Love Thy Neighbor, Yeah Right?

I guess for some who claim to be Christian, Matthew 22:37-39 is one of those conditional commandments that only apply to other Christians and not to everyone.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-39

It has been my understanding that love thy neighbor applies to everyone, not just your Christian neighbor.

This is what I believe many of my fellow Christians continue to misrepresent Christ, because they often use God, Jesus and the Bible to either damn people to a living hell of torment while using God, Jesus or the Bible as a proxy for their discrimination, bigotry and intolerance towards others.

Jesus did not waste his time discerning ethnicity, culture or religious beliefs in his ministry. He loved everyone the same, even when they did not love or demonstrate that love to or for him. As I know there are some who will point out an instance of Matthew 15:23 as a counter argument, but I look at their motives in making this argument while ignoring the counter arguments to their counter argument. This is often where we both get side tracked and entangled in conversations based on individual biases and preferences. So we miss the point.

Why Do I Care About Muslims?

I take this point up not to agitate or to apologize to anyone. I take this point up, because underneath the surface of this debate is an unconscious undertone of religious bigotry at work against the Islamic Center.

Some may ask the question, “As a Christian, why do I or should I care about Muslims, Islam or a building?”

I care because it is my understanding and belief as a Christian that I am to love my neighbor as I love myself. I care because I still have not found a logical or spiritual reason why I should discriminate against someone.

Unfortunately many who claims to practice Christianity as are those who claims to practice Islam has perverted the faith by distorting what is true. This is the case within any spiritual belief. There will always be some faction who may claim to be fundamentalist of the tradition, but fail to practice the fundamentals of the tradition. That is essential mutual respect of one another.

Why should I care?

I care because I know when you have had the opportunity to interact with many persons who practice Islam on an ongoing basis that interaction develops into a friendship and friendship into a kinship. That only occurs when both practice mutual respect towards each other. That’s why I care. Why don’t you should be the question?

Walk By Faith

What motivates me to speak as a Christian in defense of Muslims is first my adherence to my faith in where I sincerely strive to practice it in truth, not in perception of it or having truth. This puts another meaning to II Corinthians 5:7, because if you walk by faith and not by sight you are not concerned about being perceived to be right, true or spiritual, because it will be seen in your actions. What you defend, what you cherish, what you practice. In essence, whether you walk by faith or just concerned by being seen as walking by faith.

The Beloved Community?

Another reason why the opposition to the Islamic Center of Murfressboro attracted by attention is has nothing to do with the proxy of zoning issues that are waged, but the undertone of religious intolerance at work.

I’m not saying one side’s opinion is infallible and the other’s opinion is fallible, because both sides should be heard, but if this was a Christian organization seeking the same property in the same manner there may be similar zoning related questions or obstacles to be accounted for, but the public opposition would not be comparable if any at all. I’m sure some may not be honest enough to admit that probability, but this is why I harp on being considerate of others beyond your own understanding.

There’s a history of religious intolerance directed towards the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. January of this year the sign that read “Future Home of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro” was vandalized with the words, “Not Welcomed”. That’s a fine example of the “Love Thy Neighbor.”

So the sudden opposition demonstrated by some should not be a big surprise, nor should the claims of zoning or legalities should be considered without suspicion of bias.

Conclusion

If America is ever going to be true to its words, then we must adhere to those words we claim to cherish. We the people may be the beginning of the preamble of the constitution of the United States, but when that statement was first written and the document was complete, ‘We’ did not included ‘Me’. The same continues to be true each time we don’t consider others and fall into the comforts of only thinking about me.

Many people who say they love America only want to focus on the good of America. We cling to our guns and religion like a 2^nd Amendment militias. If we are to celebrate our religious freedoms, then stop opposing the right to religious freedom. Just because someone doesn’t believe what you believe doesn’t give you the right to oppose them for wanting to lawfully and respectfully practice what they believe.

References & Inspirations

WSMV: Nashville – 18 January 2010 “Murfreesboro Islamic Center Sign Vandalized”

Daily News Journal – 18 June 2010 “Mosque’s Approval Draws Residents’ Ire”

Daily News Journal – 17 June 2010 “Mosque Faces Challenge”

Daily News Journal – 17 June 2010 “Letter to Editor: Debate Needed on Islamic Center”

Religious Tolerance “Thomas Jefferson’s 1777 Draft of a Bill for Religious Freedom”

Religious Tolerance “An Act for Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia 1786”

The Holy Bible (NIV) “Matthew 22” Specifically verses 23 until the end of the chapter

Islamic Center of Murfreesboro “Official Website”

Human Rights First – “2008 Hate Crime Survey Results: Violence Against Muslims”

Seeking Independence

This past weekend we all were stunned with some very interesting events. I’m obviously not going to be able to touch on all of them, but just wanted to mention a few that caught my attention. The gamut runs into politics, sports and entertainment, so I will try to keep my thoughts, ideas and suggestions brief on all of them.

