Mosque mess

The effort to build an Islamic Center near Ground Zero in Manhattan has generated controversy not only in that area, but there are ripples around the country. For instance, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this week there are reports of escalating tensions over the construction of an Islamic mosque. Death threats have been made. A suspicious fire was started at the construction site. There is anger and confusion in many communities, and the term islamophobia has been coined.

In contrast, there was a story in the Memphis "Commercial Appeal" newspaper the other day about a different kind of response. In an east-side suburb, plans are under way for a erecting an extensive Islamic Center on property adjacent to that of HeartSong Church, which has United Methodist connections. The congregation's founding pastor, Steve Stone, admitted that he and the church had many of the same concerns and emotions that others around the country are feeling when these plans were announced. But then, asking themselves what Jesus would do, they decided to offer their facilities for Muslim prayer services while the new Islamic Center is being built. This has resulted in developing relationships between the two groups that otherwise may never have happened.

As Christians we are responsible for giving witness to our faith among those from other religious backgrounds. We do not do this in arrogance, but in concern for others, and in the desire for mutual respect. World history is splattered with the blood of people on both sides of this religious and cultural divide. Yet we know that is not the way of Christ. Under the conviction that Christ is "the way, the truth and the life," we live out our discipleship from the stance of love and service. When we are tempted to respond in fear, anger and violence, we have departed from the very path we claim to walk upon.

At the same time, the fact of multiple religious perspectives in society -- and none at all -- reinforces to my mind the need for Christians to be far more intentional in their own spiritual life and witness. We do not have the luxury of living as if everyone believes as we do. Rather we have the responsibility to share with our children, youth and adult friends by word and example what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and to invite those who do not have a relationship with Christ to become his follower with us.