Sufi is to Islam as the United Church of Christ is to Christianity.

That's the analogy from the "good" side, to make a counterpoint to the "evil" analogy posted elsewhere (about the most evil elements in both cultures).

The Cordoba House community center (aka the "Ground Zero" "Mosque") is a Sufi project. Sufis are the pacifists, anti-violence Muslims. People who need some love.

Check this out - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufi - and, if you're one of those people who doubt that 2+2=4 if it's Wikipedia that's saying it, follow the outside links. Or Google.

:wtf:

to our great shame (I'm a pacifist, but I'm actually at odds with the leadership of my denom on this). Mennonites and Brethren are pacifist and non-violent. The UCC's leadership is liberationist, which believes violence can bring positive social change. In fact, the UCC is the only mainline denomination that does NOT have a peace fellowship. Embarrassing, I know, but those are the facts.

though there were some efforts against the Iraq war early on. But the leadership has endorsed liberationist movements, like some in Puerto Rico (I can't recall the name of the org right now, but strong UCC ties), and Central America.

Pacifists endorse no violence, but the UCC will not take an absolutist position on violence, as the historic peace churches do. As a Pacifist, I've been told, by UCC clergy that I'm in the wrong denomination. And I'm reminded of it regularly...like the time a chaplain in military uniform read Isaiah 9 in a worship service at General Synod. Yeah, we don't want anyone to get the mistaken idea that we actually believe in that peace nonsense. :puke:

I removed the post.

But to outsiders like me, the UCC does have a reputation of being "nicer".

on glbt and racism issues. On war and peace, we are sorely lacking.

Right?

fixed it for ya.

With a vague description like "but American Muslims are ok", especially when we have seen a few examples of Americans going radical. Differentiations in teachings and segments must be pointed out.

The other problem is that the typical American has the curiosity of a gnat when it comes to researching topics like this. If it is not provided and spoonfed by the media don't expect much.

That is why this mosque situation is a teachable moment and if it is done the right way can be helpful while if done the wrong way will firm up even more negative opinions.

Liberals have a history of embracing the rabble rousers while conservatives do not. That is the definition of liberal vs conservative. Conservatives want to keep things the same. Liberals/progressives want change.

...who wouldn't have know from the UCC. (neither do I , frankly)

I said the Sufis are sort the Rastafarians of Islam. Ooooo... Scary!

Don't let the teabagging morons hear you, if they think they might be liberals then they'll REALLY hate them. :silly: