Another Muslim in Congress?

i don't know why the title of this post bothers me, but it does...makes it sound like 2 Muslim's in Congress is two too many...i don't know...

@ Navin Vaswani
i don't know why the title of this post bothers me, but it does...makes it sound like 2 Muslim's in Congress is two too many...i don't know...

I absolutely agree with you. I think the good ol' pastor is holding something back here, what are you implying?

Not going to get me into a debate, just reporting the news that Andre Carson is Muslim. It's an important consideration in my opinion, for Christians to consider and I only heard this fact earlier this week. So read what you want into the the headline - but I believe this to be important news, and if I wanted it to be an op-ed, I would have labeled it that and gave you my opinion.

@ Bocephalus
I absolutely agree with you. I think the good ol' pastor is holding something back here, what are you implying?

Sounds a bit suspicious to me. Suppose someone had written "Another Christian in Congress?"

Suppose then they had followed that up by saying:

With the circumstances as they are, there could be another Chirstian in Congress after Tuesday's election, but the stay could be temporary..... only time will tell.

Tell us Pastor, is there something wrong with a Muslim in Congress?

@ Ed Boston
Not going to get me into a debate, just reporting the news that Andre Carson is Muslim. It's an important consideration in my opinion, for Christians to consider and I only heard this fact earlier this week. So read what you want into the the headline - but I believe this to be important news, and if I wanted it to be an op-ed, I would have labeled it that and gave you my opinion.

Why is it an important consideration for "Christians?" Don't they believe in freedom of religion?

@ Ed Boston
Not going to get me into a debate, just reporting the news that Andre Carson is Muslim. It's an important consideration in my opinion, for Christians to consider and I only heard this fact earlier this week. So read what you want into the the headline - but I believe this to be important news, and if I wanted it to be an op-ed, I would have labeled it that and gave you my opinion.

Not going to get you into a debate? This is one of the purposes of a public forum. What we are asking is why you feel this news is of particular importance to Christians? That's a fair question, these are your own words.

Sounds a bit suspicious to me. Suppose someone had written "Another Christian in Congress?"

Suppose then they had followed that up by saying:

With the circumstances as they are, there could be another Chirstian in Congress after Tuesday's election, but the stay could be temporary..... only time will tell.

Now do you think I would take offense to that? I think it would be awesome, as I pray that MORE Christians become part of the political process.

And my reason for not debating is to not give you the satisfaction thinking there is more to things than just being able to have the facts available for making intelligent decisions.

@ Ed Boston
Now do you think I would take offense to that? I think it would be awesome, as I pray that MORE Christians become part of the political process.

And my reason for not debating is to not give you the satisfaction thinking there is more to things than just being able to have the facts available for making intelligent decisions.

What roll does this man's religion play in making what you call "intelligent decisions?" Do you think that people should vote against him based on his religion? What if people start advocating that people vote AGAINST Christian candidates based on their religion? That is a very strong possibility in the Congressional district that I live in.

Perhaps the people of his district, who know his religion, think that we need FEWER Christians in the political process.

@ Ed Boston
Now do you think I would take offense to that? I think it would be awesome, as I pray that MORE Christians become part of the political process.

And my reason for not debating is to not give you the satisfaction thinking there is more to things than just being able to have the facts available for making intelligent decisions.

The fact that you kept this to the simple facts, b others your detractors pastor because it IS a fact and you didn't give an opinion, so they feel comfortable in attacking instead of acknowledging simple facts.

That is their pattern and it is laughably obvious, so don't bother with them, most of don't anymore, we just laugh at how biased they are and how they project their own biases on others.

Good piece Pastor.

ooops, forgot to subscribe...did it this time.

I guess I look at that headline and totally agree with Navin. To me, what difference does it make whether this guy is a Muslim or not? It is the equivalent of asking "Another Woman in Congress?". What is the purpose of highlighting whether he is Muslim, or Christian, or Black or a Woman, for that matter? Why is it necessary to identify someone based upon their religion, color or sex?

When it comes to my political representative, I would not limit myself to a white, Anglican, conservative, middle aged woman, just because that is what I am. Would you actually only vote for someone who shares your age, sex and religious background? Before all else, I would ask, what is his or her work background/experience and just what qualifies this person to represent me on the municipal, provincial or federal level? What is their commitment to their constituents, ie, how well do they know the district or are they a drop-in candidtate looking for a "safe" seat? There are many, many questions that I would ask before "What is your religion?" in fact, I'm not sure that I've ever thought about that at all.

