/// Ideas > Breaking News Comments [ 0 ] Likes [ 2 ] Protests Continue Over Mosque Near Ground Zero Stephanie Martin August 24, 2010 New York-As another anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, debate continues about whether an Islamic center and mosque should be built a few blocks from where the World Trade Center once stood. President Obama entered the controversy during a White House speech celebrating Ramadan, Islam's holy month. Calling ground zero "hallowed ground," he said America must nevertheless maintain an "unshakable... commitment to religious freedom." The president added that America will win the fight against terrorism because of "our capacity to show not merely tolerance but respect to those who are different from us." Critics say the mosque's planned location is insensitive. New York Rep. Peter King said, "While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque, they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much." Hundreds of people on both sides of the issue rallied near ground zero this weekend. Those in favor of construction say freedom of religion is key. "It's un-American to paint an entire religion by the action of a few extremists," said one unidentified supporter. But Peter Gadiel, whose son was killed on 9/11, said, "The fact is that Islam does not coexist well with other religions.... If that sounds intolerant... that's too bad." Others say the debate has nothing to do with religious freedom. "We're not telling them not to practice their religion," said Jim Riches, who also lost a son. "It's disrespectful. You wouldn't put a Japanese cultural center at Pearl Harbor." According to one poll, almost 70 percent of Americans oppose the planned construction. Charles Wolf, whose wife was killed on 9/11, said the mosque dispute has Americans "falling into the terrorists' trap... trying to tear each other apart." Sources: CNN.com, abcnews.go.com, Associated Press Discussion Questions: Which side do you agree with most in this debate, and why? How might your opinion differ if you had lost a loved one in the terrorist attacks? If you had to decide whether or not a mosque could be built near ground zero, what would your ruling be? Do you think opposition to this mosque is strong enough to prevent it from being built? Why or why not? Is this debate mainly an issue of freedom of religion? Why or why not? At what point, if any, does freedom of religion need to take a backseat to sensitivity? What motives might Muslims have for building a community center near ground zero? Do you think community-building and understanding are still possible? Explain. At what point, if ever, will America be able to move on from 9/11? Is this mosque debate evidence that the terrorists are "winning"? Why or why not? How has 9/11 changed your opinions about Muslims or religious freedom? Is it okay to demand your own religious freedom while denying it to someone else? Explain. How are our attitudes about and actions toward Muslims a form of witnessing to them? Do you have both tolerance and respect for other religious groups? Why or why not? How is it possible to feel those things while knowing that those beliefs are wrong? Is it fair to associate all Muslims with the 9/11 terrorist attacks? Have you ever been lumped into an unfavorable category merely because of your religious association? If so, explain. How do you seek to separate yourself from other people of your faith who make questionable decisions? Scripture links: 1 Kings 18:20-39; Acts 10:28; Galatians 5:13-15, 24-26; James 2:1, 12-13; 1 Peter 3:8-12; and 2 John 1:7-11. Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado. share this article 1 of 1 /// Related Articles 'South Park' Creators Warned for Depicting MohammedApril 26, 2010 New York—The cartoon known for equal opportunity mocking has raised the ire of a radical Islamic group. In its 200th episode, “South Park” depicted the Prophet Mohammed in a bear suit. Now the group Revolution Muslim has warned creators... Likes [0]Comments [0] National Day of Prayer’s Future UncertainMay 10, 2010 Washington, D.C.—Now that a federal judge has declared the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional, the future of the annual event is up in the air. The 59th annual event was held May 6, despite an April ruling by U.S. District Judge... Likes [0]Comments [0] IslamBarbershop 2: Back in Business (PG-13) Theme: Islam and Christianity hold incompatible beliefs. Scripture: Genesis 16 Clip Location: 51:15 through 52:30 (DVD Chapter: 20) Preview All Clips Synopsis: Terri’s customer attempts to convince her to not... Likes [0]Comments [0]
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