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Burbank Leader, CA
Oct 13 2007
IN THEORY:
Musings about a resolution on Ramadan
A congressional resolution recognizing the Islamic holy month of
Ramadan as important is reportedly being touted by U.S. Muslims as an
important sign that they are gaining acceptance in America and
becoming part of the fabric of the country. But Rep. Tom Tancredo,
R-Colo., argued that the resolution is nothing more than an example
of political correctness, which he reportedly said has captured the
political and media elite in the U.S. What do you think?.
The unanimous congressional resolution of Oct. 2 recognizing the
month of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual
renewal, is another watershed event for the tradition of religious
pluralism in our country. As strife and conflict dominate the
sensational headlines of press coverage about Muslims, there is a
more authentic story of American Muslims becoming a natural part of
our society's mainstream. The real issue is our shared human and
democratic values in an informed American society.
The congressional resolution should not come as a surprise, as it is
an expected outcome of the American Muslims' efforts for societal
integration and inclusion.
Recent examples include former President Clinton hosting the first
official `iftaar,' or breaking of the daily fast, during Ramadan with
Muslim leaders at the White House - a tradition that has continued
with the Bush administration; the election of the first Muslim to the
U.S. Congress, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who used a Koran
owned by Thomas Jefferson from the National Archives for his
swearing-in ceremony; and a new interfaith tradition emerging during
Ramadan called `fast-a-thons' that started on college campuses in
2002 where non-Muslims participate for a one-day fast to raise money
for local homeless charities. This year an estimated 75,000
non-Muslims participated. advertisement
Locally, the Rev. Ed Bacon and several parishioners of All Saints
Episcopal Church in Pasadena fast in solidarity with Southern
California Muslims for the entire month of Ramadan - each year since
Sept. 11, 2001.
This past Oct. 5, Amira Al-Sarraf, the school head of New Horizon
School, an independent Islamic school in Pasadena, participated in
the State Department's official iftaar honoring American Muslim
educators. Al-Sarraf sat with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as
the leader of the first Islamic school in the nation to receive the
National Blue Ribbon Award.
Muslims formed the Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge in
December to become a beacon of peace and mutual understanding among
neighborhood residents and the greater community. The harmony of
diverse faith groups joining together in ethics, community service
and citizenship is part of advancing the tradition of religious
pluralism in our country. I invite Rep. Tom Tancredo and all to reach
out and get to know your American Muslim neighbors and associates on
a personal level to play a part in the greatness of our American
experiment.
LEVENT AKBARUT
Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge
It is important for us to remember that our country was founded on
the values of tolerance and respect for all beliefs. With this in
mind, it is completely appropriate for Congress to recognize the
Islamic holy month of Ramadan, especially since there's a sizable
Muslim community in America.
Furthermore, since the Congress already offers recognition to major
holidays of many other religions, it would be disingenuous to exclude
this one.
I see this as a welcome symbol of the peaceful intentions of the
American people and their elected representatives toward those of the
Muslim faith.
Since the U.S. military action in the Muslim countries of Iraq and
Afghanistan - as well as our approach to other issues troubling the
Middle East - have sometimes been misconstrued as anti-Muslim, this
initiative offers proof that our legislators aren't engaged in some
anti-Muslim crusade.
One can certainly analyze and debate the merits of U.S. foreign
policy, but it's vitally important for all to recognize that our
actions haven't been motivated by religious bigotry.
Now we can only hope that Islamic countries will reciprocate the
Congress' goodwill gesture by passing resolutions that recognize the
religious rights of Christians, Jews and other faiths within their
own borders. Very few Muslim countries currently acknowledge other
faiths, and some are openly prejudiced against non-Muslims.
The road to world peace is essentially a two-way street. Harmony can
be achieved only if we come to respect the cultural ways of others
and let everyone worship as they see fit. With this resolution,
America has effectively reaffirmed its commitment to religious
liberty; it is high time that Muslim nations make such a commitment.
RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN
Chabad Jewish Center
I am first and foremost a Christian. Secondly, I am an American.