@ Carolyn E. Price (gohomelaker)
I guess I look at that headline and totally agree with Navin. To me, what difference does it make whether this guy is a Muslim or not? It is the equivalent of asking "Another Woman in Congress?". What is the purpose of highlighting whether he is Muslim, or Christian, or Black or a Woman, for that matter? Why is it necessary to identify someone based upon their religion, color or sex?

When it comes to my political representative, I would not limit myself to a white, Anglican, conservative, middle aged woman, just because that is what I am. Would you actually only vote for someone who shares your age, sex and religious background? Before all else, I would ask, what is his or her work background/experience and just what qualifies this person to represent me on the municipal, provincial or federal level? What is their commitment to their constituents, ie, how well do they know the district or are they a drop-in candidtate looking for a "safe" seat? There are many, many questions that I would ask before "What is your religion?" in fact, I'm not sure that I've ever thought about that at all.

You might not, but many do and considering the ongoing battle between Muslim extrmeists (different from the moderate Muslims that simply want to practice their religion PEACEFULLY), it does bring the "Muslim" aspect into account.

The article the Pastor refers to, heavily discusses the Islamic aspect, which makes the headline completely relevant. The Pastor didn't write the articles quoted, therefore if someone has a "personal" problem with that aspect being discussed, they should take it up with those that wrote the article in question instead of attacking someone that brings said article to our attention.

So, saying "Another Muslim In Congress" is supposed to imply something demonic?

Being as he is only the second to be in Congress, saying another seems appropriate to me.

Am I left to surmise, from some of the baiting comments previously made, that some would be happy if even more Muslims made it to Congress and we became a Caliphate?

As for "Another Christian In Congress," it wouldn't bother me to read such a headline from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and so on. Somehow, I doubt we will see that any time soon.

And what a lame way of "baiting" it is. We just finished having a candidate in the Republican primaries that was known more as a Christian than anything else.

@ LewWaters
So, saying "Another Muslim In Congress" is supposed to imply something demonic?

Being as he is only the second to be in Congress, saying another seems appropriate to me.

Am I left to surmise, from some of the baiting comments previously made, that some would be happy if even more Muslims made it to Congress and we became a Caliphate?

As for "Another Christian In Congress," it wouldn't bother me to read such a headline from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and so on. Somehow, I doubt we will see that any time soon.

Well said Lew!

And would anyone like to comment on the fact that there is a Muslim ad at the bottom of the comments - if Muslim doesn't matter then why are they advertising on this site????

OK, I'll bite.
No more muslims in CONgress.
I don't want them in CONgress.
I do't want them as judges.
I don't even want them in my country.
So?
How does it escape those who propose to be 'forgiving' that we are at war by an an act of agression committed agaisnt us with a religion which has ''moderate'' members in the same way the Protestant, and Catholic religions have members who don't go to church or mass on a regular basis?

The call to arms for muslims is only a matter of timing and personal inclination. Some are called to wield bomb belts, others are to be politicians,and statesmen and to bring dominion of all under Moe as soon as possible.

The Caliphate awaits. Get ready.

@ Ed Boston
And would anyone like to comment on the fact that there is a Muslim ad at the bottom of the comments - if Muslim doesn't matter then why are they advertising on this site????

They are looking for more photos of Moe?
I have a few, perhaps I should share them?

@ Boaz
They are looking for more photos of Moe?
I have a few, perhaps I should share them?

LOL Boaz.

Like it or not people, Muslims are a minority in America and when a Minority Member makes progress it is reported. If Barack or Hillary gets president they will be the first Black or first Woman president and it will be reported as such. When we had our first woman Supreme Court Justice it was reported as such. So I have to disagree and say that this title doesn't sound bad at all. It sounds more like to me that some people either need to invest in a pair of big boy panties or need to not try to create a false sense of intolerance from one person just to make themselves look like tolerant heroes because they have nothing better to do than to try to look important on the Internet.

