The Ghouse Diary

Monday, October 10, 2011

Pastor Robert Jeffress and his bigotry

I am surprised that the Israel Lobby has spared this man. He has not spared Mormons, Muslims, Catholics, Jews, Buddhists and Hindus in his rants.

The intent of this piece is to understand Pastor Jeffress, unless more research is un-earthed, he seems to be another one of those Tiltons, Bakers et all duping his congregation with falsities in the name of Christ.

One listen to his sermon can unravel so much about this man.

I was in his Church on Sunday, September 12, 2010. He wanted 400 of his congregation members to sign up on the Pastors special committee; he would not proceed with the sermon unless he had the count. Their goal was to bring at least one potential convert to the church through the fall, spring and summer seasons.

He is an incredible mathematical genius – assuming he figured 2400 new converts at $ 1000 per head would give him in excess of $2million in revenues of which some will go to the expansion and the rest as a reward for his work. During his sermon he shared the story of one of the convert founders who had donated over a million dollars and continues to dole out the monies. The Pastor was seeing the rainfall of green bucks.

In his sermon he told that he would walk and put the fire out on a Jewish home, but on the 3^rd day he said on Fox News that he refers to his sermon and because Muslim were listening to him, to look good, he falsified the statement and said that he would put the fire out on a Muslim Home. Both the videos should be available on FSB site and of course Fox news.

In the same sermon he said, “No other religions teaches purpose of life, except Christianity”. Later on in the lobby I had a conversation with him – that Baha’i, Hindu and Islam and other faiths teach the purpose of life – to serve God and his creation. I asked him if he had studied other religions to have made that claim. He simply ignored the question. By the way, most clergy in most religions make the very same false exclusive claims. Shame on them for faking in the name of religion.

What made me visit the church with a fellow Muslim and a non-Baptist Christian was his comment a week earlier, “Quraan is an evil book written by a false prophet" and amazingly his congregation clapped and gave a standing ovation for a hateful speech in the name of Christ. I implored him to tell the truth or at least find the truth and share it with his congregation; he refused even to find the truth for his own congregation. In that speech, he was berating Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. I am really surprised how the Jewish community let him get away with it, he may be the only one or they may look to him as a looney barking aimlessly. I am glad the African Americans and Jewish Americans will nail any one for one wrong word against them; Muslims need to learn from them and not take the crap from these men.

Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress did not take up my challenge to host the Quraan debate on his own turf. I offered him copies of the Quraan translation by Muhammad Asad, giving him the benefit of doubt that he may have read two false translations out of 25 some translations. Steve Blow of Dallas Morning News framed my interview very well, “In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders. Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.” I asked the Pastor to invite all the Islamophobes and do a conference and put the falsities behind and look for better relations.

He had the biggest challenge of his life and he chickened out. “Pastor, I will present the right Quraan translation to you, you gather all the Islamophobes and let’s have a talk. If you find three evil things in the Quraan, I will abandon my religion Islam and join your Church, the Baptist Church.” On the other hand I asked him, not to become a Muslim but join me in creating cohesive socieities by respecting the otherness of other, which was a call from Jesus Christ to create heaven on the earth; blessed are the peace makers".

We did the most amazing conference on Quraan addressing difficult verses by Non-Muslims clergy bringing a graceful closure to Pastor Jeffress rants.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a momentary gain. Quraan is challenged by Pastor Robert Jeffress, Pat Robertson, Terry Jones, Fred Phelps and others who have not made any effort to find the truth, let alone understand the book.

Ever since we declared our independence, we have been tested time and again by various political, economic and religious forces to divide us, however, at the end we have come out strong as one nation. The Civil War, the Great Depression, the World War, Pearl Harbor, Women’s rights, Abortion, the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Budget Deficits, Unemployment, 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan War have all been difficult, but we will make it through and sanity will prevail. The Quraan conference, Understanding GLBT, Quraan, Anti-Semitism, race, gender and other issues are American issues and not Jewish, Muslim or African American issues. We understand that a few are committed to pitting one American against the other for their own gains.

As Americans Together, we will find solutions to the issues we face and we are indeed committed.

We have to find sustainable solutions by

Links in the article:

1. The Quraan Conference Program http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/12/quraan-conference-program-sequence.html

2. List of difficult Passages in Quraan
http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/12/list-of-difficult-passages-in-quraan.html

3. Graceful Closure to Robert Jeffress rants
http://quraanconference.blogspot.com/2010/09/graceful-closure-to-dr-jeffress.html

4. Americans together
http://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2010/11/americans-together-building-cohesive.html

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

VIDEOS AND PRINT LINKS

Dr. Jeffress Tells The Truth About Islam – At the end of the video, his congregation claps for the hateful remarks by Jeffress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfb9p3qSRqA

Uploaded by firstbaptistdallas on Aug 23, 2010

First Baptist's Robert Jeffress Won't Be Winning Muslim Converts This Way.http://www.dallasobserver.com/2010-09-02/news/first-baptist-s-robert-jeffress-won-t-be-winning-muslim-converts-this-way/

By Patrick Williams Thursday, Sep 2 2010

Unedited: Dr. Robert Jeffress statements on Islam (same as above)

http://www.wfaa.com/video/raw/Dr-Robert-Jeffress-statement-on--101772118.html

Posted on August 29, 2010 at 10:26 PM

Dr. Jeffress Responds to Dallas News Columnist
He claims to speak the truth...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4dHHbO7Slw&feature=player_embedded#!