These two labels once went together; not that we lived in a theocracy,
or that everybody truly embraced Jesus as their lord and savior, but
we testified with our hands on His Bible, our Senate opened with a
Christian blessing, the Constitution was dated from the first
Christmas (i.e., `In the year of our Lord') and the Pilgrims' stated
purpose in the Compact was the `advancement the Christian faith.'
My point is that our nation, however much certain people wish to deny
it, began and sustained with a belief in the true and biblical God;
not Zeus, or Ra, Odin, or even the Allah of Ramadan.
For Congress to endorse other gods essentially repudiates the
exclusive claims of the One that we have known and are known for.
Such resolutions should not be made anyway, but officially
recognizing Islam as `one of the great religions of the world' when
it is an imported belief system that denies all the essential tenets
of Christianity is too much. Islam denies the Crucifixion, the
Resurrection, that Jesus is the Son of God, and especially, that He
is God, the Son.
We are at war with Muslims abroad, and we worry about their
intentions here. Christians have no divine mandate to destroy those
who oppose Jesus, but we do have biblical warrant to support America.
Is this true of Muslims? They have yet to resolve as one voice to
denounce the violence and intentions of jihadists, terrorists and
Sept. 11, 2001.
Now, I don't deny that we have become quite the pluralistic society,
but should we exalt the foreign religions to a place on par or even
above our own? We should sincerely love our Muslim neighbors, but
just as sincerely oppose Islam.
THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM
Senior Pastor
MontroseCommunityChurch.org
A congressional resolution recognizing Ramadan is certainly an act of
political correctness, but then again, so are all these types of
resolutions. What else can you say about them? It's not like they're
advocating one belief system over another, they merely recognize a
portion of reality. In so doing, they're bringing a level of comfort
to members of our community - other Americans.
We need to stop being scared to face reality.
There is a sizable Muslim population in America. And the beauty of
America and her `dream' is that there is room for everyone in this
country. I have heard the argument that `those countries' would never
allow or grant non-Islamic minorities the equal status or recognition
with the mainstream religion.
But to me, that's exactly the point.
We are not like the other countries. That's what makes America great:
its ability to incorporate so many into something greater than the
components that make it up.
Ironically, this week's news headlines pointed to another recognition
resolution regarding the Armenian Genocide.
We witnessed the sad demonstration of denial by the political
establishment, the president included, which wanted to compromise
truth and justice for the sake of politics.
You can't escape the reality of an organized, systematic annihilation
of one group of people by a government. Its called genocide.
And a great country like America, with all of its greatness, cannot
be intimidated to not speak the truth.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
In His Shoes Mission
It's a great day for America and for tolerance in America. Frankly,
I'm surprised there were no dissenting votes, but I am very happy
that there weren't.
The promise of America is to all Americans, not only white males, as
it once was, and not only to white Christians, as some would still
like it to be.
St. Paul, in a very inclusive statement, says that in Christ there is
neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free.
I like to think that about America, too. Regardless of a person's
race, gender, or creed, all are welcome here.
The recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives of the Islamic
holy month of Ramadan is another step in extending the promise of
America to all.
Keep in mind the words of our Pledge of Allegiance: ...with liberty
and justice for all.' What part of the word ALL does anybody not
understand?
THE REV. C. L. `SKIP' LINDEMAN
Congregational Church of the Lighted Window
United Church of Christ
La Cañada Flintridge
Politically correct politicians are under the microscope for many
current trends, i.e. from banning trans fats in school cafeteria
foods to recognizing the Islamic holy month. If these politically
correct lawmakers' actions result in healthier children and peaceful
communities due to acceptance of all faith traditions, then this
trend is laudable.
Recognizing the holy month of Ramadan was simple to do and didn't
cost the taxpayers anything. Even though the United States is a
sovereign state, all Americans are also world citizens. Isn't it time
to think globally and act with compassion and respect for all
people's rituals and faith traditions planetwide?