GHL you are spot on and I agree, we should look at the person by what they want to do to make our lives better, how they plan to behave as a politician. However Religion, Race, Sex, those are all parts of who we are, they are part of our identity. I don't vote based on those identifying features. But sometimes looking into their religion is important because religion is a big part of who a person is, but in this case I don't think it will have a negative bearing on how he would feel about creating laws. If/When He becomes a representative he will be voted in because his constituents believe in him that he will represent their interests and be their voice.

I think the important matter for Christians to remember is that if there is a growing number of Muslims in congress that means there is a growing Muslim population and we as Christians need to take a look at ourselves and our beliefs and find the best way to make them feel welcome as Jesus would have us be hospitable. We should also make sure our faith is strong and that we will not waiver in it as faith in Jesus as the Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian religion.

Whatever other people want to do that is their decision.

Samantha, seem I recall that when Ruth Bader Ginsberg was nominated and approved to sit on the Supreme Court, there was prominent mention of her being "the SECOND Woman" to do so.

I don't recall anyone expressing any complaints about that.

Samantha A. Torrence and find the best way to make them feel welcome as Jesus would have us be hospitable

actually Jesus had something of an issue with those who didn't hold the line. Jesus also was not averse to using force when He felt it necassary. The money lenders in the Temple found out how He felt about defiling that holy ground.
Should we pray for, evangelize to, and try to convert muslims? Of course, that goes with the territory.
Do muslims allow prosletyzing in arab nations? Nope a jail sentence, hanging, or expulsion. Pronto.
How far do we as a nation allow the process to go towards the assumption of the reigns of power to one who is sworn to remove the legal system we now have and replace it with sharia law?
Sharia law is not pretty if you happen to be non muslim or even if you are muslim.
They have countries where they can be whatever they want to, better if they leave this nation alone, so I can do the same.

@ Boaz
Samantha A. Torrence and find the best way to make them feel welcome as Jesus would have us be hospitable

actually Jesus had something of an issue with those who didn't hold the line. Jesus also was not averse to using force when He felt it necassary. The money lenders in the Temple found out how He felt about defiling that holy ground.
Should we pray for, evangelize to, and try to convert muslims? Of course, that goes with the territory.
Do muslims allow prosletyzing in arab nations? Nope a jail sentence, hanging, or expulsion. Pronto.
How far do we as a nation allow the process to go towards the assumption of the reigns of power to one who is sworn to remove the legal system we now have and replace it with sharia law?
Sharia law is not pretty if you happen to be non muslim or even if you are muslim.
They have countries where they can be whatever they want to, better if they leave this nation alone, so I can do the same.

Weren't you already banned from DJ under a different name?

Multi-culturalism means other cultures. You wanna keep the U.S white and Christian, come out and say exactly what you mean or join the Aryan nation and take it to the next level. If not then stop with the cowardly insinuations, we all see right through them.

I know Boaz, and he didn't and wouldn't say anything about wanting the U.S. to be "white". He was talking about the intolerance of muslims. Don't put words in people's mouth, and it seems strange to me that someone who has been accused of having dual personna's would be worried about whether or not someone else had been previously banned or not.

And why is it that you folks who lean to the left want to argue about everything except the facts.

Fact: Andre Carson is muslim.

Fact: There is a special election tomorrow in the Indiana 7th Congressional District.

Fact: Based on previous voting tendencies, the Democratic candidate would be considered the favorite.

Fact: There will be a primary election in May.

Fact: The primary winners will square off in November.

Now, argue with the facts and not things that you have assumed or made up.

@ Ed Boston
I know Boaz, and he didn't and wouldn't say anything about wanting the U.S. to be "white". He was talking about the intolerance of muslims. Don't put words in people's mouth, and it seems strange to me that someone who has been accused of having dual personna's would be worried about whether or not someone else had been previously banned or not.

We all recognize the vile rant of Ben when we read it and I can say from experience that the intolerance of some who claim to be "Christians" can equal or exceed anything I have found in the Islamic world.

What sort of person says something like:

They have countries where they can be whatever they want to, better if they leave this nation alone, so I can do the same.

Fortunately people like that are heavily outnumbered by people who will not put up with that sort of thinking and we will not permit this country to dragged into the mud by such people.

Whine all you like but Muslims are going to be taking there rightful place in this county whether you like it or not. In fact, once we pull out of Iraq I think we should give tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of the poor slobs who backed Bush's crackpot crusade political refugee status in this country--maybe next door to you and Ben.

