President Obama stepped into it over the weekend. Speaking Friday August 13, 2010, at a White House dinner to honor Ramadan, the President told his audience, “Muslims have the right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country,” an obvious reference to the controversy surrounding the Ground Zero mosque. On Saturday, while spending the day in the Gulf, the president attempted to clarify his earlier remarks: “I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making the decision to put a mosque there. I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding. That’s what our country is about.”
Utah’s attempts at statehood were held up over the religious practice of polygamy. It wasn’t until Utah agreed to include in its constitution a ban on polygamy that the territory was considered for statehood. Statehood was officially granted on January 4, 1896.
Prior to Utah’s statehood, the Supreme Court had ruled that “Bigamy and polygamy are crimes by the laws of all civilized and Christian countries”[1] and “the spread and practice of polygamy is . . . . contrary to the spirit of Christianity and of the civilization which Christianity has produced in the Western world.”[2] So contrary to President Obama, it’s not true that all people have “the right to practice their religion.” The First Amendment does not give unlimited freedom to individuals or groups who act in the name of religion, especially when that religion’s goal is the domination of the world or even a part of it by force.
On a side note, Judge Vaughn Walker, in the Proposition 8 decision, is arguing that the more than seven million people who voted to define marriage as between a man and a woman have no standing in their appeal of the case because they could not prove how homosexual marriage harms them.[3] The same argument could be made over bigamy and polygamy since no one is forced into multiple marriages and thereby can’t suffer harm by the polygamous practices of others. The Supreme Court in 1890 saw great societal harm in the religious practice of polygamy. In my estimation, the same argument can be made for Islam. Consider that German authorities “have closed a Hamburg mosque used by the Sept. 11 attackers as a meeting place before they moved to the United States. A statement by Hamburg officials says the Taiba mosque was shut down and its cultural association was banned” August 9, 2010.
The First Amendment begins: “Congress shall make no law. . . .” There is no prohibition on municipalities, counties, or states. Constitutionally, Congress, since it is supposed to be the only law-making national body, cannot make any law regarding religion that would affect the states. Cities, counties, and states can make determinations based on religion. An appeal to “our founding” will prove this to be true. Nearly all the state constitutions at the time had particular requirements dealing with religion over which the national government had no jurisdiction. If the states wanted the same, less, or more freedoms than found in the national constitution, the states had to provide for them in their constitutions. For example, here are the religious provisions in Alabama’s constitution:
That no religion shall be established by law; that no preference shall be given by law to any religious sect, society, denomination, or mode of worship; that no one shall be compelled by law to attend any place of worship; nor to pay any tithes, taxes, or other rate for building or repairing any place of worship, or for maintaining any minister or ministry; that no religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under this state; and that the civil rights, privileges, and capacities of any citizen shall not be in any manner affected by his religious principles.
Why include these words if the First Amendment applied to the states?
President Obama and other supporters of the Ground Zero Mosque appeal to our nation’s “founding,” in particular Thomas Jefferson. Here are some additional comments the President made on August 14 in reference to Jefferson:
And tonight, we are reminded that Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity. And Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been a part of America. The first Muslim ambassador to the United States, from Tunisia, was hosted by President Jefferson, who arranged a sunset dinner for his guest because it was Ramadan—making it the first known iftar[4] at the White House, more than 200 years ago.
