When the juggernaut that is the Harry Potter phenomenon started rolling, the Christian email network was full of startling scare stories about a supposed secret agenda to introduce our kids to the occult. That little fuss has since died down and Christians the world over, I hope, are letting their kids appreciate this amazing fantasy tale of redemption, whilst using the opportunity to talk wisely about the real-life dangers of witchcraft. It seems that the Christian email network now has a new scare story in the supposed plans to build a "mega mosque" within sight and sound of the London 2012 Olympic site.
I'm sure I am not alone in having received email circulars asking me to sign petitions, lobby and in general raise a hue and cry about these plans. The essence of the argument against seems to be the alleged extremism lurking behind the group that seek to establish the mosque, the size and influence of the mosque, its iconic significance in relation to the London Olympics, and the fact that this gives a green light to Muslim evangelism. Getting at the truth beyond the scare-mongering is very difficult but a very reasoned summary of what the actual state of play is can be found at this site set up by churches in the borough of London concerned.
As a personal reflection on the issue, I'd offer the following suggestions:
- if the group behind the mosque are extremist, violent and associated with terrorism then they will be illegal and the law will take its course in any decision-making. If they are not, then comments about the group's lack of inclusion of women, for example, literal take on creation or proselytism activities, can easily be levelled at many churches. Love your neighbour as yourself means allowing freedoms for others we expect of ourselves.....the rest of the world might prefer to use the language of fairness. I'd hate to see planning for churches refused in future because of another minority's misunderstanding of some aspects of Christian doctrine
- I have some sympathy for the argument about the site's iconic status, and there is no doubt that many Muslims would look on the establishment of a very visible mosque close to the Olympic stadium as quite a coup. But I just wonder whether we're at all disturbed that inside the stadium we will have huge placards extolling Betfair.com, Nestle and Macdonalds. What should an integrated Christian voice look like then in such a situation?
I realise I've not given an unequivocal view here. Suffice to say that things are not always as they seem. Let's follow the example of the earlier Harry Potter scare and tend towards discovering the redemptive story hiding behind the rumour, not ignoring the dangerous realities that do exist.
