September 4, 2011:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR

“Muslims In America”

As we approach the tenth anniversary of September 11th, it is important that we take seriously the results of a new poll of Muslim Americans by the Pew Research Center. In this poll, 49% of Muslims see themselves as Muslims first vs. 26% who identify themselves as Americans first. Does this mean that most Muslims are a threat to America?

Not unless you see a lot of other Americans as an equal threat. A previous Pew Research poll found that about a similar percentage of Christians (49%) identify first with their religion. I have an idea this would also be true in the Jewish community. Is this so surprising? America is a religious country.

But do Muslims really want to be part of America? As some right-wing conservatives charge, don’t they want to institute sharia (Muslim religious) law and turn America into an Islamic country? Actually, far less than those who want to turn (ore return) America into being their version of a "Christian" nation.

Overwhelmingly, Muslim Americans say they are happy with tier lives, have positive views of their communities, believe hard work is the way to success, see life as better here than in most Muslim countries, and — oh, yes — worry about Islamic extremism as much or more than other Americans.

It would help those who fear the impact of Muslims on America to realize these new neighbors are going through the same process as other immigrant groups in our history. Those who come to these blessed shores do so to create a new and better life for themselves and their children. Of course, they maintain the religious faith and some of the cultural practices of the countries from which they came. But America — the great melting pot — is able to blend all these religious and cultural traditions into one united nation. It may take a little while, but it will happen. The only thing that will hold this back is if we give credence to the fearmongers and hatemongers who want to demonize our Muslim neighbors. Shame on them!

Would you like to learn more about Islam? Then why not come to next Sunday’s adult education class at 10 a.m. in my office taught by one of our newest members, Tiffany Merritt, who teaches world religions for the University of Phoenix.

The real threat to America’s future is not from a few demented extremists whatever their color or creed; the real danger comes when we stop believing in what America is all about.

Love,
Pastor Dave