I frequently get updates on my computer on what is going on in the world.  A few minutes ago, I received an update indicating that “most” people are opposed to opening a mosque near the site of the World Trade Center.  I assume that most of the people someone contacted are not in favor of the mosque.  While apparently a small percentage are ferociously opposed, the majority believe that it is not a good idea, because of the closeness to the site of the 9/11 attacks. 

The interviews I have seen on TV are very much the same, people first indicate that they are not opposed to Muslims and believe in freedom of religion, but believe that it is in “bad taste,” or “provocative” for a mosque to open in that location.

Several days ago, when the controversy started attracting national attention, one of my liberal friends sent me a message comparing the WTC bombings with the Oklahoma City bombing.  His point was that if we are to follow the logic being used around the mosque in New York City, then Christian churches should not be allowed to open and operate near the site of the bombing in Oklahoma City.  This logic, as ironically postulated by my friend, is obviously faulty.  While a few Muslims and a few fundamentalists may have used their particular faulty paradigm to justify acts of terror, the truth is that religion didn’t cause the mayhem, they did.  (Sounds like an National Rifle Association ad.)

To me, as an agnostic, the issue would be very simple.  I believe (no pun intended) churches should pay taxes to operate, and follow the civil laws -- including zoning laws.   I have never known of any natural connection between freedom of religion and tax exemptions, or even zoning.  While I am not a jurist, I am almost sure that the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights never directed tax exemption to churches as part of the freedom-of-religion mandate.  Most likely, later legislation made this connection.  However, I and most folks believe that everyone should worship the way they want.  Contrary to what some extremists believe, there is no one-size-fits-all religion (or not even "no religion") in our country.

There is a reason why the separation of church and state should be perpetuated in our country.  While individual morality is personal, and laws are generally agreed upon principles, laws should not be mixed with religion.  The cries of conservative politicians that God has been taken out of our political process should continue to resonate.  Recollecting my Catholic past, isn’t there something about “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's”   (Luke 20:25)?

I read somewhere that the test of a civilized country is the respect for its minorities.  Let us continue being a civilized country and do the “Christian” thing as some would express it.  Let's be tolerant and not burn the Quran.  Or my Bible I needed to look up that verse.

-AH-

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