Sarah Palin; Governor of Alaska (Steps Down Before 1^st Term is complete)

To the surprise of many on multiple sides of the political spectrum, I’m not going to beat up on her for this latest sporadic decision. Like I’ve said awhile ago, there’s no need for me to keep beating up on the GOP, because they’re doing a good job at it on their on. Each time I’ve tried to offer a sincere non-partisan warning it was ignored, discounted and attacked, so my position has been to step out of it and speak to those who are open-minded enough to hear what I have to say and I in return to them.

Sarah Palin has the right to leave the position of Governor, a position that the people of Alaska voted her into a few years ago for any reason.

Politically, this move makes it even easier for her fellow Republicans, not Democrats, but REPUBLICANS that will run for President in 2012 job much easier to slam her on. This Democrat is leaving her to her own vices.

It’s time for politicians and political pundents to trust people to be smart enough to recognize partisan political games, political ideology from people who just want to do what they’re suppose to do and serve We The People. Too many political people are too busy serving themselves and those who helped them get to where they are instead of We the People.

I sincerely wish Sarah Palin the best and will not participate in attacking her personal decision to leave office 18 month before the term is up. Politically, she just opened herself up to attack by HER FELLOW REPUBLICANS, although I believe there will be some Democrats who will see the easy target and shoot at it. But I say to them, this is not our fight to wage at this time.

Now anyone who still believes I’m being hard on her still is simply crazy. I have my own opinions about this decision in relation to politics, but I respect her personal decision and question the strategy of the political decision. Who does she have advising her? This is not a wise political strategy regardless of party. So for once I agree with George Will and Newt Gingrich on questioning the political strategy behind this, but I’m not attacking the beloved politician, only wishing her well in her future endeavors.

References & Inspirations

Huffington Post – 07/06/09 “Paling Follows GOP Members of Congress Who Quit Because They Felt Like It”

Steve McNair; Former Titans & Ravens QB Found Dead

Now being a Tennessee Titan fan I was blown away by the news of Steve McNair being killed on Saturday. What bothered me more was the situation he was in.

Man… Steve… Big Sigh… Seriously, you’ve could have just called a brother. I would have welcomed you in. Man we all go through these hard times in our relationships. We’re the same age, I understand how ya feel. People start trippin’ and you feel you have no one there to really talk to. I get you, but dude… she’s 20 years old. This girl was only 1 years old when we graduated from high school, this is not right man. Was the ______ that good? There’s some 30-something year old women out here that would have been more logical alternative than this.

It’s alright man. What’s done is done. If I am to be honest I must offer my unconditional and sincere prayer for the continued grace and mercy to be bestowed upon your soul, memory and the family, friends and fans you leave behind. Everyone is not forgiving, but everyone wants to be forgiven. Who am I to judge you? You’re still alright with me. Rest in peace.

References & Inspirations

ESPN – 07/06/09 “Steve McNair Shot Four Times, Classified as Homicide”

Tiger Woods; 2009 AT&T Nationals Winner

All I have to say is… THAT’S MY MAN! I really like Anthony Kim, but when I saw Tiger come up from 6^th to tie for first and then stayed there I knew he had it. I want to be like you when I grow up.

Seriously, this may not be grand news to some because Tiger has won multiple tournaments. He’s Tiger Woods many would say. But as my father illustrated in a sermon of the weekend, it is the work behind what allows someone to make such a statement that’s the real point of it all. He is the #1 Golfer in the world, but consider the journey.

Over the weekend there was an announcer who was talking about Tiger’s career in various aspects and he briefly mentioned the tremendous impact he has made to the culture of golf since his 1997 Master’s win. Although the other announcers glossed over the importance of his statement I had to agree with him. Here I am watching golf and enjoying it. I’ve actually preferred to watch a PGA Tournament over most of the NBA Playoffs. That’s a death sentence on the streets. J I would have had my ‘Brother Card’ revoked and put on Black Man suspension if this got out. J (For those who may be uptight, I’m only kidding).

