men who identified with the Catholic Faith in the historic persecution of the Jews and the slave trade. This issue for us is all about our Faith. Are we going to follow Jesus Christ and His Church or are we only Americans or Europeans who are fighting Islamic terrorism? We will always have enemies but are we a solution to the problems of the world or a big chunk of it? I will throw my lot in with Jesus Christ and the teaching of the Church. Forgive us our sins are we forgive those who sin against us even when it is humanly impossible. Christian morality is not possible without Christ.
A building of all faiths would be more appropriate. It would truly signify our oneness that we so adamantly proclaim.
Did,not the catholic church, also, denounce other religions, through out the world. In the name of God. And, decided it was not in accordance, with the catholic views, and proceeded to force the ideas on them? And tried to kill them, for not wanting to change. Example: the crusades, the Mayans, American Indians, and non catholics, in the country, and across the world. Seems, like everywhere the catholics went there, was death to all, who would not except, the churches views. For, I, believe that the catholic church, has done a jihad themselves.