First, Islam is not noted for its religious diversity. Christians cannot evangelize in Muslim countries. Churches are burned while police do nothing. Muslims who convert to another religion can be executed. Even the presence of the Bible is prohibited by our own military and the behest of Islamic officials when American soldiers are deployed in Muslim nations:
Bibles were confiscated and destroyed after Qatar-based Al Jazeer television showed soldiers at a Bible class on a base with a stack of Bibles translated into the local Pashto and Dari languages. The U.S. military forbids its members on active duty—including those based in places like Afghanistan—from trying to convert people to another religion. Reuters quotes Maj. Jennifer Willis at the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, who said “I can now confirm that the Bibles shown on Al Jazeera’s clip were, in fact, collected by the chaplains and later destroyed. They were never distributed.”[5]
Second, President Obama’s favorable appeal to Jefferson is only part of the story. The Koran’s peace initiatives are Orwellian: “Submission to Islam is peace.” Peace is the absence of any religious or political opposition. This is the indisputable history of Islam as Paul Johnson writes:
Koranic teaching that the faith or “submission” can be, and in suitable circumstances must be, imposed by force, has never been ignored. On the contrary, the history of Islam from Arabia was followed by the rapid conquest of North Africa, the invasion and virtual conquest of Spain, and a thrust into France that carried the crescent to the gates of Paris. It took half a millennium or reconquest to expel the Moslems from Western Europe. The Crusades, far from being an outrageous prototype of Western imperialism, as is taught in most of our schools, were a mere episode in a struggle that has lasted 1,400 years and were one of the few occasions when Christians took the offensive to regain the “occupied territories” of the Holy Land.[6]
What did Jefferson learn from his study of the Koran? As early as 1786, Jefferson, who was serving as the ambassador to France, and John Adams, the Ambassador to Britain, met in London with Ambassador Abdrahaman, the Dey of Tripoli’s ambassador to Britain, in an attempt to negotiate a peace treaty based on Congress’ vote of funding. Peace would come at a price. If America wanted “temporary peace,” a one-year guarantee, it would cost $66,000 plus a 10% commission. “Everlasting peace” was a bargain at $160,000 plus the obligatory commission. This only applied to Tripoli. Other Muslim nations would also have to be paid. The amount came to $1.3 million. But there was no assurance that the treaties would be honored. In vain Jefferson and Adams tried to argue that America was not at war with Tripoli. In what way had the U.S provoked the Muslims, they asked? Ambassador Abdrahaman went on to explain “the finer points of Islamic jihad” to the Koranically challenged Jefferson and Adams. In a letter to John Jay, Jefferson wrote the following:
The Ambassador answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Musselman [Muslim] who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise.[7]
Abdrahaman was paraphrasing the Koran’s “rules of engagement” found in the 47 Surah: “Whenever you encounter the ones who disbelieve [during wartime], seize them by their necks until once you have subdued them, then tie them up as prisoners, either in order to release them later on, or also to ask for ransom, until war lays down her burdens.” Unless a nation submitted to an Islamic nation, whether it was the aggressor or not, that nation was by definition at war with Islam. Jihad means “to submit.” A non-aggressing nation is still at war with Islam as long as it hasn’t embraced Islam. Islam’s goal is to conquer the world, either by the submission of one’s will or by Allah’s sword.[8]
When President Jefferson refused to increase the tribute demanded by the Islamists, Tripoli declared war on the United States. A United States navy squadron, under Commander Edward Preble, blockaded Tripoli from 1803 to 1805. After rebel soldiers from Tripoli, led by United States Marines, captured the city of Derna, the Pasha of Tripoli signed a treaty promising to exact no more tribute.
President Obama is not the first person who has tried to whitewash Islam’s history with America. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), a Muslim, took his constitutional oath on Jefferson’s copy of the Koran. How ironic given Jefferson’s disdain for Islam’s principles. There’s a reason the “Marines’ Hymn” begins with these words:
From the Halls of Montezuma,
to the shores of Tripoli.
The line “To the shores of Tripoli” refers to the First Barbary War, specifically the Battle of Derne in 1805. Jefferson, embroiled in a war with Islamic terrorists in his day, commented, “Too long, for the honor of nations, have those Barbarians been suffered [permitted] to trample on the sacred faith of treaties, on the rights and laws of human nature!”[9] Little has changed since Jefferson’s day. The Muslims of the Ground Zero Mosque will say one thing and mean another.
Endnotes:- Davis v. Beason, 133 U. S. 333, 341-344, 348 n. (1890). [↩]
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints v. United States 136 U.S. 1, 49 (1890). [↩]
- The seven million people have standing because their votes were nullified by a single judge. In addition, the process of amending the California constitution is by referendum: “A proposed amendment or revision shall be submitted to the electors and if approved by a majority of votes thereon takes effect the day after the election unless the measure provides otherwise” (Art. 18, sec. 4). This, too, was violated by a single judge’s poorly argued decision. [↩]
- “Iftar (Arabic: إفطار), refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan.” [↩]
- Fred Jackson, “U.S. military destroys soldier’s Bibles,” OneNewsNow (May 5, 2009). [↩]
- Paul Johnson, “‘Relentlessly and Thoroughly’: The Only Way to Respond,” National Review (October 15, 2001). [↩]
- Quoted in Joseph Wheelan, Jefferson’s War: America’s First War on Terror, 1801–1805 (New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2003), 40–41. [↩]
- Robert Spencer, The Truth about Muhammad: Founder of the World’s Most Intolerant Religion (Washington, D.C.: Regnery, 2006) and Robert Spencer, The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) (Washington, D.C.: Regnery, 2005). [↩]
- Thomas Jefferson, congratulatory letter to Lt. Andrew Sterett (1760–1807). Quoted in Joseph Wheelan, Jefferson’s War: America’s First War on Terror, 1801–1805 (New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2003), 102. [↩]
Gary is a graduate of Western Michigan University (1973) and earned his M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in 1979. Author of countless essays, news articles, and more than 27 book titles, he also hosts The Gary DeMar Show, and History Unwrapped—both broadcasted and podcasted. Gary has lived in the Atlanta area since 1979 with his wife, Carol. They have two married sons and are enjoying being grandparents to their grandsons, Calvin and Paul. Gary and Carol are members of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA).
