In a recent Newsweek article, Fareed Zakaria published a thoughtful article on the issue of the proposed Islamic Center to be built in New York City. Zarkaria artfully articulated my own views about the fundamental First Amendment right the ensures freedom of religion to ALL Americans. [Of course, he expressed this position much better than I since he is the Newsweek journalist and I am a mere amateur blogger.] The title of this blog entry is linked to the Newsweek article.
In addition, Zakaria mentions Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, a moderate Muslim clergyman and this book, What’s Right With Islam Is What’s Right With America, to quote part of Zakaria's thoughts on the book, " {Rauf}argues that the United States is actually the ideal Islamic society because it encourages diversity and promotes freedom for individuals and for all religions. His vision of Islam is bin Laden’s nightmare.'
I share the link to Rauf's book here because I think Americans can make a great step toward peace and understanding if we simply make an effort to open our minds to the thoughts and opinions of others. We do not live in a vacuume the United States is only one nation in the world community. To fear and disparage beliefs that we do not know or understand is simply ignorance. Pick up this book, or any other book, with an open mind. Who knows, a little knowledge might give you a fresh look at the issue.
What's Right with Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West
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