I know Ben and Boaz, and they are two different people. Sorry to burst your bubble (well not really).

.. THe SLIDE in ON!!!
BEWARE.. EUROPE is Telling the Story that we IGNORE!!!

New york's first black, legally blind governor sworn in

Wow black and legally blind. Is this issue important to Christians too Pastor? Cause I haven't seen you write a post about it yet.. You wrote an article about how a second Muslim may become a member of congress on that pretense so I would think that the first black and legally blind governor would be doubly important.. No?

Lemme know if you need assistance writing an article about that, pastor. OK? Failing that, I'll write one on my own. I'd hate to see such an important issue to Christians (and by golly the whole civilized world) go by the wayside. You lemme know now!

@ Ed Boston
And why is it that you folks who lean to the left want to argue about everything except the facts.

Fact: Andre Carson is muslim.

Fact: There is a special election tomorrow in the Indiana 7th Congressional District.

Fact: Based on previous voting tendencies, the Democratic candidate would be considered the favorite.

Fact: There will be a primary election in May.

Fact: The primary winners will square off in November.

Now, argue with the facts and not things that you have assumed or made up.

Don't confuse them with facts Pastor.....they cannot handle dealing with the basics, it doesn't fit in which their ideology.

@ Bocephalus
Weren't you already banned from DJ under a different name?

Multi-culturalism means other cultures. You wanna keep the U.S white and Christian, come out and say exactly what you mean or join the Aryan nation and take it to the next level. If not then stop with the cowardly insinuations, we all see right through them.

White and Christian?
Nope, just American

@ Ed Boston
Not going to get me into a debate, just reporting the news that Andre Carson is Muslim. It's an important consideration in my opinion, for Christians to consider and I only heard this fact earlier this week. So read what you want into the the headline - but I believe this to be important news, and if I wanted it to be an op-ed, I would have labeled it that and gave you my opinion.

Would you have made a point of his religion if he'd been a Jew or a Buddhist? If he's running for a political position, his religion is irrelevant unless you believe that only Christians are entitled to hold public office.

"And why is it that you folks who lean to the left want to argue about everything except the facts.

"Fact: Andre Carson is muslim. "

And why is it that you think his religion is the most important thing to headline and to emphasize in the first paragraph? I have to agree with Navin. Placing the emphasis on Carson's being a Muslim betrays a bias that certainly leans toward op-ed.

"And would anyone like to comment on the fact that there is a Muslim ad at the bottom of the comments - if Muslim doesn't matter then why are they advertising on this site????"

Are you truly ignorant of the way keywords work? I don't see any ad, but if there was one when you posted, nobody "placed" it. Ads are placed automatically according to a keyword formula.

@ Connie M (Catana)
Would you have made a point of his religion if he'd been a Jew or a Buddhist? If he's running for a political position, his religion is irrelevant unless you believe that only Christians are entitled to hold public office.

"And why is it that you folks who lean to the left want to argue about everything except the facts.

"Fact: Andre Carson is muslim. "

And why is it that you think his religion is the most important thing to headline and to emphasize in the first paragraph? I have to agree with Navin. Placing the emphasis on Carson's being a Muslim betrays a bias that certainly leans toward op-ed.

"And would anyone like to comment on the fact that there is a Muslim ad at the bottom of the comments - if Muslim doesn't matter then why are they advertising on this site????"

Are you truly ignorant of the way keywords work? I don't see any ad, but if there was one when you posted, nobody "placed" it. Ads are placed automatically according to a keyword formula.

Had it been the 1st or 2nd Buddhist or Jew to hold that office, then yes I probably would have used that.

The point that he is Muslim and only the 2nd one elected to Congress was the point of the story. That is why it is in the headline and is highlighted in the first paragraph.

And with your looking down your nose at me remark about keywords, yes I know how and why they are used. I don't remember the ad but my point was that it was "directed at muslims". My question would be why it's not ok to make a point of his being muslim and elected to Congress, but it's ok to direct advertisements at and or to muslims. Would it be offensive if there were ads "directed at Christians"?

Strange how knives cut both ways. Don't you that logic on me if you don't want it turned back at you.

And by the way, Mr. Carson won the Democratic primary to run again this fall.

