 |
| People in support of the proposed Mosque near Ground Zero. They know what we all should do. |
Perhaps its because, especially during the period, religion is such a large part of our lives. Even if you profess that you don't believe. (I bet there have been times that you were so relieved that you said, "Oh thank God." and didn't even realize it.) In our modern society, we tend to not live by God's rules, more or less. Thinking that they are out dated and more suitable for times long past. (Myself included) After all, they way we behave now, while we believe in God, is the way that people have always been, we just don't hide it behind closed doors anymore. As Christians, and Americans, we have come to accept that. Muslims around the world are still coming to terms with it and trying to save the "traditional" values of their religion.
Sorry, I went slightly off topic, but still relevant I think. Why do many Americans have such a hard time with Muslims that it is turning into a nationwide hate? You see comments like, "You don't see Christians blowing up airplanes, or flying them into buildings." "The ones committing terrorism are Muslims." Or my personal favorite, "When was the last time you saw a non-Muslim terrorist?" While all of these statements are true, they are also designed to breed fear against all Muslims. They are generalities. And the last one, I can answer easily. The last terrorists that weren't Muslim were sponsored by the Communist nations of the world. When they fell, so did their funding to such groups. (Which incidentally, is where most modern terrorist groups got their start and initial training. Thanks Commies!) And a final reason, America as a whole is still angry with the events of 9/11. And most of them don't have anywhere to direct that anger, so they hit the easiest target they can that is associated with the terrorists that committed that act. American Muslims. No one has ever accused the American public of being overly intelligent. (In my opinion, the American public is getting stupider by the day.)
American Muslims, and Islamic leaders around the world, need to start, (and I hate to use this word but can't think of another), policing their own for these extremists. Just like we have to do within our own military when members get out of hand. That is the only way non-Muslims are going to start trusting the Muslim community as a whole. After all, if Islam is a peaceful religion like you say, (Minus all of the kill the Infidel stuff in the Quran, think of the time period it was written. Our own bible has some pretty harsh stuff in it too.) then bring those abusing the religion to task. And publicly. And for our side (Christians, that is.) we need to be at least a little understanding and open minded. I don't mean stupidly so, just be willing.
Anyways, back to the Freedom of Religion. How does it apply to us, as Americans? Simply put, if you want to make yourself a religion, you can. There are no restrictions on what constitutes a religion in the United States. (However, there are certian "qualifiers" for a religion to be considered one by the government, and therefor, tax exempt.) Everyone is free to worship how they want. And, by law, you have to respect the other person's right to do so. (I disagree with it having to be a law, it should be common courtisy and respect.) So, all of these people that hate Muslims, guess what, they're breaking the law if they interfere with that religion.
(Man, I am really wandering today. But that's ok, if you know me, you know I do not think in a logical and straight forward manner. lol)
You may be asking why, if I am so critical of our government, why am I so open with religion? Easy answer, my beliefs. Yes, I am a Christian. Yes, I believe there is a God, and He is the Christian version. And that Jesus was a real person, as well as the son of God. But doesn't that alone mean that I should denounce other religions? Again, it comes back to my personal belief that there is one, and only one, God. NO MATTER WHAT THE RELIGION IS, IT IS THE SAME GOD.
Think about it. If God is the Almighty, and All Knowing that we give Him credit for, then how could it be otherwise? All religions profess the same basic things. Tolerance for your fellow man, peace and do good deeds. No matter what the actual belief system, that is the basic tenants. I truly believe that the differences in religions are culturally based, not because they have a "different" god/gods. God came to them in the way He (Or She, if you are so inclined.) knew He would be accepted. I mean, come on, the Almighty has to be that smart. So, other religions do not bother me. And I have been in very close proximity to several different ones. Buddist (and a few different varieties), Hindu, Tao, Wiccan (Did I spell that right?), Islam, Judaism and several different Christian religions. And I got along very well with those people. All because, (and this is going to sound extremely arrogant, even for me) I know where their religion is truly coming from, my God. That is just my $.02 worth on religion. You can agree with me, or not, won't change my views. But you may state your opinion if you feel the need, but mind The Rules.
Well, I think I'm a bit spieled out now. I want to leave you with a few things today.
 |
| Before |
 |
| After |
And finally another quote. It again comes from Ben Franklin, a man that though he lived in the late 1700's, was very wise even in today's society. " If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it."
No comments:
Post a Comment