April 22, 2008
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Two Sides of a Coin … Side A
While the Pope was here there was an interesting article about how several American Muslims still feel that he needs to do more to apologize for some previous statements about the Muslim faith. Wael Mousfar, president of the Arab Muslim American Federation said “Islam is the target of everyone nowadays; he just jumped on the bandwagon and joined the crowd.” I wonder if the rest of the world feels the same way. I honestly don’t know but somehow I just don’t think so. Another comment I thought was interesting was
“This person chose to be Catholic, it’s not a problem,” said Imam
Shamsi Ali of the Islamic Cultural Center of New York. The problem was
the pope’s celebration of the conversion on a global stage, he said.From a Christian perspective this is GREAT news and needs to be celebrated. However, from a Islam perspective this is death not just for the converted person but potentially for their family. You don’t typically see that in countries where Islam is a minority religion but look at all the other countries where Islam is the majority religion. nuff said.
Side B
So most would think the above doesn’t really apply them. Especially in our country where we have freedom of religion and the ability to worship openly. If the Pope says something offensive to a particular group it is their right to voice their disgust with it. That’s what makes us the United States of America. But flip the coin and think about what the Christians in Iraq are going through. My first thought was so depressing. That I take freedom of religion for granted. I can pray in the open when I want. I can attend church if I want. I can wear a cross on my neck showing my belief in the Lord. These Iraqi Christians face death whenever they praise and acknowledge the Lord. At most, I may face ridicule.
Then I thought about it some more … how powerful a message this is. Even when they face death they are relying on God’s strength and grace to protect them on this earth. For they know whatever happens here they will rejoice in heaven with our Lord and Savior. Their struggles and show in faith is the reminder for us all that our prayers and support are needed for all of God’s followers not just in the US but worldwide. To God be the glory!