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/dallas_pastor_islam_promotes_pedophilia_video.php

Uploaded by firstbaptistdallas on Sep 5, 2010

Dallas Pastor Defends Claim That Islam 'Promotes Pedophilia' (VIDEO)
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/09/dallas_pastor_islam_promotes_pedophilia_video.php

Jillian Ray field | September 7, 2010, 3:51PM

An Open Letter to Rev. Robert Jeffress, FBC Dallas

http://www.chicktalkdallas.com/blog/?p=4631

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Joanna Cattanach

Sunday Morning on Foxhttp://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/christians-and-muslims-meet
Published: Sunday, 12 Sep 2010, 10:55 PM CDT

Monday Morning on Foxhttp://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor,-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran

Posted by Richard Ray: Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 4:52 PM CDT

Muslims, Jews and Hindus are going to hell http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor%2C-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran

Dallas Morning News Responds - In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_19met.ART.West.Edition1.356a575.html

Published: 19 September 2010 02:28 AM

Mike Ghouse Challenges Quraan Translation with Pastor Robert Jeffress - 1 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMN8Zy1kc64

Uploaded by Pluralism center on Sep 17, 2010

Mike Ghouse Challenges Quraan Translation with Pastor Robert Jeffress - 2 of 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZOFLQSAOhA&feature=related

Uploaded by Pluralism center on Sep 17, 2010

Mike Ghouse challenges Robert Jeffress

Article: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/09/rev-robert-jeffress-challenged-on.html

Monday, September 13, 2010

Islam is a false religion by a false prophet, unraveling the difficulties - Americans Together http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_slI-CwnW7g&feature=related

Uploaded by Pluralism center on Nov 3, 2010

Americans have been challenged time and again - Americans Together - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcW84KjXsqo

Uploaded by Pluralism center on Nov 3, 2010

Americans need not live in fear of others - Americans together

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E832SErFzJk&feature=related

Uploaded by Pluralismcenter on Nov 3, 2010

We have to build, rebuild and continuously build the social cohesiveness of our nation. Details at: http://dallasquraanconference.blogspot.com/

Perry's Values Voters Endorser: Islam is an "Evil, Evil Religion"http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/10/perry-values-voters-endorser-robert-jeffress-islam-evil

—By Tim Murphy Fri Oct. 7, 2011 6:29 PM PDT

Jeffress Says Satan Is Behind Roman Catholicism
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/robert-jeffress

Submitted by Brian Tashman on October 8, 2011 - 1:15pm

Jeffress on Mormons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mht8Vq8aDs Uploaded by daveweigel81 on Oct 7, 2011

The Reverend Jeffress and Mormons
http://www.rightwingnewswatch.com/2011/10/08/the-reverend-jeffress-and-mormons/

By () on October 8, 2011

Jeffress: Mormonism from Pit of Hell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xl8D7zEm_jI

Uploaded by RWWBlog on Oct 8, 2011

Jeffress Calls Mormonism A Cult – Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism are all false religions

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/jefress-stands-by-calling-mormonism-a-cult

Published: Sunday, 09 Oct 2011, 9:46 PM CDT

Jeffress: Jews, Mormons, Muslims And Gays Are Going To Hell
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/individuals/robert-jeffress
Submitted by Brian Tashman on October 8, 2011 - 8:55am

Richard Ray of Fox4 News interviewed me about Pastor Jeffress and the Quraan at 11:00 AM this morning, however due to time constraints, or other reasons they have edited out the critical points about killing the infidel and Quraan Translations. I will recreate that interview and post it on the web in a few days, right here.

The challenge is simple; I will present the right translations of the Qur'aan to Rev. Robert Jeffress in his congregation and challenge him to find 3 evil things about Quraan, if he does, I will go work for his ministry, if he does not, I ask of him to retract the thoughtless cavalier statements he made about Islam and Quraan, and take up the challenge of becoming a peace maker.

Thanks to the Islam bashers for telling me what is it that bothers them, they have time and again given me a list of about 60 verses, and I have made serious effort to address them most directly at: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/ I have dealt with some of the Islamophobes who have made their business by maligning others including Islam, in this case. Look at their websites; they shamelessly ask for money, people should seriously debate if their money is going to bring peace or chaos.

Whether it is Pastor Jones, Jeffress, Phelps or Robertson, the media has failed to nail down the exact words or phrases that cause them to make such divisive declarations, and the unfinished business is frustrating the public.

America needs peacemakers who can boldly clarify the un-truths and myths about each other for the sake of peace. We owe peace and security to each one of the 301 Million Americans, our efforts ought to be directed so everyone us can live without fear, without harassment and without prejudices. My question to Pastors Jeffress, Jones, Phelps, Robertsons and their likes is this; Didn't Jesus pray and worked to create the kingdom of heaven on the earth, so all of us can live freely?

