9/11 Mosque, My Two Cents

Regarding the 9/11 mosque, there were two thoughts I heard that I thought were the most interesting. I am not sure where I heard the first but it alluded to the fact that the Muslims can build a mosque at ground zero when the Jews can build a synagogue in Mecca. This comment distinguishes the degree to which other religions are tolerated by Judaism and Islam. While the Jews and Christians are tolerant of Islam, unfortunately, the opposite cannot be said. By being intolerant of other religions, Islam engenders resistance when it requests to build a mosque based on our rules of equality, fairness, and tolerance.

The second was the comment by Newt Gingrich that if the goal of building the 9/11 mosque is to promote tolerance then why not have a building that houses a mosque, a church, and a synagogue. Let the religions co-exist in a building and be a microcosm of co-existence and tolerance. Let there be interfaith dialogue with classes, open debates, and courses that anyone can enrol into and potentially view over the Internet all over the world. If the religions can demonstrate peaceful coexistence and constructive communication in this building it will serve as an example to the entire world.

I think the sole purpose of this building should be as a symbol of tolerance amongst the religions. This is exactly the opposite of the mindset of the 9/11 terrorists and will have exactly the opposite outcome as the one intended by the terrorists (to instill terror). It should serve to eliminate suspicion and fear. Trust not terror should be the aim of this institution. It will hopefully serve as a deterrent to prevent future acts of intolerance and would also serve to encourage future generations to "buy in" to the idea of religious tolerance primarily amongst Muslims.

Unfortunately, the current plan does not appear to promote tolerance. In fact, it seems to be worsening the isolation of Muslims and promoting suspicion and fear. This is an enormous chance for moderate Islamic leaders to change their image that currently exists. By promoting inter-religious tolerance through this initiative they can impact future generations throughout the world.