It is amazing to me that after thousands of years of history showing us our enemy for who they are, that we are naive enough to believe that Islam is a peaceful religion. Seriously? That is why we are doomed to repeat it, willful ignorance.
The commandment does say to love thy neighbor, however, you must also be aware of thine enemies that wish to destroy you and your Christian friends. Even God's people knew who were their enemies and who wished to enslave them. Do you really think you are loved by your Muslim neighbor? Where's the money coming from for this new cultural center and mosque? No one will say. Are they afraid the answer will cause even more controversy? What New York City construction worker would even agree to work on this project? What about the church that was destroyed on September 11th? Why would a mosque be offered public land for their building when no other religion is allowed this consideration? Would you allow a Nazi cultural center next to Auschwitz? So many questions unanswered.
Mr. President and his consultants are wrong!
I can´t believe that Mr. Obama supports a Mosque for pilgrims of the terrorism! In the Muslim World these terrorist are Heroes! Don´t forget that! – The American Society don´t want that Mr. Obama and nobody wants to hear your opinion! –
You have not the sensibility of the American people! –
Ground Zero is where Christians bodies were buried and souls went to heaven! – This certainly should not be a memory with a Muslim Mosque as a Tomb for these memories!
Mr. Obama , if you don´t understand this message, please", go out from the USA! –
Respect the American roots!
The federal Constitution is a minimum standard – states, local gov'ts, municipalities are bound by the US Constitution as well as the State Constitutions, all of which mimic the federal Constitution – there is a national prohibition on making laws respecting the establishment of religion – state and federal.
BUT R.I.C.O. applies – follow the $$$ – terror funds from terror organizations – illegal money laundering.
It is wrong to state that no one was forced into a polygamist marriages. Many very young girls were forced by their parents and the men they married to enter into such marriage. Even in recent history, a rogue Mormon sect was found to have men married to very young girls in violation of the law.
I lived in a Muslim country 7 1/2 years. The average educated person was ok, however,the fanatics were horrible. They ate, slept and lived according to the principles dictated in their Koran, which I read while there. This religion not only controls their people, but the government too. They are the government. It is a horrible way of life. We as Americans have to wake up and do something about what is going on with this president and these people or someday we will find our nation lost to our old ways. Then it will take an all out civil war worse than the one to free the slaves, to get us from under these infidels, they would treat us even worse. We have to free our nation from this tyranny, this president must go. I can not understand how the American people would vote a Muslim person to be the leader of a Christian people. This is beyond comprehension. May God save us.
Over 1200 Architects and Engineers agree with Ron… All you have to do is look at the evidence.
http://www.ae911truth.org/
After 5 years of exhaustive research into the events of 9/11/2001, I have to completely agree with Ron a couple of comments above. Notice, that rather than debunk his claims, people (like "Una") attack him personally. WAKE UP PEOPLE! The fact is that the people are so scared to find out the truth that they will come up with every excuse to be apathetic, hurl personal insults, seek and find refuge in lies, etc. I have done extensive research into building construction, physics, jet fuel, etc. If I could debunk the claims that Ron has made, I would. But, the fact is that they are true. I have great confidence that all those who do diligent research into the subject will find it to be true, rather than hurl immature personal insults at those who have actually taken the time and energy to fervently seek out the truth. Grow up, take responsibility for yourselves, act like adults and stop living in a fantasy world. There is so much to learn and we need to know this information, as our criminal government sure will not divulge it to us.
I am truly sorry to see that so many Christians have fallen for this trick about the “Mosque near ground zero.” No one in these 44 comments has mentioned the plethora of evidence that shows the Muslims did not destroy the World Trade Center to start with. I am a Christian architect that attended the 4th Annual Super Conference just last July and I informed Dr. DeMar and 85 other attendees of the extensive evidence that proves that neither jet collisions nor the fire from jet fuel destroyed the twin towers and building 7 but nanothermite. Nanothermite is a new high-tech military laboratory made steel cutting explosive not found in the caves of Afghanistan but only in US and Israeli military labs only within the last 10 years. Tons of this material was placed throughout the buildings under the security of Larry Silverstein who bought the lease on the WTC six weeks before 9/11/01. And this was all done under the so-called watch of the “God fearing conservative Republican administration.” So if you think things are going to get better by electing Republicans I have bad news for you. So who cares if the Muslims build a Mosque next to ground zero? We don’t care enough about the deaths on 9/11/01 to even find out who really did it.