Scientologists follow a common sense moral code, which includes
respecting the religious beliefs of others. L. Ron Hubbard wrote, `If
all the brightest minds since the 5th Century B.C. or before have
never been able to agree on the subject of religion or anti-religion,
it is an arena of combat between people that one would do well to
stay out of. In this sea of contention, one bright principle has
emerged: the right to believe as one chooses.
``Faith' and `belief' do not necessarily surrender to logic; they
cannot even be declared to be illogical. They can be things quite
apart. Any advice one might give another on this subject is safest
when it simply asserts the right to believe as one chooses. One is at
liberty to hold up his own beliefs for acceptance. One is at risk
when he seeks to assault the beliefs of others, much more so when he
attacks and seeks to harm others because of their religious
convictions.'
Let's embrace religious diversity together with our families, friends
and Congress - and beware of those who poke fun at or try to discount
the acknowledgment of another's sacred beliefs. Americans united in
religious celebration will make this country stronger.
Assalamu alaikum. Peace be upon you.
CATHERINE EMRANI
Volunteer Minister
Glendale Church of Scientology
I think most of us appreciate the freedom of religious practice our
country affords. That means, of course, that I am honor-bound to be
respectable to others of different faiths, and to recognize their
right to believe as they wish.
Islam has gotten a lot of press post-Sept. 11, 2001, so recognizing
it may well be a matter of political correctness. I'd certainly be
uncomfortable, though, if Christianity had attracted attention in the
same manner, and I'd be vocal about it.
A few folks may want to turn our country into a theocracy in line
with their beliefs about God, but that's not my concern. I am
confident that when Jesus Christ returns, He will by Himself
establish His kingdom on a worldwide scale. I'm happy to know that
according to His promise I'll be a part of it, and not cast out of
it.
What I think is offensive to many religious people is the modern
societal pressure upon us to accept all faiths as equally valid and
true. I follow Jesus Christ because I believe He alone is the truth
personified, He alone is the way to know God. I accept other faiths'
right to exist, but I reject the notion that their prophets are on a
par with my wonderful Lord.
PASTOR JON BARTA
Burbank
http://www.burbankleader.com/artic les/2007/10/13/religion/blr-intheory13.txt
Oct 13 2007
IN THEORY:
Musings about a resolution on Ramadan
A congressional resolution recognizing the Islamic holy month of
Ramadan as important is reportedly being touted by U.S. Muslims as an
important sign that they are gaining acceptance in America and
becoming part of the fabric of the country. But Rep. Tom Tancredo,
R-Colo., argued that the resolution is nothing more than an example
of political correctness, which he reportedly said has captured the
political and media elite in the U.S. What do you think?.
The unanimous congressional resolution of Oct. 2 recognizing the
month of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual
renewal, is another watershed event for the tradition of religious
pluralism in our country. As strife and conflict dominate the
sensational headlines of press coverage about Muslims, there is a
more authentic story of American Muslims becoming a natural part of
our society's mainstream. The real issue is our shared human and
democratic values in an informed American society.
The congressional resolution should not come as a surprise, as it is
an expected outcome of the American Muslims' efforts for societal
integration and inclusion.
Recent examples include former President Clinton hosting the first
official `iftaar,' or breaking of the daily fast, during Ramadan with
Muslim leaders at the White House - a tradition that has continued
with the Bush administration; the election of the first Muslim to the
U.S. Congress, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who used a Koran
owned by Thomas Jefferson from the National Archives for his
swearing-in ceremony; and a new interfaith tradition emerging during
Ramadan called `fast-a-thons' that started on college campuses in
2002 where non-Muslims participate for a one-day fast to raise money
for local homeless charities. This year an estimated 75,000
non-Muslims participated. advertisement
Locally, the Rev. Ed Bacon and several parishioners of All Saints
Episcopal Church in Pasadena fast in solidarity with Southern
California Muslims for the entire month of Ramadan - each year since
Sept. 11, 2001.
This past Oct. 5, Amira Al-Sarraf, the school head of New Horizon
School, an independent Islamic school in Pasadena, participated in
the State Department's official iftaar honoring American Muslim
educators. Al-Sarraf sat with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as
the leader of the first Islamic school in the nation to receive the
National Blue Ribbon Award.
