During my tenure as Executive Director of CAIR-Columbus, I witnessed first-hand the growing influence that Muslim organizations, particularly CAIR, had on American institutions. One of the most disturbing trends I observed was the pressure exerted on Christian churches to accommodate Islamic practices, particularly during Ramadan. Many churches, in an attempt to show goodwill or perhaps under the guise of interfaith dialogue, allowed Muslims to use their facilities for Iftar dinners during the holy month of Ramadan. While this act of hospitality may seem innocuous to some, it is essential to consider the subtle implications it carries.
At these events, some churches would cover religious images, including pictures of Jesus, to make Muslim attendees feel more comfortable. I recall telling these churches that I would prefer they did not cover the images of Christ. As a Christian, I understand the importance of these symbols. The message of the cross is central to Christianity, and to hide it for the comfort of Muslims undermines the very foundation of the faith.
Even though organizations like CAIR or other Muslim groups would argue for these actions, I strongly believe that churches should not compromise their beliefs or alter their practices to accommodate the religious demands of others. It is important to stand firm in our values, rather than bowing to the pressure of those who seek to influence our institutions. When we start covering up our crosses and religious imagery for the sake of interfaith events, we risk losing the very essence of what makes us Christians.
CAIR, which masquerades as a civil rights organization, is in fact a political entity with strong ties to Islamist ideologies. In reality, CAIR is essentially a domestic arm of organizations like Hamas, operating on American soil. Its mission is not to promote peace or civil rights but to advance an agenda that undermines American values and freedoms. It is deeply concerning that such an organization is allowed to operate openly in the United States, pushing an agenda that would never be tolerated by the very groups it seeks to influence.
To be clear, no mosque would ever allow a cross to be placed in their mosque or cover verses from the Quran that are offensive to Christians and Jews. The Quran contains verses that call for violence against non-Muslims, such as "smite their necks wherever you find them," referring to the treatment of "infidels." Would any mosque allow a Bible verse that directly contradicts their core beliefs to be prominently displayed in their mosque? Of course not. This double standard is not only disrespectful but dangerous.
The line must be drawn somewhere. Churches should not be expected to alter their religious practices to accommodate the demands of Muslims, and Muslims should not be expected to compromise their beliefs either. But the pressure to be politically correct has caused many to ignore this fundamental difference. If we, as Christians, continue to allow our faith to be compromised in the name of interfaith cooperation, we will lose the very essence of what it means to be Christian.
It is important to stand up for our beliefs, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. Our faith is not something that should be hidden or compromised. We must be willing to defend it, not just in word but in action.
In conclusion, while interfaith dialogue is essential in a diverse society, there should be no expectation that one faith must yield to another’s demands. No Christian church should be asked to cover images of Jesus for the sake of Muslim sensibilities, just as no mosque should be expected to put up a cross. This is about preserving the integrity of our faith and the principles on which this country was founded.
Citations:
- "CAIR: A History of Radicalism." Investigative Project on Terrorism, https://www.investigativeproject.org/CAIR-history.
- "The Quran and Violence Against Non-Muslims." Middle East Forum, https://www.meforum.org/violence-against-infidel-quran.
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