Some 2000 years ago, Jesus delivered the sermon "Blessed are the peace makers" on Mt. Beatitude, I was there and felt the power of that statement. I walked where Jesus walked on via Dela Rosa; I was baptized in the river Jordan where Jesus was baptized. Symbolically, I accepted Jesus’ message to become a peace maker by drenching myself in the holy water.

The role of people of religions is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. I ask Rev. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Fred Phelps and Rev. Terry Jones to walk the journey of peace with me.

Pastor, Muslims Meet to Discuss Quran
Published : Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 4:52 PM CDT

Richard Ray
FOX 4 News
Adapted for Web by Tracy DeLatte, myFOXdfw.com

DALLAS - First Baptist Church of Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress said he has no regrets about calling Islam an evil religion. But on Sunday he gave a warm welcome to a group of Muslims visiting his church.

It was an unusual meeting of the minds. A pair of Muslim leaders showed up unexpectedly wanting to talk to the pastor, not sure what kind of reception they’d get.

“We have some very special guests here this morning. Leaders, members of the Islamic faith in Dallas and I want you to join me in giving them the warmest First Baptist welcome you can,” Jeffress said to his congregation.

Muslim Mike Ghouse was part of that small delegation and afterward met with Jeffress to discuss the Quran.

“He asked us to stand up and there was a good welcome. It was beautiful. I really liked that,” Ghouse.

He is convinced that Jeffress and most Americans have only read mistranslations of the Quran, where ugly language about Christians and Jews has been incorrectly inserted.

“What he said about the Quran and Islam I agree with him. He has read the wrong translation. To find the truth, to be peacemakers, we have to find the truth for the sake of a secure America. His statements are divisive and offense,” Ghouse said.

A study last month by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that over the past five years the percentage of Americans with a positive view of Islam has dropped dramatically from 41 to 30 percent.

Jeffress said he enjoyed his meeting with Ghouse and the others, but still believes he has read an accurate translation. He expresses no regret for what he’s said about the religion.

“I have to regrets at all. I think some of my statements have been mischaracterized simply because the whole statement wasn’t given. I don’t believe most Muslims are terrorists. I don’t think most Muslims oppress women. But there is something within the religion of Islam itself that I believe incites violence,” he said.

Jeffress said he thinks he can disagree in a loving and kind way.

“I think we need to quit walking on egg shells. I think we do need to tell the truth. We tell it in love. But we still tell the truth,” he said.

Ghouse and the others involved in the meeting said they’d like to meet with Jeffress again in the future to have a deeper discussion.
# # #

Are Muslims a part of the American story?

Are Muslims a part of the American story?
By: Mike Ghousehttp://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2009/04/are-muslims-part-of-american-story.html

Indeed, we are not connected enough with the mainstream society for a vast majority of Americans to stand up for us, empathize with us, or even understand the truth about us that we are no different than them in our endeavors and aspirations of life. We must however express our gratitude to the millions of Americans who have stood up for us, compelled by their sense of justness and fair play.

Professor Sherman Jackson observes, “Thus far, however, Muslims remain outside the American story, which is why, despite their positive contributions to society; they seldom enlist empathy when they are jailed, deported or discriminated against.” And he offers the solution, “Hopefully, however, it will not be long before Muslims come to understand this. Once they do, while guilt by association may continue, Muslims will be able to fight back. For in this they will be joined by others.”
Refreshing our identity

As good citizens it is not only our right but it is our duty to be self critical of our society; the Muslim as well as the American society. I hope that the conservatives among us will get beyond the self righteous criticism and value the freedom that we are endowed with to exercise with pride and care.

We must learn to re-examine our attitudes towards others and push the refresh button to understand the essence of Islam. We must do our inner jihad against the temptations to reduce Islam to rituals, we should not only be identified as Muslims by the ritual aspect of our religion, but also be recognized by the spiritual and social aspect of “being a Muslim”.

Being a Muslim is volunteering one’s time and effort for the general well being of the society, and serving it with blinders. Prophet Muhammad said your responsibility is to yourselves, to your family members, to your relatives, to your neighbors around you and beyond. He did not advocate exclusion; a neighbor is a neighbor is a neighbor.

A Muslim is someone who is engaged in mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwill amongst our neighbors and countrymen, to help create a just and more viable society for all. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad set that example earlier on in his life when he was called on to resolve a dispute between the tribes as to who should have the honor of setting the fallen stone in the walls of the Cube called Kaaba; they came to him because he had earned the reputation for being just and truthful. He could have chosen any one to do the honor to gain favors, he could have given it to his tribe and make himself look good, but he did not.

He believed in peaceful co-existence and wanted to mitigate conflicts between the tribes and nurture goodwill, he wanted to bring about a change. Indeed, he placed the small stone on a sheet of cloth and had all the leaders raise the sheet up in unison. Imagine the men lifting the sheet and looking at each other, they were adversaries a day ago and now they are participants. What must have gone through their minds? The probably saw the erosion of conflicts and emergence of goodwill. It is a model for Muslims to follow; to be just, fair and truthful and goodwill nurturers. He was called the Amin, the truthful and just.

