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Panel discussion explores nuances of the Park51 debate Date published: 9/2/2010
BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE
For months, much of the controversy over the proposed mosque near Ground Zero has been political in nature. Yesterday, two University of Mary Washington professors explored the debate on a theological level. Surprisingly, the expert on Islamic theology on the panel leaned toward relocating the mosque, while a professor of Christian theology suggested the mosque should be built where it's proposed, two blocks from the World Trade Center site. Professor Mehdi Aminrazavi, who was born in Iran, used the four levels of Islamic law to explore the proposed Park51 community center in New York City. He said that Muslims facing a dilemma first turn to the Quran, then to the writings of the Prophet Mohammed, then to a community consensus and finally to a group of Islamic legal scholars. Since Islam's holy book and prophetic writings offer little input for the current controversy, Aminrazavi suggested the third layer should be used. He cited statistics revealing that 84 percent of Americans oppose the mosque built near Ground Zero. "I would've said that out of respect to our Christian neighbors, let's move it 10 blocks up or down," Aminrazavi said. He later added: "I don't want Muslims to win the fight and lose the war, to get the spot and generate ill will and hatred." David Cain, distinguished professor of Christian theology, suggested the principle of grace applied. The Christian notion of mercy lends itself to welcome and reception that should extend to the mosque, he said. The theologians and two other UMW professors spoke as part of a panel discussion about the proposed mosque. The event at the Fredericksburg campus drew more than 100 students and area residents, filling every seat in the classroom, as well as the aisles and the floors. The discussion went beyond theological issues and also explored the history and politics of the controversy. Religious debate is not new, said assistant professor Mary Beth Mathews, who teaches courses on American religion. From Colonial times through John F. Kennedy presidential race, Americans have persecuted Roman Catholics, Mathews said. Other minority religions faced public distrust and even violence.
Date published: 9/2/2010
is "a little further"? Is five blocks ok but not four? where do you (literally) draw the line? And who cares if they put a mosque near the Pentagon?? Muslims pray at the Pentagon every day.
put it a little further than a couple blocks from the murder scene. Next thing, they'll want to build a mosque as close to the Pentagon as possible. Surprised there's not already one out in the PA field one of the hijacked planes hit. This is no less sensitive than the so-called "christian" jerks protesting with their el crapo messages at military funerals around the country. Its nothing more than stirring the pot and a we'll do what we want regardless mentality and statement.
provides funding for construction, the demolition/building permits may be denied.
The court has held that the first amendment applies to the state, funny try but no, there is no legal method to stop the mosque being located. Stupid PR move yes, but they have that right.
in the US and elsewhere, such as Uganda, which are calling for the death of all homosexuals. There are Christians that shoot up abortion clinics. There are Christian militia groups. However people here are less likely to paint them all with a broad brush and blame all Christians, but instead lump all Muslims together. Even the more liberal Islamic groups, such as the one building this center, and the same one which is often a target of Al Qaeda.
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