Select and highlight or record one part from the article that was most meaningful to you.What are the values reflected by both sides?.What do supporters think or feel? Why do you think they think or feel this way?.What do opponents of the Islamic Cultural Center think or feel? Why do you think they think or feel this way?.Read more about both sides of this controversy in this Time magazine article, Mosque Protests Add Note of Discord to 9/11 Remembrances, ( Note: Consider expanding to include other communities in the United States where there is resistance to mosques being built, e.g., Sheboygan, Wisconsin or Murfreesboro, Tennessee.ĥ) After reading the article, discuss the following: Read the handout The First Amendment to learn more.Ĥ) One current example of a group’s religious freedom being questioned is the Islamic Cultural Center in lower Manhattan. How does protecting freedom of religion guarantee all of our rights?ģ) The Constitution protects all Americans’ freedom of religion.In cases where religion clashes with the law, which one should win? Why?.Should the law ever prohibit the practice of a religion? Why? (Note: To help spark discussion, you may want to present some of the following hypothetical ideas: What if a religion forced its members to do something against their will? What if children are being hurt? Should the government get involved to help those people? Does this take away their religious freedom?).What does it mean to “respect other religions”?.In your opinion, what is included under the term religious freedom? (Note: If students struggle, ask the following questions to help prompt their ideas: Should people be allowed to practice their religion anywhere they want? Why or why not? Are there any reasons that someone should NOT be allowed to practice his religion?)Ģ) In small groups, discuss the following questions: Religious freedom can be defined as “the right to practice any religion you choose, or to live without any religion at all.” Put this definition into your own words. ( noun) the right to practice any religion you choose, or to live without any religion at allġ) In America, religious freedom is protected in the First Amendment of the U.S. Maintain Neutrality illustrates how schools can teach religious tolerance - and stay within constitutional law.What's a Teacher to Do? provides several tips for setting up a culturally sensitive classroom.This controversy sheds light on the rising tide of American Islamophobia and emboldened other communities, like Sheboygan, Wisconsin or Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in trying to prevent or forestall the establishment or expansion of mosques. Supporters of the center argue that any group has a right to build a place of worship anywhere in America, and both sides agree that this right is protected under the Constitution. However, they claim it’s in poor judgment to build it close to Ground Zero, because the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 tragedy were Muslim. Many opponents of the center acknowledge its right to exist. Great controversy swirls over the planned construction of Park51, the Islamic Cultural Center proposed for Lower Manhattan. Today, another raging debate illustrating the clashing between religion and politics is taking place in New York. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not permitted to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as it violates elements of their belief system. This is especially apparent when certain laws impact the way a person practices his or her religion. Religion can sometimes be at the center of political debate. In the United States, the spectrum of religious diversity is an integral part of our culture as a whole. Understanding the religious beliefs of others is a key element of tolerance since people’s faith traditions often define a significant part of their identity.
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