A Muslim respects the otherness of the other (2) and understands the essence of Islam; Justice and peace. Rituals are not an end in themselves; they are simply markers of being a Muslim. They are the most important aspect of our faith paving way to achieve humility and spirituality. A Just person is one who cares for what surrounds him or her; life and the environment. Isn't that what the will of God is? Isn't submitting to the will of God means working for a Just society, and bringing equilibrium between living beings and the environment?

To be just, one has to shed arrogance, indeed Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to his associates after returning home from a victorious war; the biggest Jihad begins now, he said, it is the war with one's own seductions. It is to reign in our temptations to avenge, revenge or getting even; it is getting hold of our anger, the anger that leads to injustice. He said, don’t let your bias towards the other mar your sense of Justice.

He said God's favorite person is the one who forgives others and repents his own short-comings. Islam is about being a just human in treating ourselves, our families and the societies we live in.

A majority of Muslims certainly practice this refreshed identity, but a few loud mouths define Muslims otherwise and sadly they get the most coverage in the media, drowning the good and encouraging the ugly. But vigorous effort to project our real identity has begun and Insha Allah, we will succeed with a realization that what is good for Muslims has got to be good for the mankind and vice versa for it to sustain. We cannot have advantages over the others, such benefits are deleterious and of temporary nature.
Where did we go wrong?

The average Mohammed and Amina have realized that to be a spiritual part of the society, we have to connect, we have to care and be cared for, and we have to be with the society emotionally as they would be with us. To feel a complete sense of feeling “at home" we have to live the essence American life, which is not different from the essence of Islamic life. Please don't jump to conclusions, it does not mean you have to give up an ounce of your identity, it simply means the sense of difference "they" v "us" has to vanish from our thoughts and "us" to be ingrained in our feelings, language and actions. We are Americans.

The traditional religious leadership and the leadership that runs Muslim organizations is yet to grasp this, in the name of identity, they dig in their heels. That has been the hallmark of all insecure religious leaders to keep the flock tethered.

To be religious is to bring about a balance within oneself and with others who surround us; through humility religion seeks to dissolve the barriers between the peoples. We need to embrace other flocks, we need to look for permanent solutions of co-existence and honor every one's God given space.

As Muslims, we chase our own tails; we spend all our disposable hours at the Mosques or engaging in big talk about love for Islam and attend lectures on how to be a ritual Muslim. Unquestionably, it is a part of what makes one a Muslim, but that is not all that Muslims should be concerned with. Our focus ought to be, to become a part of that American story. Please remember no one is pushing us out or excluding us, it is us, who are not integrating to become a part of the whole and it is our loss, as many of us do not feel that we are a part to this land; that engenders an undesirable insecurity.
Justice alone cannot carry us far

In case of the Holy Land Trial; justice won the first time around. But justice alone cannot carry us far. There was no sympathy when Professor Arian was on trial, there was no support when Tariq Ramadan's visa was rejected twice to visit and teach in the United States. There was less outrage when Gaza was bombarded, the effects of which will run for generations. There is a long list, and such incidences happen ad nauseam

There are several organizations making the efforts to make that change "to become a part of the American Story" but it is not their priority to grow the feeling of hominess, something that solidly bolts us to the ground. Our priorities must take us from a ritual Muslim to a strong civic Muslim and be a part of the American story. Where the three hundred million of us feel connected with each other and talk and act as one nation. Those of us who have not grown up yet, being American is our identity as much as being a Muslim. Our ability to build relationships with people other than our own kind does not negate or reduce our religiosity, but enhances it.
Guts to speak up

The Islamic society of North America (ISNA) is developing a good outreach program, but then there are some, who are shamelessly derailing their effort. Case in Point: the Islamic society of North America (ISNA) engaged an influential Rabbi to become a part of the Muslim-Jewish dialogue, and indeed the Rabbi spoke at their annual convention. Then a few Muslims proclaiming to be legitimate representatives of Muslims (There is no such thing as legitimate representative, none are elected by public at large) wrote to the Rabbi not to be a part of ISNA, as they are the legitimate ones, instead of supporting the efforts of ISNA, they were denigrating them. Both will lose in the situation. Not enough Muslims have picked up the phone and told these other guys to be wise, and start building their own positive relationships rather than negating what others have built. What does it take? It is the simplest thing that a Muslim can do; to encourage the good efforts of any Muslim or a non-Muslim to build relationships and work for co-existence, peace and prosperity of our nation.
Things to ponder

What are the things Muslims can do to become a part of the American story? What can we do to connect with others on a human level where everyone feels like one large family to speak up from their heart when any one of the 300 Million of us is mis-served? Simply put, we have to become part of that family.

We are rightfully concerned with Halal (Kosher) meat and in our subconscious effort to show off that we are Muslims, i.e., ritual Muslims. We prevent ourselves from sharing a meal with others; one of the most connecting activity of a family. People are rightfully afraid to invite us so they do not offend us. It is human to follow the rules, Jews, Hindus and others follow their dietary requirements as well, we should not eat what is forbidden, but we should not make a big deal out of it and stay out of homes of friends and becoming a part of the American story. Let the difference not put a barrier between us.

