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Saturday, November 15, 2014

Intolerance: The bigotry against Muslims

Recently, I was approached by the principal of my school because I told someone I had friends in the Middle East. Now, he didn't have an issue with their location. He had an issue with the fact they were Muslims.
Everyone reading this should know that I am a devout Catholic, I wouldn't convert even if my life depended on it. That being said, one of my best friends, Toqa, is a Muslim and she is the sweetest person with the most understanding heart in the world (nothing against you Dominka). We laugh together, cry together, draw together, write together, I help her understand my world and she helps me understand her world. When my principal told me that students didn't feel safe around me because I don't condemn their actions, I was sad. Don't get me wrong, I was angry, I was more sad though. I tried to assure him that I wasn't going to do anything to hurt anyone but I could tell that didn't change anything. About a week before, my history teacher went on a rant about how Muslims hate Christians. During that time, I left the room and didn't return until the end of the period to get my stuff and go to lunch.
Muslims aren't evil. The people that do evil things in the name of Islam would do the acts in the name of anything. I know I am going to get hate for this but I will say this, I am ashamed to be a Christian if that means I have to hate Muslims. I refuse to hate Toqa. She means more to me than anything else I know. I have known her for almost three years and I trust her. After my Poppop died, I thought no one could fill the void he left but she did. Her religion makes no negative difference. In fact it makes it easier to talk to her.
All this makes me proud to call her my sister through God. It was by His mercy I found a kindred spirit. For that reason, I refuse to evangelize to her. She is perfect the way she is. I will close with a quote from the Romans to silence all those Christians who would speak ill of our friendship.

But you who eat vegetables only--why do you judge your brother or sister? And you who eat everything--why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God
Romans 14:10 

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