Sunday, August 15, 2010

Local Mosques & Ground Zero Controversy


Incredible! That’s what people are saying about what is happening in America today whether in New York or our own backyard here in San Diego.

While churches struggle to meet their budgets (both North Coast Church in Vista and North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad have built new edifices recently to accommodate their growing membership—a challenge in a declining economy), expensive mosques are popping up everywhere.

Recently, just in time for Ramadan, a new Islamic Center opened in Santaluz, North County—a building costing some 5.5 million dollars. Many San Diegans opposed this construction but eventually accepted their fate gracefully in the name of tolerance

Temecula now faces a similar problem. But so far the people have not relinquished their right to show their disapproval of building a Muslim edifice in this peaceful old town with a distinctly Christian penchant.

Of course, greater hoo-ha surrounds the controversy of building a mosque near Ground Zero, the sacred ground where 3, 000 people met their death caused by planes flown by Muslim terrorists into the Trade Center Towers on 9/11. While New Yorkers express divided opinions on this sensitive issue, most vehemently oppose it, considering it to be a slap in the face or even provocation—almost like erecting a statue of Hitler in the middle of Jerusalem.

But the biggest outrage centers around President Obama’s nonchalance over this matter. He not only doesn’t see any problem in building a Mosque near Ground Zero, he actually backs it up. (Is this one of the reasons why Rima Fakih—the first Arab Muslim to be elected Miss USA—shows such fondness for Mr. Obama?)

Why is the building of a Mosque so problematic (other than the obvious issue of blatent insensitivity when it comes to Ground Zero)?

It is a problem because a Mosque is considered a landmark stating, “This territory is ours.” And while believing in freedom of religion, many Americans don’t want to follow Europe’s downfall and lose their national identity which was founded on Christian principles. (Europe lost its identity one mosque at a time. England and France are now highly populated with Muslims—quite different from the old Europe Spurgeon knew—and most churches are empty.)

But the convoluted controversy doesn’t end here. Another disturbing element has escaped the notice of many people’s attention: Islamic supremacist Ground Zero Mosque imam is traveling to Arab countries on behalf of the USA president and his trip is being funded by American tax dollars. (To express your opinion on this issue, go to aclj.org.)

Is it any wonder that Jesus tells His people to watch and pray, to be vigilant and mindful of the lateness of the hour and to overcome evil by doing good. Praying for America is a good place to begin. Let God hear the voice of His people. Then let the people hear the voice of God as His people speak up boldly for what is right.

May God bless America!

Janey L. DeMeo, M.A.

founder-president -- www.orphanfirst.org

author & speaker -- www.JaneyDeMeo.com

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2 comments:

Unknown said...

yes. May God bless America and all countries.

Just some points to ponder.

many Muslims died in the events of 9/11.

We Muslims face the same sentiment now as the Jews did in the past. Unfortunately, most people do not know the truth about Islam and thus see no issue with the prejudices that Muslims face here in the US and worldwide.

There are criticism on why that is the case...i mean, is blamed for most terrorist acts? i know i get it. believe me, it sucks and is disheartening and only hurts Muslims in the long run.

it is also said that Muslims dont come out enough to condem acts. Oh my...they do, of course they do, but we dont have the media outlets like most populous groups have. and when we do condemn, media says we dont condemn enough.

i know it's hard to believe, but islam does teach peace and tolerance, it's a crime that muslims that don't follow this islamic creed get most of the attention.

now with the ny mosque.

why not build somewhere else? where? we're american citizens. i and most all of my friends were born and raised here in the US. so where should we go? we are home?

reminder of what happened? um, so if you see a muslim walking down the street, that'll remind you too right? should we walk somewhere else?

building a center BLOCKS away from ground zero is not enough? how bout if it were 10 blocks, nope still not enough? 20? how bout 50?

why is it insensitive? we muslims in the US didn't do this? why should we let these idiots spoil our lives here in the US and why should you let them too. treat muslims as you would jews, Christians, hindus,atheist, agnostics, mormons...and so on. instead of preaching division, preach unity. coexistence.

funding from overseas? ok, well,i give you that. i'm not a proponent for islamics being funded by so called Muslims countries as there are sometimes ties that go along with that...

look, 9/11 was tragic as was the genocide in Germany, Bosnia, Riwanda, Chechnya, and many many many other countries. too many wars have been fought on the basis of religion.

america is the best country in the world where all of God's believes can live and should be able to live and let live.

yes, god bless america

Janey DeMeo said...

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I cannot address you by name since you apparently chose to remain anonymous. (?)

As moderator of this blog, I had the choice whether or not ti publish your comment. I chose to publish it to show my respect for you and to let you know I wish no ill on Muslims. On the contrary, I pray for them.

I know many Muslims. Some are my friends. Some have converted to Jesus after reading the Bible.

I am well acquainted with the Islamic culture since I’ve lived in several highly Muslim-influenced countries. But none of that negates the points I made in my article—mostly from opinions of others as you can see by following the links.

Most Americans feel it is not just insensitive to build a Mosque just 2 blocks from 911, they think it’s highly provocative. You are free to think as you wish.

As for me, I wish you well and I will pray for you.