Sorry, Ron, but you're an idiot.
Una, are you a trained practicing architect like Ron? There are over 1250 architects ands engineers at AE911Truth.org who say the three towers fell from planned demolition. Here's a simple argument. Because all 3 towers fell symmetrically, that means every point equidistant from the ground lost ALL support INSTANTANEOUSLY.
I'd like to the anyone feeling the love of Jesus Christ would be able to disagree without ad hominem attacks.
Hmmm. So, it sounds like you are suggesting a HUGE conspiracy that includes the media. I lived in Australia at the time of the attacks and saw the second plane crash into the towers as the first tower's problems were being discussed. It seems that if the towers were built similarly that they would fall similarly. I am not an architect but I believe that the planned demolition happened just as we witnessed it – by a group of terrorists who flew airplanes into the buildings as they'd planned. The pentagon crash seems to also put a wrench in the conspiracy theory. I have not heard – do the architects also believe that to be a planned demolition as well? I just can't imagine that . My husband worked in the pentagon until four weeks before the attacks. I honestly just can't imagine that it is all a conspiracy. What about the plane that crashed over PA? Was that all part of the planned demolition too? I simply can't agree that all the evidence points to planned demolition. I CAN agree with you that we should be gracious and kind in our responses – whether we agree with each or not.
Why and who was Obama celebrating Ramandan with? All I can say is: Americans Vote in November, Vote in 2012 and send this non American back on his a double s to Chicago.
T"he same argument could be made over bigamy and polygamy since no one is forced into multiple marriages and thereby can’t suffer harm by the polygamous practices of others."
what? There are plenty of young girls harmed both mentally and emotionally because they are forced into such relationships at very young ages. A 12 year old girl is NOT able to make a healthy decision to become a part of a multiple marriage arranged by her parents! Poor analogy!
Proverbs 17:5
The one who mocks the poor insults his Maker, and one who rejoices over disaster will not go unpunished.
Great article…a must read for everyone. How do our elected leaders continue to get away with everything they say and do that is hurting our country. We are fast losing our role as a leader of the world We used to be the lender and now we are the borrower, owing trillions to other countries. We elected these people and we have the right to fire them. When will somebody step up and do what is right, morally and scripturally. Our country was founded on Christian beliefs and there is no way to hide that or explain it away.
Barbara, how true. but is it really are Country any more. we are letting it slip away. I been seeing that most People fall for any lie & bull story's that they hear. Not looking it up for themselfs. we are getting more & more lazy we talk the talk but we dont walk the walk.This is the time for Street Smarts Because all the book smarts where fooled.& what about all theses so call Christain that Voted for a baby killer that did not know hes butt from hes Elbow. & he out talk the thinkers.GOD BLESS AMERICA.
If you have never read Ezekiel Chapter 1, the four faces described are the depiction of those who are called to serve the Lord:
The face of a lion – A creature that does not flinch when confronted with any other, no matter its size.
The face of an Ox – a creature that works tirelessly, never ceasing in strength.
The face of an eagle – a creature with unsurpassed vision – a Godly vision for serving, yet as the eagle cares for its young, it must teach them to soar – it bumps them out of the nest and dives after them, catches them and returns them to the nest. This is repeated untill they know how to fly.
The face of a man – We are created in the image of our Father in heaven, eternal beings who are meant to serve Him according to the gifts we are given.
Excerpt from a sermon by Pastor Tim Hall – Turning Point at Calvary – August 11, 2010
I just read an article where the Imam pushing the mosque says that he wants it to show that they(the Muslims building it) are not like those "other Muslims"…I assume he means the "extremists". If that is in fact true, why is it that when Americans started to object and have now turned it into a major battle, they didn't simply say, "In the interests of peace and pacifism and to show our solidarity with the victims of 9/11 and their families, we have decided to stop the process and find someplace else to build."???? They talk about not being like those "other Muslims" and yet when it is all boiled down…it's all rhetoric and crap and they just push to do what serves their own best interests…I personally don't care that they want to worship….just don't be so obnoxious about it and push for something that is that distasteful to so many.
This Imam could take a lesson in tolerance from Pope John Paul II
WTC Mosque, Meet the Auschwitz Nuns
http://bit.ly/briLpQ
This was an excellent article which dispelled many myths — especially about Jefferson's alleged tolerance of Islam. However, after reading the comments at the end, I'm afraid to share the article with my friends because some comments justify our enemies' charge that Christians are uneducated, gun-toting loonies. I can appreciate the anger, but please, folks, let's not call for violence and let's watch the spelling and grammar. We don't need to give our enemies any more ammunition. Thanks.