Muslims formed the Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge in
December to become a beacon of peace and mutual understanding among
neighborhood residents and the greater community. The harmony of
diverse faith groups joining together in ethics, community service
and citizenship is part of advancing the tradition of religious
pluralism in our country. I invite Rep. Tom Tancredo and all to reach
out and get to know your American Muslim neighbors and associates on
a personal level to play a part in the greatness of our American
experiment.
LEVENT AKBARUT
Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge
It is important for us to remember that our country was founded on
the values of tolerance and respect for all beliefs. With this in
mind, it is completely appropriate for Congress to recognize the
Islamic holy month of Ramadan, especially since there's a sizable
Muslim community in America.
Furthermore, since the Congress already offers recognition to major
holidays of many other religions, it would be disingenuous to exclude
this one.
I see this as a welcome symbol of the peaceful intentions of the
American people and their elected representatives toward those of the
Muslim faith.
Since the U.S. military action in the Muslim countries of Iraq and
Afghanistan - as well as our approach to other issues troubling the
Middle East - have sometimes been misconstrued as anti-Muslim, this
initiative offers proof that our legislators aren't engaged in some
anti-Muslim crusade.
One can certainly analyze and debate the merits of U.S. foreign
policy, but it's vitally important for all to recognize that our
actions haven't been motivated by religious bigotry.
Now we can only hope that Islamic countries will reciprocate the
Congress' goodwill gesture by passing resolutions that recognize the
religious rights of Christians, Jews and other faiths within their
own borders. Very few Muslim countries currently acknowledge other
faiths, and some are openly prejudiced against non-Muslims.
The road to world peace is essentially a two-way street. Harmony can
be achieved only if we come to respect the cultural ways of others
and let everyone worship as they see fit. With this resolution,
America has effectively reaffirmed its commitment to religious
liberty; it is high time that Muslim nations make such a commitment.
RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN
Chabad Jewish Center
I am first and foremost a Christian. Secondly, I am an American.
These two labels once went together; not that we lived in a theocracy,
or that everybody truly embraced Jesus as their lord and savior, but
we testified with our hands on His Bible, our Senate opened with a
Christian blessing, the Constitution was dated from the first
Christmas (i.e., `In the year of our Lord') and the Pilgrims' stated
purpose in the Compact was the `advancement the Christian faith.'
My point is that our nation, however much certain people wish to deny
it, began and sustained with a belief in the true and biblical God;
not Zeus, or Ra, Odin, or even the Allah of Ramadan.
For Congress to endorse other gods essentially repudiates the
exclusive claims of the One that we have known and are known for.
Such resolutions should not be made anyway, but officially
recognizing Islam as `one of the great religions of the world' when
it is an imported belief system that denies all the essential tenets
of Christianity is too much. Islam denies the Crucifixion, the
Resurrection, that Jesus is the Son of God, and especially, that He
is God, the Son.
We are at war with Muslims abroad, and we worry about their
intentions here. Christians have no divine mandate to destroy those
who oppose Jesus, but we do have biblical warrant to support America.
Is this true of Muslims? They have yet to resolve as one voice to
denounce the violence and intentions of jihadists, terrorists and
Sept. 11, 2001.
Now, I don't deny that we have become quite the pluralistic society,
but should we exalt the foreign religions to a place on par or even
above our own? We should sincerely love our Muslim neighbors, but
just as sincerely oppose Islam.
THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM
Senior Pastor
MontroseCommunityChurch.org
A congressional resolution recognizing Ramadan is certainly an act of
political correctness, but then again, so are all these types of
resolutions. What else can you say about them? It's not like they're
advocating one belief system over another, they merely recognize a
portion of reality. In so doing, they're bringing a level of comfort
to members of our community - other Americans.
We need to stop being scared to face reality.
There is a sizable Muslim population in America. And the beauty of
America and her `dream' is that there is room for everyone in this
country. I have heard the argument that `those countries' would never
allow or grant non-Islamic minorities the equal status or recognition
with the mainstream religion.
But to me, that's exactly the point.