The public transport Shuttle Muslim drivers cannot demand time off for their prayers as God has offered them choices to combine prayers or do the makeup prayers. Serving humanity takes priority over prayers.

To develop a sense of oneness with the society, we have to put in conscious efforts till it becomes a part of our psyche and a part of our culture.

For an immigrant to feel home and feel the connection with the community at large, and to bond, we have to find opportunities to serve. Thank God, America is the land of the blessed, it provides tremendous opportunities to the ones who want to feel safe, secure and feel in tune with others and be a contributor and participant in the overall success of each one of the 300 Million of us.
Setting our priorities

Engaging with the society at large must be our priority now. We should quit making excuses that we do not have the time; we must carve out our time from the social activities. We have to invest our time in the long term goodness and to acquire a sense of being at home; we must take our time from some of the religious activity and lectures that makes us stronger ritual Muslims and invest that time for sustainable goodness to become an overall Muslim.

The Ismaili Muslims are consciously building bridges and creating a society of integration and oneness. As a Muslim I take pride in their work and urge them to work with all Muslims; their plans are worth emulating. What is good for Muslims has got to be good for America and vice-versa, for that good to be sustainable.

When we move away from “me and my interests “ to “us and our interests” we can see a sea change goodness for all the Muslim communities and other communities. Together, the Ahmadiyya, Bohra, Ismaili, Nation of Islam, Shia, Sufi, Sunni, Warith Deen Muhammad and other denominations contribute to the well being of America, our pettiness denies the others and reduces our wholesome share of good. We need to take cumulative credit for serving fellow Americans.

America is our home, we are going to spend our lives here, it is home to our kids and grand kids and their grand kids; and we are going to be buried here, each cemetery plot is our permanent residence till eternity. And we owe it ourselves to make this land safe, secure, peaceful and prosperous for one and all. No one can have peace for themselves, unless others are in peace. It is the responsibility of each one of the 300 Million of us to do our share.
The big small things we can do;

Be a part of some ones birthday celebration or their anniversary, don’t be hung up with food or other cultural nuances, just be there for your friend and be a part of his or her happiness. When I go to the parties, I don’t drink alcohol nor do I eat Pork, but I don’t make a big deal or show it off that not drinking or eating makes me a Muslim. I should not draw attention in the party; it is the friends’ celebration time. I have had people apologize to me and my response is, no, you should not give up anything for me; you should enjoy what gives you the joy. We have to learn to respect the otherness of others, without you becoming something you are not. Just drink water and eat Salad no one will have a problem with it, but be there for your friends.

The most human thing to do, and by the way it is the most Muslim thing to do is to share the grief when someone passes away and the least thing you can do is attend their funerals. You don’t have to say one single word to any one, just being there for their family gives them comfort and you will feel good about your humanness. Prophet Muhammad stood up when a funeral passed by him regardless of who they were, the one example often cited is a Jewish funeral procession. Next time, when you hear some one has passed away, whether you know them or not, attend their funeral and see the difference it makes to you more than others.

If you are finding it difficult to make friends with people other than your own, consider changing it. Whether it is a wedding, birthday, funeral or any happy or grim occasion, invite people from your work, from where you shop or your neighborhood. Then you have plenty of opportunities year round; Mothers day, Fathers day, Memorial day, Labors day, July 4th and religious holidays of other faiths. Then you are connected and become a part of the American Story.
July 4th Celebrations
Go to the 4th of July parties, invite every possible person other than your own kind to your own backyard or create your own party along with a few friends. It does not take a whole lot of money to grill hot dogs (Of course Halal ones for you), hamburgers and water.

Encourage the Muslim leaders and give them your support to do it in the parking lot of the Mosques. Plan it ahead. Let our Imams focus on these things rather than get bogged down with Haraam and Halal. Making friends for creating peace and goodwill is unquestionably the Halal thing to do. After all, the name of our religion is peace and we have to act it.
Model Events

Take a look at the models we have created here in Dallas, and look at what it does to ground us. If you are hung with Cultural dances, do something else that connects humans; facts and speeches don’t connect people.

I am committed to co-existence and as such, I am willing to spend my time in getting you to set up, provided you have the commitment.

Please go through the following links and grasp their value

Thanksgiving Celebrations: http://thanksgivingcelebrations.blogspot.com/
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Articles/ThanksgivingCelebrations-11242008.asp

Unity Day Celebrations - www.Unitydayusa.com
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Articles/UnitydayUSA-2008-PressRelease.asp

II Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides :http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/

Quraan Conference Dallas
http://www.Quraanconference.com

We have to develop programs, services and activities geared to pull Americans Together in building a cohesive America that is good for every one of the 300 Million Americans, we need to focus on our overall prosperity rather than pitting one against the other.

As a society, it is our responsibility to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety of every citizen. Hate is one of the many sources of disrupting the peace in a society and it is our duty to track down the source of such hate and work on mitigating it and nurturing goodwill.

