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Today we remember one of the greatest tragedies in our country's history, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Our country has changed since that day. Our lives are different because of that day. From inconvenient security parameters to a constant state of high alert and even wars on two fronts. Many American families have mourned the loss of loved ones, whether from the initial horror of 9/11, or from the drawn out wars we have waged since. It seems we all know someone in the military these days, and too many, including my wife's uncle, have suffered the experience of receiveing a son home in a coffin. We have all been affected by the aftermath of that infamous date, September the 11th.

At once our country was united as we faced a new world of Islamic terrorism; but over the years we have been steadily, almost purposely, more and more divided. Politics has never been more explosive, and our lack of integrity has never been more appauling. Our fear of evil creeping silently over our borders has caused us to embrace a nativism not seen since 19th century New England, as depicted in the 2002 film, "Gangs of New York". Our fear of the new global economy has inflamed a renewed racist tone toward the hispanic minority which we blame for stealing jobs and welfare benefits, instead of taking issue with the corporatist policies which have sold this country's middle-class down the river without a boat or padddle! Our fear of terrorism has caused us to exchange the Bill of Rights and freedom of religion for an intolerant and un-American bigotry toward those who practice the religion of Islam, as witnessed by the current skirmish around the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque", which is not actually at the former World Trade Center site. Our fear of American idealism has even caused some to threaten the burning of the Qu'ran in protest of the religious freedoms typically expected in the United States of America. Our fears have caused us to be suspicious of our nations first black President, Barak Obama, as we question his patriotism, his faith, and even his heritage. 

During the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt asserted these courageous and inspiring statements at his first inaugural address in 1933: "This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." Will we allow fear to guide us, or will we be led by our founding principles of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", of "Justice for all", in a nation where "we are dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal"? Will we be a nation of uniquely American ideals, or an American nation which forsakes her idealism to protest against muslims building an Islamic cultural center too close to where the World trade Center once stood, and perhaps one day, protests the building of a Christian church in an area deemed inconvenient and isulting by some secular humanist group? I am grieved that there is even a doubt which way we should go.

I now speak to the Christian church in particular. The Bible declares assertively that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." May none of us condone the shameful threats of that Florida church, whose leader (I do not say pastor) proposed to burn the Qu'ran. The power we have been given is not that which moves against a group of people to provoke them to rage by burning that which is sacred to them. May we not fall into that trap of arbitrarily blaming the multitudes for the work of a few. The power we have been given is intended to help us turn the other cheek: "For to this were you called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:... When He suffered, He did not threaten... But let none of you suffer as... an evildoer" Our power is displayed in meekness and humility, it is power over the flesh and power to resist the Devil. Jesus said, "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart".

Not only spiritual power has been given us to conform us into the image of our Savior and Shepherd, but also love, that we might love our enemies, blessing those who curse us, doing good to those who hate us, and praying for those who spitefully use and abuse us. I frankly cannot see how burning the Qu'ran and enraging muslims the world over falls under any of these commandments. We might as well burn the Bible if were not willing to follow seriously the words contained within its pages. We have been given a sound mind. The demoniac of Gadera was out of his mind, wildly running nakedly around the town cemetery; but when he met Jesus he was delivered, and the Bible declares the town's people found him with the Master, "sitting, clothed, and in his right mind." He was peaceful and sane. How can we lay any claim to our profession of Christ if we behave wildly and insane in His Name? How can we call ourselves Christians, if we are constantly at war, in protest, inflaming emotions, and burning that which is dear to many? Sounds like some of us are demon-possessed! Sounds like we need to read our own Scripture, and be touched by our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

May we get off our high horse of pride and prejudice, and let God be the Judge; as Scripture says, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord... Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."