@ Ed Boston
...And with your looking down your nose at me remark about keywords, yes I know how and why they are used. I don't remember the ad but my point was that it was "directed at muslims". My question would be why it's not ok to make a point of his being muslim and elected to Congress, but it's ok to direct advertisements at and or to muslims. Would it be offensive if there were ads "directed at Christians"?

Apparently, you don't understand keywords. Ads are always aimed at those who would presumably be interested, whether positively or negatively. The software brings up whatever is most relevant according to an algorithm, from the available choices paid for by advertisers.

I might also mention that your focus on the ad is irrelevant to the main issue and merely serves as a distraction. Training in rhetoric is often a part of pastor's education, but readers don't have to be ministers to recognize rhetorical devices... or faulty logic.

And welcome to the crowd of those who think they're actually being clever when they use "looking down your nose." When you can't deal with a subject objectively and logically, always resort to personal attack. If you're so concerned about superiority and inferiority, you might consider how slanted reporting and argumentation reflect on you.

@ Connie M (Catana)
Apparently, you don't understand keywords. Ads are always aimed at those who would presumably be interested, whether positively or negatively. The software brings up whatever is most relevant according to an algorithm, from the available choices paid for by advertisers.

I might also mention that your focus on the ad is irrelevant to the main issue and merely serves as a distraction. Training in rhetoric is often a part of pastor's education, but readers don't have to be ministers to recognize rhetorical devices... or faulty logic.

And welcome to the crowd of those who think they're actually being clever when they use "looking down your nose." When you can't deal with a subject objectively and logically, always resort to personal attack. If you're so concerned about superiority and inferiority, you might consider how slanted reporting and argumentation reflect on you.

Ma'am,

You really have no clue about me and what I know and don't know. One doesn't need to understand algorithms to know that if the post contains certain topics or keywords, then the ads are going to be targeted to match posts with ads.

Let's see, I'm an Indianapolis Colts fan. Hmmmm, I just thought it was a coincidence that Colts ads keep showing up on pages I'm on. No, I am not stupid (or ignorant as you said earlier) about how those things work.

And might I say that YOU are the one who brought the ad up - not me, and it's you who are using things (including making things up) to move away from the topic.

Let me answer your question before you ask. You made up the line "always resort to personal attack". I in no place in my response to you attacked you. If you think that my bringing your attention to you looking down your nose is a personal attack, then I hope you grow some thicker skin if you are going to stay in the blog/citizen journalist role.

After reading your bio and seeing this comment, it's more than obvious that you think you are smarter than I (which is no great accomplishment) and I guess I should take it as a compliment that you think I've been "trained" so well in my use of rhetoric. You really are clueless about who I am or how I think.

And good job of making the facts of my post 'try to go away" by making your responses about me and not the topic. I suggest you scroll back up to comment #25 and "just stick to the facts, ma'am".

@ LewWaters
So, saying "Another Muslim In Congress" is supposed to imply something demonic?

Being as he is only the second to be in Congress, saying another seems appropriate to me.

Am I left to surmise, from some of the baiting comments previously made, that some would be happy if even more Muslims made it to Congress and we became a Caliphate?

As for "Another Christian In Congress," it wouldn't bother me to read such a headline from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and so on. Somehow, I doubt we will see that any time soon.

Oh my.... what a thread! Wanted to quote Lew because he refers to "Caliphate".

It is SO interesting to see the different reactions to a headline and article that expressed no bias. We each read it and have a reaction based on our own personal set of beliefs. NOT because the headline is biased...but because we each are uniquely impacted by the information.

I for one became concerned. My first thought was a bit of fear. The Muslim religion doesn't really offer it as being separate from government or force. My first vision was of Iran, Iraq, and various Muslim nations where millions and millions are on their prayer mats bowing towards Mecca ....and those loud speakers that broadcast Muslim prayers throughout the region.

Doesn't appear to me like a melting pot of tolerance for all religions. Scary if the U.S. became like Muslim countries....at least scary to ME.

Political correctness has seemingly overcome critical thinking. I frankly do not want to see more Muslims in congress. That religion seems more about forcing people to worship their god rather than "choice". The Christians speak much and proslytise....but it is ALWAYS a "choice". No one will shoot you if you decide not to opt for Christ. I can't say that about many Muslim countries. And granted..."shoot" is more humane than what is more likely to happen to an infidel over there.

Just my two cents.