We owe it ourselves to make this land safe, secure, peaceful and prosperous for one and all. No one can have peace for themselves, unless others are in peace. It is the responsibility of each one of the 300 Million of us to do our share. First, it starts with you and I, we do it because it is the right thing to do and not to keep a score. Let there be purity in our intentions and God will reward every one of us with peace, security and prosperity.

Our Mission is to build a cohesive America, where no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other.

References:
1. http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/a/2808/
2. http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/07/sura-kafirun-un-believers.html

# # #

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Muslims in America, a documentary

It is about the role of Muslims in participating and contributing towards the safety, security and well being of America. It’s our commitment to build a cohesive America where every one of the 312 Million of us feels safe and free from apprehension of the other.

Professor Sherman Jackson observes, “Thus far, however, Muslims remain outside the American story, which is why, despite their positive contributions to society; they seldom enlist empathy when they are jailed, deported or discriminated against.” And he offers the solution, “Hopefully, however, it will not be long before Muslims come to understand this. Once they do, while guilt by association may continue, Muslims will be able to fight back. For in this they will be joined by others.”

Article at: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/are-muslims-part-of-american-story.html

Prophet Muhammad believed in peaceful co-existence and consistently mitigated conflicts and nurtured goodwill amongst various groups. He wanted to bring about a change and create a cohesive society where no one was to be apprehensive of the other.

I will be in Washington DC on October 17,18 and 19 and then in New York on 20th and 21st and Louisville on 22nd through 25th. Good solid ideas, movie clips and funding is invited, Insha Allah, we hope to get this released before March Next year at the Sharia conference in several cities involving political candidates and influential clergy of the town and media. It’s time to do thing and not dream about it. Serious inquiries only.

Mike Ghouse

Text and Cell: (214) 325-1916

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Herman Cain's bigotry speech

Herman Cain delivered another bad speech at the Values Voter Summit today, October 8, 2011. He appeals to the right wing without any doubt, but his bigotry is apparent. We need leaders who have one mouth that communicates and not the one that contradicts.

In the following video http://www.therightscoop.com/herman-cain-brings-the-house-down-at-values-voter-summit/near the 7^th minute, Herman Cain releases foul air from this mouth.

He says not to tread on someone’s liberty – yet he has the balls to tread on the liberties of Gays and Lesbians… He said he will ask the department of justice to enforce the defense of marriage act and yet his foul mouth delivers this. “You can pursue happiness all you want, as long as you don’t tread on someone’s liberty.” Why doesn't he mind his own business?Although a pro-lifer myself, I firmly believe a woman has the choice to make that call about her body. He believes that life begins at conception and that is fine, but that does not give him the right to become authoritarian and tread on women's right.

Herman Cain does not have any qualms on treading the liberties of Muslims to build mosques or live their life as they wish to.

I urge Herman Cain to quit pandering to the few who applaud him. A few right wingers among Republican leadership don’t get it. America is not as bigoted they are. Americans believe in life liberty and pursuit of happiness; Herman Cain does not. America is not made of right wingers, America is made of good decent, moderate, get-along with all human beings kind of people along with the right and left, we all need to respect each other’s liberties.

If we can learn to respect the otherness of other and accept the uniqueness of each one of the 312 Million of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, politics, cohesive societies, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars and conferences. . Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find this article at www.TheGhousediary.com

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

A Tribute to Steve Jobs

Steve, you have made a huge difference in the world of communications and information sharing, and I am one of the beneficiaries of your inventions. Your invention has been a great part of my life and work. Today, I salute you and pray for your soul to rest in peace. Amen

I started out with Apple II, Apple II+, Lisa and Mac from 1984 and stayed through 2000, then I switched to PC, although I have been using IBM’s 8086 since the first PC was launched in 1982, but was always an Apple user. It was a delight when Mac worked both its own software and PC software on its platform. I have saved IBM’s first green monitor PC, and Apple’s Lisa and Mac. And now I have an i-pad and i-phone and I love it.

I published Asian News Magazine on Mac from 1993-2000 and I have created innumerable graphics on it. Indeed, one of my books is still sitting on my Mac – don’t know if I can ever retrieve it – it was a book called the One Minute Accountant that I never got to publish. If I do publish, it will be dedicated to you work.

I was hoping you would invent all the office one wants in half size of i-pad2 that is pocket-able. May your soul rest in peace, Amen.

Link - http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/tribute-to-steve-jobs.html

ARAB SPRING => OCCUPY WALL STREET => ANNA HAZARE

These three mass movements have gained significant momentum to bring about a change in the governance. Arab Spring continues for government of people by the people in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Tunisia and Bahrain, while Anna Hazare movement is tearing the corrupt leaders out in India, it is one of the biggest movements in India since Gandhi’s movement for political freedom.

Now you are witnessing an uprising against corporations in the United States. Israel is next where the common Jews and Palestinians would want to rid of the hawks standing in the way of denying security to Jews and Justice to Palestinians; Iran will be reaching a boiling point soon and Pakistan has reached point of turning the ignition.

Democratic form of governance is by far the best, despite the problems we are running into now. Even though India, United States and Israel have democracy, it is governance of people, by corporations and war mongers for their pockets. It needs to change and it will.

