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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