The Controversy of the Mosque at Ground Zero
Recently amethystjade put up a link that got my thoughts flowing- on what might happen at the site where the Twin Towers fell.
For what it's worth, here're my 2 cents:
I think they should build a universal worshiping space there. Something grandiose, majestic and lovely, w/the names of the people who died there subtly engraved in a central point somewhere, w/a tribute message encouraging people to -come together,- so nothing like 9/11 ever happens again (in this country, and everywhere)... It could be a big, glorious glass dome, the inside of which would be bathed in light and naturally lit from overhead- like a circular or ovular version of the pyramids @ the Louvre... Someplace where people of all religions could find peace, seek contact w/their faith(s), and worship in freedom. Someplace all in white marble and twining, spiral columns.. so that it identifies w/all religions, and none specifically at all...
I keep picturing a huuuuuuge place, with groupings of seats here and there, and marvelous, light tilework decorating the floor; with a pagan circle happening in one section, a group of Muslims answering the adhan (a call to prayer) in another, while still separate group- perhaps a full Catholic congregation holding Mass- continues their practice in yet another area. ..And all would be united by this brilliant dome of light overhead, and perhaps one grand, curving wall... All respectful of one another, all following their practices in reverence and peace.
The space could even house secular events at certain times, with respect to differing cultures' spiritual cores... Like cultural festivals w/folk-dance ceremonies- whirling Dervishes and massive pow-wows, Hindu, Buddhist & Taoist festivals, teachings of sacred arts (like Muslims teaching prayer-rug weaving, Hindus teaching the rituals of mhendi, etc), and quiet prayers being whispered in serene, light-hewn pews.... No doubt to some this sounds insanely idyllic and wildly improbable. But hey, this is -my- ideal of what should be there.. ya know? Personally, I think anything that goes there should be universal in its appeal/draw, a synthesis of both the old and the new, and should offer something folks could learn from. It should be something more than just a remembrance for the dead- but a celebration of life as well. Someplace where all people could come together in the search for faith, personal (as well as cultural) growth, harmony, and understanding. :)
Okay, I'm done. ;D
Love y'all!
Nae
For what it's worth, here're my 2 cents:
I think they should build a universal worshiping space there. Something grandiose, majestic and lovely, w/the names of the people who died there subtly engraved in a central point somewhere, w/a tribute message encouraging people to -come together,- so nothing like 9/11 ever happens again (in this country, and everywhere)... It could be a big, glorious glass dome, the inside of which would be bathed in light and naturally lit from overhead- like a circular or ovular version of the pyramids @ the Louvre... Someplace where people of all religions could find peace, seek contact w/their faith(s), and worship in freedom. Someplace all in white marble and twining, spiral columns.. so that it identifies w/all religions, and none specifically at all...
I keep picturing a huuuuuuge place, with groupings of seats here and there, and marvelous, light tilework decorating the floor; with a pagan circle happening in one section, a group of Muslims answering the adhan (a call to prayer) in another, while still separate group- perhaps a full Catholic congregation holding Mass- continues their practice in yet another area. ..And all would be united by this brilliant dome of light overhead, and perhaps one grand, curving wall... All respectful of one another, all following their practices in reverence and peace.
The space could even house secular events at certain times, with respect to differing cultures' spiritual cores... Like cultural festivals w/folk-dance ceremonies- whirling Dervishes and massive pow-wows, Hindu, Buddhist & Taoist festivals, teachings of sacred arts (like Muslims teaching prayer-rug weaving, Hindus teaching the rituals of mhendi, etc), and quiet prayers being whispered in serene, light-hewn pews.... No doubt to some this sounds insanely idyllic and wildly improbable. But hey, this is -my- ideal of what should be there.. ya know? Personally, I think anything that goes there should be universal in its appeal/draw, a synthesis of both the old and the new, and should offer something folks could learn from. It should be something more than just a remembrance for the dead- but a celebration of life as well. Someplace where all people could come together in the search for faith, personal (as well as cultural) growth, harmony, and understanding. :)
Okay, I'm done. ;D
Love y'all!
Nae