We need to get rid of Eric Cantor and their likes and the bullies who simply do not understand economics, unless we pump the money into economy, the economy will go into down spiral. He needs to present the Job bill to the house or will be kicked out of his seat shamelessly. It is time we have the government for the people by the people.

Eric and the tea party gang will be the downfall of GOP, half of them Republican don’t know what that stands for any way. It is time for the ordinary, but good Republicans to rise and talk sense to the deaf Tea Partiers.

Article at: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/arab-spring-occupy-wall-street-anna.html

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

TEXAS FAITH: Does just war theory legitimize Anwar al-Aulaqi's slaying?

It is our duty to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety our citizens. Hate is one of the many sources of disrupting peace in a society and it is our responsibility to track down the source of such hate and work on mitigating it. If we cannot achieve that, we have the right to eliminate it. Dallas Morning News publishes opinions of the Panelists and I am pleased to one of the Texas Faith Panelists addressing the issues on a weekly basis. Here is my take. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/10/texas-faith-does-just-war-theory.html

MIKE GHOUSE, President, Foundation for Pluralism, Dallas

Anwar Al-Awlaki is gone, his death has brought a relief that the terrorist outfit Al-Qaeda has lost its backbone and a hope for a world free from terrorism is on the horizon. Al-Awlaki is an American charismatic preacher alleged to have influenced Major Nidal Hasan who killed 13 members of the Army in a rampage at Ft. Hood, the attempted Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad and the underwear bomber Abdulmutallab. He was considered a threat to the security of the people of the United States.

This is indeed good news with a grain of salt.

It is our duty to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety our citizens. Hate is one of the many sources of disrupting the peace in a society and it is our responsibility to track down the source of such hate and work on mitigating it. If we cannot achieve that, we have the right to eliminate it.

Indeed, there is partial justification in killing this man. However, the larger question remains about the character of our nation. Is this the kind of country that we want and is it constitutional? Rule of law is always sustainable and the guarantor of the safety and security of individuals in a society. Infringements of the law violates the rule.

The just war theory lists four strict conditions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 2309, states these conditions:

1.The damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
2.All other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
3.There must be serious prospects of success;
4.The use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power as well as the precision of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.

Although we have met the first condition, we have failed on the other three. We have relied upon our gun powder and not our ability to find solutions through a serious dialogue. We need to realize that the nations rise and fall and each one of the nations is vulnerable.

The end of Al-Awlaki seriously kills the prospects of success of Al-Qaeda, but the basics of injustice in that part of the world remain inflamed. President Obama's political decision to deny the statehood to Palestine and the subsequent settlement permits in Jerusalem keep people frustrated. If that cannot be channeled through a dialogue, it will be expressed through disruptions, which is the only option Obama has offered them. We have fueled unrest and that is a grave mistake against safety of Israel and justice to Palestinians, the mother of all violence.

As a nation we want to seriously ask ourselves, do we need to give our president the right to fly from his pants or demand that he follows and upholds the Constitution? We let our former president wage a reckless war against Iraq with not a single legitimate reason and have witnessed the destruction of our own economy, death of our soldiers and death of Innocent Iraqis, widowed women on the streets of Iraq and foreclosures and job losses at home.

Here is the Fifth Amendment. Has the President followed it? Shall we make an exception for him?

"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

This time seven Texas Faith panelists address the question including mine, please visit Dallas Morning News and write your take on the issue at: http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/10/texas-faith-does-just-war-theo.html

# #
Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Al-Awlaki’s death brings relief.

When Muslim organizations write about an issue that we agree with, we simply endorse them instead of writing a new press release. No two people think alike, and no two organizations take the same stand. We believe in diversity and even among the members of our organization we accept the differences.

I am pleased to share three press releases below, parts of which we wholeheartedly agree. The bottom line is the bad guy is taken off the street and he can do no harm.

However, that is the not the kind of America we want where due process is derailed, we must hold President Obama responsible to uphold the law of the land. He cannot circumvent the law and set ugly precedents for future abuse. Ultimately it is upholding the rule of law that offers safety to the citizens.

Continued at:

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2011/10/al-awlakis-death-brings-relief.html

Mike Ghouse
World Muslim Congress
Dallas, Texas

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Mahatma Gandhi and You on his birthday

Ask yourselves every day – do my words and actions bring solutions? If they do, then you deserve to be congratulated, if they don’t, would you like to make a sincere effort?
There is an immeasurable joy in doing good to fellow beings with no gains to be had. Try it; you will start enjoying the life.

Mahatma Gandhi could have led the life of luxury, he was a lawyer educated in England and worked for a big firm and had all the resources available to him, yet he chose to lead a simple life. He realized early on that none of the wealth goes with you; it is simply your duty to do good. Think about it, indeed, it is the good we do that brings relief, salvation, mukti, moksha, nijaat and nirvana to our own self.

In Hinduism, there is a great aspiration for one – to become Brahma, simply meaning to become a part of the whole and not have barriers between you and the other. It is a formula for building cohesive conflict-less society. A similar call is made by all religious teachings including Islam and Christianity.