Listen, my point is that Tiger Woods along with other great golfers like him and others have made a great cultural impact to the amazing game of golf to a segment of the population often discouraged from the game. I am more than just basketball, football and baseball, I am golf, tennis and politics too, since that’s a game within itself.

It’s not because of his heritage I and many others marvel at his accomplishments, but it is because of his heritage that I and many others recognizes his accomplishments, because it makes a statement to people of all backgrounds that anyone can achieve their goals and dreams if you work hard at it and not allow the obstacles to hold you back. Congratulations Tiger and just watch, one day I swear I’m going to be out there. Me and You, one on one and when I’m finish you’re going to call me Tiger Woods. J

References & Inspirations

Golf.com – 07/05/09 “Tiger Woods wins AT&T National over Hunter Mahan & Anthony Kim”

Michael Jackson; King of Pop

I don’t even know what else to say. The imprisonment of fame and wealth along with the leaches that comes with it is enough to overwhelm anyone, but just like the statement another King realized its truth, at least you can say today that you’re Free at Last.

A Confederate Contradiction

As many people throughout the United States and the world are still coming to grips and realizing that all Black men are not out to get them (however you choose to read that is correct) and what was once thought to be a fact of life and insurmountable for one to consider has been proven wrong by the presidency of Barack Obama.

Today Blacks are forced to embrace this reality as well as Whites and all other races and cultures. I am not as bad as some say that I am and not as good as I believe I am is what many men & women privately confess to themselves. The contradictions are being revealed and the realities are difficult to honestly dispute.

Now it’s rare that I talk about many regional controversial issues like the one that surrounds the Confederate Flag. This is especially true being from the American South where you can easily find this flag. I just want to offer my thoughts, ideas and suggestions about another reality that is controversial for many, the Confederate Flag.

I understand that there are certain groups of people who will find this to be a sensitive subject. Without any assumptions I ask everyone to approach the subject without any preconceived bias, connection or allegiances. To honestly address certain issues with a controversial history with sincerity you must approach it with an open mind.

To reiterate a previous statement I must repeat it to make myself clear. I’m not suggesting that I have the answer to the dispute. I only offer an alternate point-of-view with hopes that it may lead to a consensus regarding the controversy and contradictions of the Confederate flag.

What moved me to bring up the subject of the Confederate flag?

In a previous post titled “The Tale of Forrest Park” I discuss a park in Memphis, Tennessee called Forrest Park that was approved to be placed on the National Historic Sites registry. The Forrest Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans submitted the nomination to the National Park Service in what I like to call a Blagojevich move. I actually admire the move, because it’s legal and shrewd at the same time. Regardless of how some like or dislike the move it was perfectly legal.

The history of the Confederate flag is one that claims heritage and hatred, but to the surprise of both parties I have a different position for each side to consider when thinking about this symbol of history.

For those who may not know this history may be wondering how Nathan Forrest and the Confederate Flag relates?

Well the short answer is that Nathan Bedford Forrest was a general in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. You often find the reverence towards this flag given by those who revere Nathan Forrest. It’s hard to separate Nathan Forrest from the Confederate Flag and Nathan Forrest from the KKK and the Klan to the Confederate Flag and the Flag to the Civil War. If you want to go into detail about what all the Civil War was about you may find more resources and reasons for these relationships.

In Nashville there’s a roadside memorial to Nathan Forrest on a horse surrounded by Confederate Flags on I-24 between the Old Hickory Blvd exit of Brentwood and Harding Place in Nashville. At some point each week I pass this ‘exhibit or tribute’ if I decide to take that route home.

Now when this memorial was unveiled years ago it was offensive to me and many others of all races and backgrounds. It represented a symbol of hate, domestic terrorism and discrimination, but when I came into contact with some people who proudly displayed the flag and looked at it as a symbol of their heritage I was confused. How could this flag be a source of high regard with such a sorted history? Back when the terror level was raised to White for the white sheets and members of Homeland Security worn them this flag was often used in their operations or should I say misused. This is the confederate contradiction.

It’s about heritage not hate some claim and that may have been the intended purpose, but it’s hard to dispute the misintended use of this flag as the symbol of choice for those who perpetrated acts of domestic violence years ago and those unreported cases of today.

But today something has changed within me when I see this flag. It does not bother me anymore. It just makes me smile and sometimes chuckle to myself. I smile not out of any respect or disrespect towards the Confederate Flag, but the contradiction and symbolism.

