To the editor:
ISIS/ISIL, al-Qaida, the Taliban. These groups are always putting fear in people around the globe.
One thing that everyone must realize: These groups do not represent the faith of Islam. Islam is a very peaceful religion, and in some ways very similar to Christianity. Many people here in this wonderful country have been misguided over several years, even decades and centuries. Unfortunately, these myths about the Islamic faith are now making their way into politics in some states, and in some instances, some representatives in U.S. Congress.
I could make this post extremely lengthy, but I will keep it short.
I recently heard a sermon from a church in my community condemning Islam and Muslims. Ridiculous. They are worshiping and praying to God just like us Christians pray to God each day. Allah means God. Christians in the Arabic-speaking countries pray to Allah. Allah is simply the Arabic word for God, just like Dios means God in Spanish. Never should a religious leader condemn followers of a religion, for they are all children of God, our Creator.
One may say, “Well, they are killing innocent people.” My response to that: false. The people of ISIS/ISIL, al-Qaida and the Taliban are killing innocent people, not Muslims. The groups I have mentioned do not reflect the values of Islam. They are radical groups. No Christian associates himself/herself with the KKK. The KKK is to Christianity, as ISIS/ISIL and the other groups are to Islam.
I will finish by saying that I consider myself a Christian. I recently found an excellent church with excellent leaders and an amazing congregation. Each week we pray for all of God’s creation. I encourage you to do the same as well, if you wish. We are all brothers and sisters in this small, yet large world.
We must coexist in this diverse world and work together to make it a peaceful place. Dividing ourselves will be horrendous, making it a terrible world to live in. Let there be peace on earth. Que Dios te bendiga. God bless.
Conner J. McNeely
Franklin College student,
Shelbyville
