IMO: Ground Zero Reconciliation Center? Just a Thought.

Ground Zero Reconciliation Center? Just a Thought.

When I started hearing the buzz about the idea of building a mosque at ground zero, I was bothered. Now, anyone that knows me knows that I tend to sway fairly liberally when it comes to politics, even in my Christian views. But a mosque? There? It seemed too strange.

Almost immediately, I wondered, would I have the same reaction if the buzz were about a proposed church, a Christian church, to be built at ground zero? My gut response was yes. I would be equally bothered by a church being built there.

I understand that the mosque wouldn’t be exactly at ground zero. I understand that it would be a cultural center in addition to the mosque. I have no problem with this. I feel like it is a liberty that comes with living in the United States.

I think Muslim and Islamic people get an unfair shake in the U.S. because of the few extremists. And often the unfair shake is at the hand of the Christian extremists who do not represent Christians as a whole.

I think my problem with this particular building (this Muslim cultural center and mosque) being erected so close to ground zero is something along the lines of “do not but a stumbling block in your brother’s (or sister’s) way” (Romans 14:13 partial). In that passage, we’re told that we are not to stand in judgment of one another. We’re told that all of us will be accountable to God. [And regardless of which side of the Christian/Muslim line one stands on, I think both sides agree we’re ultimately all accountable to the one we call God.] And since this is God’s call, we are to live lives that don’t hinder another’s. We should do our best not hinder someone else’s relationship with God. “Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19) I John 2:10 says, “whoever loves his brother (or sister) lives in the light, and there is nothing in him (or her) to make him (or her) stumble.”

So doesn’t this come down to loving our brothers and sisters well? Doesn’t this come down to bearing God to each other in a way that doesn’t build resentment, but instead engenders compassion and love?

My proposed solution? How about a Christian/Muslim Reconciliation Center? Does that just sound too Mennonite of me?

I say it somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but there is some seriousness to it. What if this proposed mosque/cultural center could be a place where Christians and Muslims were trained to let loose of their prejudices and learn to work together, to be reconciled?

I’m not saying it’d be any kind of easy thing. Reconciliation is painful, tedious, long, and requires commitment from both sides. What would it look like to have this meeting of spirit, this kind of grace, this kind of forgiveness in a place so close to that hallowed ground?

Too Pollyanna for you? It might be. But consider the current state ala Dr. Phil… “how’s that working for us?”. Not too well, I'd say.

That’s my opinion. Take it or leave it.


“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” –Mother Theresa