I like how the cartoonist Walt Handelsman illustrated this ongoing confederate controversy or contradiction.

Now I’m not saying that I have the answer to the dispute, but an alternate point-of-view that may lead to a consensus regarding the Confederate flag.

I smile because I know that we  all have overcome. Not just Black people, but White, Latino, Asian and Native Americans have overcome. Yes there’s still a racial divide, but no longer does a man on a horse, a coward covering his face with a white sheet or even a flag with a meaning attached of pride and southern heritage or a meaning of hate and fear can divide us.

These things can’t bother me anymore because it doesn’t govern me and is proven to be wrong regardless how you slice it.

Although I understand and can relate to the hatred that some may have towards the confederate flag I choose not to go that route, because the flag has two meanings applied to it. One of hate and one of heritage. Regardless of how I look at it the flag is what it is, a symbol. The symbol itself is not evil or bad, but the meaning applied to that symbol and how it’s interrupted is the issue.

It’s a symbol of regional pride and heritage for some whose family members fought, sacrificed and died in the Civil War. It’s a symbol of hate and fear for some whose family members died at the hands of those who upheld the flag in reverence. Now we can go into detail of the root of the matter of why the North & South were fighting and how that relates to the other meaning of the symbol, but that gets I save the American history lesson for another day.

The point is that this is not a battle for Non-White people to be fighting, because Non-Whites did not hijack the meaning of the Confederate Flag. This is a fight for within the Southern White community and those who reverence the Confederate Flag. The debate is with those who value it to properly reconcile its meaning with those who continue to misused and misrepresented its meaning. The damage is done, now is the time to stop fighting about and over it and reconcile our difference and participate in the union of uniting the state of America.

References & Inspirations

NPR: Weekend Edition Saturday – 02/12/00 “Confederate Flag”

Just As Good If Not Better (Part 1)

Introduction

This month of Black History I tried to write about race, but in a way that just didn’t reflect on just Black people in history, but how others have contribute to it regardless of race. Black History is all of our history.

During this month we have seen history that involves Black people, discussed Black people and residue of how some people who are still culturally unaware when it comes to race. From the election of the first Black chairman of the Republican Party, the tough call to better communication by the first Black Attorney General, the continued work to make America live up to its definition by the first Black President to the culturally unaware cartoon and Photoshop created depictions that highlighted age old Black stereotypes.

I’m personally glad that much of this stuff is coming out, because we are FINALLY getting into a mindset of becoming aware of what we do and what we say. Not in a way that it must be politically correct all the time, but what it says about us as a person. It’s quickly no longer socially acceptable to be culturally unaware. We must get out of the gated communities of our own associations and experience others.

After all of the conversations related to race this month I started to think about the people who helped shaped my opinion of self. Although I do not remember the names of all of them, I want to thank them for the role they played making me who I am. Some may criticize them for it, but I appreciate them. They are Black, White, Kurdish, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Republican and Democrat.

So in my personal efforts to conclude this month of deliberate emphasis on race relations I want to use the last two days to thank those who let me know that I was ‘just as good if not better’ than anyone else.

First Realized Encounter with Racism

I slightly rephrase the story of Author Amy Vanderbilt when she tells of a personal story race.

“While traveling on a bus with one of her son’s, I noticed my son kept looking back and smiling to someone I couldn’t see. When we got off the bus and the person he was smiling at got off to. It was an elderly Negro woman. She said to me, ‘your son seems to not see a difference in us at all, how is that?’ I replied with, the grown-ups around him never taught him that there is a difference.” - Amy Vanderbilt

I loved this story, because I could relate to it. I’ve been blessed to have the unique opportunity to have come of age in diverse environments. Although I had plenty of opportunity to be bitter and to be suspicious of a specific group of people my parents didn’t teach me that. My suspicions today are not based around race, class or religion, but affiliations.

Of course my parents had their reservations as I got older and started to like girls, but they cautiously taught me about history, but still allowed me to experience life for myself. I can’t be more thankful for that.

This is something that I strive towards today with my son. When children are uncoached by the adults around them to embrace a negative understanding regarding class & racial differences they tend to openly accept and enjoy people both despite and because of their differences. As they get older society begins to work to ‘set them straight’ and to ‘know their place’.

