I just feel that having to expect someone to have to be outspoken to defend their faith is a bit over the top. It really should not be that hard for the average person to differentiate between Extremists and normal people. And while most Islamist do not agree with extremists, imagine the scenario from there perspective:

1. Its their religious homeland.
2. Its their ancestral homeland.

I agree there should be a bit of outrage from Muslims over extremists in their homeland, but there is definitely definitely conflict between the few extremists and the larger picture of supporting the basis of the entire religion (Mecca, Medina, etc).

Some Americans are tolerant, but honestly I don’t think there is enough there. And I have seen Muslims speak out, I feel that’s more a media thing. But this building is two blocks from the WTC, not next door, so i really don’t understand whats bad about it.

And finally, the religions are all based on love for your neighbor and worship to the same one God, so yes they are very similar (now certain branches of each are not). I got the Koran for $10 off Amazon, its a weird, kinda hard read but I do recommend it.

That said, I agree, as Americans we do lack understanding of Islam, and there is a lot of fear associated with it. That’s why the Muslim community would do well to be outspoken in terms of the denunciation of their militant counterparts, and lead the way in routing out terrorism throughout the world. I don’t feel like we’ve really seen that coming from the Islamic community.

At the same time I feel like we’ve seen the American people be very tolerant, and have sought to be very understanding in the wake of very difficult circumstances. I think the conversation about this topic on this blog and earlier today from our friends on twitter demonstrate that.

Personally the problem is a huge misunderstanding of Islam in this country. The religion is not that different at all from Christianity and Judaism, and anyone who says otherwise has not read the Koran. And personally, having grown up Catholic, I have found most Muslims to be more devout and dedicated to their religion than Catholics.

I’m not Catholic anymore and I personally find St Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC a bit unnerving. But its approved, there is obviously a community for it, it works great for other people.

My frustration is that the planners of this development do not recognize the sensitivity that coincides this particular plot of land.

We’re calling for mutual respect, right? We’ll respect your freedom and let you build the mosque there. But come with your own sense of respect and realize that you probably shouldn’t build the mosque there!

To me, this issue certainly has a lot to do with freedoms and principalities and things of human construction. But above all of that I believe what is really at stake is what type of religion do we have? What kind of God have we created?

One of sentiment? Or one of love? Because mere tolerance is not enough.

I don’t have a need for a sentimental god. A religion that claims to love and at the same time keeps its neighbors at arms length is impotent.

God help us if we start to keep score of atrocities done in religions name, I dare say there would be few places on earth a Christian, let alone his church, would be welcome.

Thanks for sharing. I printed off the story and put it up on my refrigerator. It’s the funniest thing I heard all week. I would love to hear an audio clip of it.