Christians put out welcome mat for new mosque

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis TN)

When pastor Steve Stone initially heard of the mosque and Islamic center being erected on the sprawling land adjacent his church, his stomach tightened.

Then he raised a 6-foot sign reading, "Welcome to the Neighborhood."

The issue for Stone and the 550-person Heartsong Church in Cordova, came down to one question:

"What would Jesus do if He were us? He would welcome the neighbor," Stone said.

While the 4,000-square-foot worship hall is being completed, Heartsong has opened its doors to its neighbors throughout the monthlong observance of Ramadan.

Under a gigantic cross constructed of salvaged wood, nearly 200 area Muslims have been gathering each night to pray.

I think religion causes most of the trouble in the world. Bad people's agendas pervert the Word of the sky monster of their choice and innocents suffer. As it was and as it will be, forever and ever. Amen.

That said, the people who walk the walk and actually live by their chosen Word aren't the problem. Too bad there aren't more of them who speak out like this preacher.