My first realized encounter of this hypocrisy was when I was only five years old. I remember asking a girl in my class does she want to play basketball with me. I was 5, what kind of basketball was I going to play. Just a series of double dribbling, walking and bricks. Before she could even say yes or no her father came running towards us and told me that ‘his daughter (Cindy) doesn’t want to play with you’. Which was confusing to me then, because I was only one of two Black kids in the class, they played with me before when he wasn’t around.

Thirty-one years later I still remember that first brush with someone trying to tell me to basically stay in my place. If it wasn’t for the confrontation of the mother of the only other Black child in this class to this idiot and to me this could have scared me in a negative way. Because far too often children accept this ridiculous and unwarranted assessment of ‘their place’ without question, thus shutting themselves off to the warm and open experiences with those just like themselves.

The lady’s son was one of my childhood best friend until 1997 when he was shot and killed helping a friend fix his car. I appreciated our friendship throughout the years and thank his mother for intervening at a critical time in my young mind. Thank you for telling me that I am just as good if not better than those who may say or believe otherwise.

Thank you.

Nashvillians Say No to English-Only Amendment

This story was a little personal for me, because it’s my hometown. I’ve followed Nashville politics since I was a child. I was always fascinated by it and it’s what sparked my interest in politics in general. So when I began to hear this debate for English only vote spew out into the national media spotlight I paid closer attention. My attention was not on what I believed Nashvillians would do, but what influence from the national media may sway their vote.

You have to live in Nashville to really understand the culture of the city. It’s not what many people think of it as some cowboy hat wearing, horse riding country music listening big small town. Ofcourse you will see some cowboy hats, but its normally tourist wearing them. If you are walking down on 2^nd Avenue or even a few spots on Broadway you may hear some live country or blues music being played at night from some of the bars, but it is Music City. You will hear Gospel, Blues and even some Hip Hop too if you go to the right places.

If you want to mess everybody up, just walk into Tootsie’s (famous country music spot) wearing a Public Enemy shirt like I did back in the early 90′s. I was thirsty, but that’s another story.

Nashville has a growing immigrant population that’s has made great contributions to the culture and heritage of the city for decades. We don’t have many racially related crimes, nor does the city discourage cultural diversity. Growing up in Nashville helped form my views and experiences regarding race, but I’ll talk about that more in a few weeks.

So you may understand why I was a bit disappointed with Councilman Eric Crafton’s proposal for English-Only. I personally believe it was to raise his own political profile for his own future aspirations, but that’s hearsay.

The final vote was 32,144 for English only and 41,752 against. Obviously this was a very low voter turnout, but I’m happy for those who did turnout to vote.

The measure would have forced all Metro Nashville government business to be done in English, with the council allowed to vote on exceptions. Metro’s legal department contended early on that conflicts with federal law would enmesh Nashville in litigation for years to come.

So by defeating the measure, Nashville will not be the largest city in the nation with an English-only rule in its charter despite dogged efforts by Metro Councilman Eric Crafton, who spearheaded the amendment.

Councilman Crafton and his Nashville English First group argued that the city would save the city money in translation services and become unified as the result of more immigrants learning English.

“We have got to speak English. We would be divided as a country if we don’t. We can’t do a lot about the illegal immigrants that are here, but they won’t be able to go get government services because they won’t be able to read forms. This country is based on English.” — Kevin Ferrin

I respectfully disagree with this idea because it tends to omit the notion that we are a country of immigrants. Whatever happened to the Great Melting Pot philosophy? This country is based on many things both good and bad, but we have already seen what happens when you put up exclusive signs. You may not see a physical sign that says “English-Only”, but regardless if it’s out in the open or hidden in our hearts, the use of divisive language is harmful under any translation.

Even Councilman Crafton said he is glad the special election is over. He has been trying to get the charter amended for two years; first failing after former Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed a council vote on the issue and then failing to get it on the November ballot over a technicality in timing. Well I hope you’re happy and keep your word by not bring it up again, but I’m sure some devotee of division will raise it up once again. Perhaps we should bring back the Colored & White’s Only signs too.

I love how Maria Rodriguez, Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition used a familiar civil rights quote that was recently used in the inauguration benediction by Rev. Joseph Lowery. She said, “Voters are not duped anymore. They know when they see bad policy that is going to be costly and that’s not progressive. … I guess brown can stick around in Nashville.”

References & Inspirations:

The Tennessean – 01/23/09 “Nashville’s English-Only Measure Defeated”

The Tennessean – 01/23/09 “Quotes about English-Only Measure”