Dear Editor,

Over the last few weeks, a grand debate has arisen over the possible construction of a mosque near the 9-11 Ground Zero site in New York City. Several comments have appeared in The Panolian, and all were written with good intentions. As normal, God was added to the equation, which, of course, is uniquely American and legitimate. If I may, I would like to address a few points before I opine:

First, God is never mentioned in the Constitution and only generically so in the Declaration of Independence. Read the two documents, and you shall see. Secondly, homespun wisdom is great, but often it is wrong. For example, wearing a hat will not keep a cold away — ask your medical professional.

Seriously, the one thing I have learned over the years is that God is a little too big for little ole me to fully know. In truth, if I could totally comprehend God, then I would be one with the Divine and a God myself. This logic is inescapable. And by the way, for clarity, a God I am not and neither are you! Thus, I tend to resist comparing my concept of God with someone else’s. I have firm, reasoned and established beliefs and will share them openly, but the debate concerning the Mosque has little to do with theology. So, if I may, let me continue with my original thoughts.

Recently, politicians have tried, unsuccessfully, to stay out of this acrimonious argument. President Obama, as usual, made a statement, and then in typical fashion, modified it. (Sorry for the sidebar, but the man needs to stick to a teleprompter; on the fly, he is like a duck out of water.)

Nevertheless, emotions are running high, and the dialogue is terribly acidic. Yet, what is sorely missing from the debate is the Constitution. Even though, I respect the opinions of others, I care little about them, unless they can be substantiated and qualified. We all have a number of beliefs, but the law is a different beast, and it is the law, on this matter, that concerns me.

According to the 1st Amendment to the Constitution, Muslim citizens have the legal right to construct a mosque at Ground Zero, in Batesville or anywhere else, if a city permit is granted by the city in which the request is made. The plot of land in question is on private property. To be honest, this is a municipal issue and not on the surface a constitutional one. If you got the finances in place— build it.     

This statement would hold true, if it were a church, a synagogue or a “new age” temple. No religion can be, according to our Constitution, discriminated against. Based on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, all citizens of the United States, born or naturalized, have equal protection under the law and no state can deprive any person of life, liberty or property. This is, pretty much, a direct quote of the document.

Now, people speak audaciously of patriotism. At our church, we say the pledge to the United States and to the Christian Flag before our services begin. We do so realizing that true patriotism is an unwavering belief in God and adherence to the Law of the Land, the Constitution of the United States of America. God and Country, in its proper perspective, this is authentic patriotism.

 As the Declaration of Independence alludes to, the law is inspired and promulgated by the Divine and interpreted through reason.

Reason allows us to know that certain truths are “self-evident”  and that the very existence of those truths originates with the Creator.

 So, do I want a mosque at Ground Zero—no! From understanding the history of Islam, do I believe that they seek to undermine the West — yes! Is the intent of Islam the advancement of peace — certainly not!

Do I believe that in the future that we may have to restrict citizenship to adherents of Islam —sadly, yes! Would I prefer America, and the World, to be devoutly Christian — yes! However, this is not the question at hand, is it? Do Muslim citizens have the constitutional right to construct a mosque on private property at Ground Zero —of course, they do.

 Finally, if this issue is so important to all of us Christians, why doesn’t the SBC— Southern Baptist Convention or the United Methodist Church, as two examples, purchase or rent the property and help to establish a church on it. Now, wouldn’t that be a Great Commission idea!                                                                                                

 

Cordially,

Dr. Andy Brasher

Cornerstone Baptist Church

Batesville