this was sent to me from my ex- girl friend's father, Rev, Kenneth Near. please read this, and let's think carefully about where the
world is going into.

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Dear Companions,
In 1993, when the World Trade Center was first bombed, the Western
Media kept harping about "Islamic Fundamentalists" and "Islamic Terrorists."
Whenever the word Islamic was used - the word fundamentalist or terrorist was
also used. About that same time a man was arrested in Florida for killing a
doctor at a women's health clinic which performed abortions. The killer was
a Presbyterian clergyman. I did not see one report calling him a "Christian
Fundamentalist" or a "Christian Terrorist." For some reason (perhaps
racism?) many in the culture of the American west feel quite comfortable
using derogatory descriptors for followers of Islam but not for Christians.
I have a deep fear that today's violence, just a few miles from me (I can see
the smoke from here) will increase the rhetoric of hate.
I happen to know several individuals who are followers of Islam. They
are my neighbors and they are quiet, peaceful folk. I deeply admire and
respect this family. Back in 1993 I put my collar on and visited their
Mosque in Teaneck, New Jersey. The Imam there broke down in tears as I
embraced him. He said you are the only Christian Priest to call or visit
with me. "We are not all terrorists!" he cried. At that time, I invited him
to St. Paul's, Englewood so that he could share with us the holy and
legitimate customs of his faith tradition. We ate together and he poured his
heart out to us. I will be visiting that Mosque again soon!
We must be careful in our use of language. Followers of Islam have
much to teach us. We must not single this group out for revenge. The truth
is - our own hands are not clean as Christians.
Rage and hated will destroy our souls. The guttural cry for revenge
will lead us all to destruction. It is time for prayer and building
relationships of peace and friendship. This is the only way to true justice.
I have heard from most of my friends who work in the World Trade Centre
area. However, one friend I have not heard from yet. Her name is Karolyn.
I imagine that in a few days we at St. Paul's, Englewood will be conducting
the Burial Office for someone's loved one.
I send all of you much affection and love.

Deep Peace,
Ken Near+

 

1) There's a big difference between a psycho clergyman killing one doctor and a terrorist group from another country trying to blow up a skyscraper that houses thousands of people. We're just lucky the WTC didn't collapse then. Obviously, someone learned something from that attack.

2) This is why I'm not religious. Too many damn hypocrites in religion. As far as I can tell every major religion has had a bloody hand at some time in history yet they all claim to be peaceful. The fact that at this point in time the Christian church isn't a bunch of terrorists doesn't make up for the fact that at times they have been or the fact that today the majority of them (at least the majority that target Americans) come from the Middle East and hide behind Islam.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by seung
[B]this was sent to me from my ex- girl friend's father, Rev, Kenneth Near. please read this, and let's think carefully about where the
world is going into.

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Thank you for this Seung. There is good and bad in every race, every society and every individual. We need to recognise people as individuals and not stereotype them.

I hope some good can come out of the last few days, I am truly saddened by the negative thoughts of many of our S2000 community at this time.