Jesse A. Schroeder

Eboo Patel writes:

"American history is an arc toward freedom, dignity and inclusiveness for
all. That will include Muslims, sooner or later. Everyone knows you
can't stop that arc. And everyone knows that those who try to throw the
arc off-course are recorded and held up in history books years later as
an example to kids of who not to be like. They are the demons of
American history"

I agree. It's important for conservative Christians to remember that "America" and "Christianity" are not the same. While some may oppose Islam on religious grounds, in America, there is no place for intolerance. Furthermore, we have to wake up and realize that a very tiny fraction of the broader Islam religion (as broad, numerous and diverse as Christianity) is responsible for terrorism. And Christian history is certainly not exempt from acts of terror. The level of hate and prejudice being shown across the country in un-American, and I feel, un-Christian.

I believe the same applies for homosexuality. Some Christian moralists oppose the actions based upon what they see to be biblical principles, but in the United States, everyone has a right to live the fullness of their life.

Patel concludes:

"Will any of the members of the hate machine against Muslims one day have
a change of heart and seek our forgiveness? I believe in God, so I
believe in miracles."

I believe in God too - a God who "loves the world." I don't believe America is a Christian nation, but I believe America gives Christians the best chance to live out God's heart of "loving the world." As Patel says, the arc of American history is toward inclusiveness for all. I believe that God is "patient with us, not wanting any to perish." God's heart leans toward all of humanity. Not those of us who think we already have it all right.

I want to be leaning out, pushing the arc further, toward peace, inclusion and redemption of all.