-- From "Churches Open Doors to Muslim Worship" by Lauren Green, FoxNews.com 2/18/11
Diane Bechtol of Aldersgate says this is something Christians are called to do: Be neighborly and develop relationships - even those who don't share your beliefs.
But Dr. Alex McFarland, a Christian theologian and radio talk show host, charged these churches “have crossed the line from respect and tolerance, to ... affirmation and endorsement.
"We as the church are called to show love, we're called to help. But to let a building simultaneously be used for the activities of a mosque and also the activities of Jesus Christ, it's just incompatible. And I think it's one more example of political correctness and hyper-tolerance gone awry."
Mohamed Elsanousi adamantly disagrees, saying it’s good for the country to know churches like these are extending a hand to Muslims.
Elsanousi says there are many churches and even synagogues in America where Muslims share space with Christians. “We feel good about it,” he says.
Mosque construction is at an all-time high. As of September, there were 1,897 mosques in the United States, a 57 percent increase since 2000.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Methodist church to study Islam's Qur'an holy book" by Joan Rusek, Sun News (Cleveland) 2/9/11
Mayfield United Methodist Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester, is holding a four-part class to examine the book’s themes, structure, depiction of women, leadership, war and Christian scriptures.
They will be led by Zeki Saritoprak, who holds the Nursi chair in Islamic Studies at John Carroll University.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Extremist cleric to lead White House protest calling for Muslims to 'rise up and establish Islamic state in America'" by UK Daily Mail Reporter 2/20/11
British extremist Anjem Choudary - who once said 'the flag of Islam will fly over the White House' - has announced he will lead a demonstration [on March 3rd] calling on Muslims to establish the Sharia law across America.
The former leader of outlawed group Islam4UK told the Daily Star 'we expect thousands to come out and support us.'
Mr Choudary said the March rally was organised by the Islamic Thinkers society, an extremist group based in New York.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 2/25/11 (regarding article below): Afghan convert to Christianity facing death penalty for apostasy freed, but others remain in prison . . .
From "America Quiet on the Execution of Afghan Christian Said Musa" by Paul Marshall, National Review Online 2/18/11
A terrible drama is unfolding in Afghanistan: There are reports that Said Musa, whose situation I described at Christmas, will soon be executed for the ‘crime’ of choosing to become a Christian.
Musa was one of about 25 Christians arrested on May 31, 2010, after a May 27 Noorin TV program showed video of a worship service held by indigenous Afghan Christians; he was arrested as he attempted to seek asylum at the German embassy. He converted to Christianity eight years ago, is the father of six young children, had a leg amputated after he stepped on a landmine while serving in the Afghan Army, and now has a prosthetic leg. His oldest child is eight and one is disabled (she cannot speak). He worked for the Red Cross/Red Crescent as an adviser to other amputees.
He was forced to appear before a judge without any legal counsel and without knowledge of the charges against him. “Nobody [wanted to be my] defender before the court. When I said ‘I am a Christian man,’ he [a potential lawyer] immediately spat on me and abused me and mocked me. . . . I am alone between 400 [people with] terrible values in the jail, like a sheep.” He has been beaten, mocked, and subjected to sleep deprivation and sexual abuse while in prison. No Afghan lawyer will defend him and authorities denied him access to a foreign lawyer.
Newspapers in the U.K. and elsewhere in Europe have reported the story, but with, the exception of the Wall Street Journal and, of course, NRO, American outlets have not found it worthy of attention.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Liberal 'christians' Praise Allah
Allah Worshiped in Memphis Church
Seattle Church Embraces Muslims, doesn't Proselytize
Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither
Methodists Wonder Why Members Leave in Droves
Methodist Seminary Trains Pluralistic Clergy
Methodists Team Up with Atheists for Bible Study
UPDATE 5/5/11: Daily Show (comedy) parody of Satan
