Reflection #9: The Incarnation of God

“Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella 

Bring a torch, to the cradle run! 
It is Jesus good folk of the villiage; 
Christ is born and Mary's calling; 
Ah! ah! beautiful is the mother 
Ah! ah! beautiful is her son!”
-Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella

Jesus is described as the Savior of the world and the long awaited Messiah for His people.  The stories, songs, and Scriptures also agree with this title and also give him other powerful names.  In my Christmas carol, Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella, it tells of the excitement of the Christ’s birth.  It is calling people to come and worship the new-born baby Jesus, who is worthy of the praise along with his mother Mary for her dedication to God.  Faith in God was necessary for Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Persian astrologers for them to complete their role in the Christmas story and make the way for Jesus to come into this world.  The reason Jesus came to earth as a baby was to be able to one of His people and interact with them personally.  He wanted to live among us to know about our lives in a firsthand account.  This shows how He is a personal God and truly wants to have a relationship with each and every one of us.  

Reflection #8-Islam: Two Perspectives

Western Article: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/mosque_madness_at_ground_zero_OQ34EB0MWS0lXuAnQau5uL/0

Muslim Article:  http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2010/09/muslim-world-planned-mosque-near-ground-zero-seen-as-opportunity-to-correct-misconceptions-about-islam.html

In this news article by The New York Post, the writer talks about the mixed, especially the negative, views on the purposed building plans of a mosque 2 blocks away from Ground Zero in New York City.  The critiques feel like building a mosque there would be “a slap in the face” and that the Muslims are being insensitive to 9/11 and its victims.  The families of the victims feel like that putting a mosque there would be like reopening the wounds that have just started to heal.  Overall, the view of this mosque is negative and has not been taken well by the public.  However, the Financial District Committee of Community Board has approved the project to move forward along with President Obama.  Some citizens also support the project saying that America is founded that it has religious freedom and we should put the mosque there to express that along with recognizing that being Muslim does not mean being a terrorist. 

I looked up a second news article coming from The Jakarta Post that comes out of Indonesia which is the largest Muslim nation in the world.  In this article they are critiquing the critiques of the mosque at Ground Zero.  They think that the people who oppose are ignorant and don’t know the full story and it is all out hatred and prejudice.  The Islam religion and values are also examined on how Muslims don’t follow the same ideals as the terrorists and is actually an anti-terrorist and peaceful religion.  Lastly, it talks about America and its values.  They believe that America should stand by its freedom of religion and it is not known as “the Christian United States of America” and therefore should accept Islam.  

Both of these articles address issues with the mosque being built near Ground Zero and the view points on it.  The Western view of the situation is more negative towards Muslims and against the idea of the mosque.  The Muslim view is not as concerned with the mosque but is more focused on the opposition toward Muslims seen in Americans.  They back it up their religion through explanations of their religion and criticism of America.  Both articles find issues with the other side supporting them both with valid facts making the mosque on Group Zero an equal and heated debate.