We are not like the other countries. That's what makes America great:
its ability to incorporate so many into something greater than the
components that make it up.
Ironically, this week's news headlines pointed to another recognition
resolution regarding the Armenian Genocide.
We witnessed the sad demonstration of denial by the political
establishment, the president included, which wanted to compromise
truth and justice for the sake of politics.
You can't escape the reality of an organized, systematic annihilation
of one group of people by a government. Its called genocide.
And a great country like America, with all of its greatness, cannot
be intimidated to not speak the truth.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
In His Shoes Mission
It's a great day for America and for tolerance in America. Frankly,
I'm surprised there were no dissenting votes, but I am very happy
that there weren't.
The promise of America is to all Americans, not only white males, as
it once was, and not only to white Christians, as some would still
like it to be.
St. Paul, in a very inclusive statement, says that in Christ there is
neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free.
I like to think that about America, too. Regardless of a person's
race, gender, or creed, all are welcome here.
The recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives of the Islamic
holy month of Ramadan is another step in extending the promise of
America to all.
Keep in mind the words of our Pledge of Allegiance: ...with liberty
and justice for all.' What part of the word ALL does anybody not
understand?
THE REV. C. L. `SKIP' LINDEMAN
Congregational Church of the Lighted Window
United Church of Christ
La Cañada Flintridge
Politically correct politicians are under the microscope for many
current trends, i.e. from banning trans fats in school cafeteria
foods to recognizing the Islamic holy month. If these politically
correct lawmakers' actions result in healthier children and peaceful
communities due to acceptance of all faith traditions, then this
trend is laudable.
Recognizing the holy month of Ramadan was simple to do and didn't
cost the taxpayers anything. Even though the United States is a
sovereign state, all Americans are also world citizens. Isn't it time
to think globally and act with compassion and respect for all
people's rituals and faith traditions planetwide?
Scientologists follow a common sense moral code, which includes
respecting the religious beliefs of others. L. Ron Hubbard wrote, `If
all the brightest minds since the 5th Century B.C. or before have
never been able to agree on the subject of religion or anti-religion,
it is an arena of combat between people that one would do well to
stay out of. In this sea of contention, one bright principle has
emerged: the right to believe as one chooses.
``Faith' and `belief' do not necessarily surrender to logic; they
cannot even be declared to be illogical. They can be things quite
apart. Any advice one might give another on this subject is safest
when it simply asserts the right to believe as one chooses. One is at
liberty to hold up his own beliefs for acceptance. One is at risk
when he seeks to assault the beliefs of others, much more so when he
attacks and seeks to harm others because of their religious
convictions.'
Let's embrace religious diversity together with our families, friends
and Congress - and beware of those who poke fun at or try to discount
the acknowledgment of another's sacred beliefs. Americans united in
religious celebration will make this country stronger.
Assalamu alaikum. Peace be upon you.
CATHERINE EMRANI
Volunteer Minister
Glendale Church of Scientology
I think most of us appreciate the freedom of religious practice our
country affords. That means, of course, that I am honor-bound to be
respectable to others of different faiths, and to recognize their
right to believe as they wish.
Islam has gotten a lot of press post-Sept. 11, 2001, so recognizing
it may well be a matter of political correctness. I'd certainly be
uncomfortable, though, if Christianity had attracted attention in the
same manner, and I'd be vocal about it.
A few folks may want to turn our country into a theocracy in line
with their beliefs about God, but that's not my concern. I am
confident that when Jesus Christ returns, He will by Himself
establish His kingdom on a worldwide scale. I'm happy to know that
according to His promise I'll be a part of it, and not cast out of
it.
What I think is offensive to many religious people is the modern
societal pressure upon us to accept all faiths as equally valid and
true. I follow Jesus Christ because I believe He alone is the truth
personified, He alone is the way to know God. I accept other faiths'
right to exist, but I reject the notion that their prophets are on a
par with my wonderful Lord.
PASTOR JON BARTA
Burbank
http://www.burbankleader.com/artic les/2007/10/13/religion/blr-intheory13.txt