Pictures - http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157627813362862/show/

The first step in embracing the humanity was to strip one’s ego and become a simple human where the masses can relate with you. He chose the simplest form of clothing and earned the friendship of the Indians at large. Didn’t all the spiritual masters live a simple life?

It is this aspect of “relating” with people and his compelling ideas that became a source of inspiration to Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and several other great souls who successfully brought a change through the strength to peace to the world at large.

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the five humans on the planet who has impacted my life profoundly. He was a messenger of peace; his language nourished reconciliation, and his actions encouraged co-existence. Whether it is the conflict between Hindus or Muslims or with the British Raj, his words mitigated conflicts and directed one's thoughts and actions towards solutions. Throughout the year, I reflect on his work and most certainly on his birthday and on his death anniversary, I write a note about him as my tribute to the great soul, the Mahatma.

He was one of the most powerful leaders we have had in the last two centuries. He did not want anything for himself, nor did he want to control anything or lead any one. All he wanted to do was create a society of mutual respect and co-existence. Everyone always wonders how did he get to make people listen to his message of non-violence? The answer is simple; People knew, he gained nothing from what he does, but instead they gained from his effort. Indeed, those who are un-selfish have invincible moral strength.

Nothing frightens them or cows them down. You will find the same commitment and moral strength in Moses, Jesus, Krishna, Rama, Buddha, Zoroaster, Mahavira, Confucius, Nanak, Baha'u'llah, Mother Teresa and so many other great souls. Muhammad is my other mentor who had all the power on the earth during his life time but lived a simple life, and told his own daughter that she ain't going to get a free pass to God, she has to earn it by doing good deeds, i.e., doing things for other's good. Every one of the above teacher's strength lie in one simple thing: Their sense of justice was strong as a mountain and they were absolutely un-selfish.

Mahatma Gandhi's non-Violence movement is a model that will last for centuries to come. Every great teacher listed above has taught the same message over and over again. The idea is that there is a balance of energy in every human, doing bad things deflates that energy and doing good things recoups it. You may have experienced the elated feeling of having a great day, when you helped someone in dire need.

Non-Violence is a belief that the tyrant is blessed with the same energy, but is not aware of it and we have to help him realize it after enduring the suffering. Fighting out may bear the result for short run, but in the long run, the fighting and the avenging continues. Whereas the non-violence method of achieving the objective is sustainable, justice ultimately brings lasting peace, and non-violence sustains it, violence disturbs the balance.

I have a special connection with the Mahatma, and am making this disclosure for the 3^rd time in public. I have met the Mahatma twice in my dreams; first time was way back in 1971 when the Mahatma, the Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University Dr. Narsimaiah and I were talking over a meal and he gave a pat on my back and told me that I have a lot of work to do. Then again in 2005, I saw him smiling at me encouraging me to continue with the work of Pluralism.

My message on this day is watch what you say; does it aggravate the ongoing dialogue and cause the opposing parties dig in? Or does it propel people to work towards solutions. You can apply this formula at your work, home or any situation and see the difference. Be a winner, by making the others a winner too.

Mahatma Gandhi probably would have endorsed my view that, if we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness to each one of seven billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. That is the mission of the foundation for pluralism.

Today, October 2nd is Mahatma's birthday, may this day make our leaders think, and believe that there is a greater joy in creating peace. Ask yourselves every day – do my words and action bring solutions? There is an immeasurable joy in doing good, good for others with nothing to gain. Try it; you will start enjoying the life.

If you have a few spare minutes, watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pzkSOulo0Q&feature=player_embedded#!

# # #

Please join me on the facebook by clicking www.facebook.com/speakermikeghouse and clicking " L I K E" next to words “Speaker Mike Ghouse” and we become friends. My facebook page has reached the limit of 5000 friends, and my 2^nd page has gone over 1000. My friends suggested me to open this new page with no limits. www.facebook.com/speakermikeghouse

# # #

Below is the text pulled from different sources

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who was born on October 2, 1869, died as the Mahatma on January 30, 1948. The man who came to be regarded as the symbol of independent India was greatly revered by his own countrymen. Indians came to call him Mahatma or "the Great Soul." A large number of famous Gandhi quotes contain so much wisdom that they have gained immortality. These famous Gandhi quotes reveal the wisdom of this great man.

Gandhi, the pioneer of non-violence, believed in simplicity. His simple attire became a subject of great contemplation and ridicule in western nations. His compelling ideas braved death and continued to be a source of inspiration and emulation for great leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Nelson Mandela. Here are some famous words from Gandhi.

· The power of tyrant depends on the willingness of people to obey; if people refuse to obey at whatever cost, the tyrant’s power is ended.

· Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

· Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love.

· A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.

· A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.

· A religion that takes no account of practical affairs and does not help to solve them is no religion.

· Adaptability is not imitation. It means power of resistance and assimilation.

· Anger and intolerance are the twin enemies of correct understanding.

· You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.

· Culture of the mind must be subservient to the heart.

· It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence.

· Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

· The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

· An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

· Hate the sin, love the sinner.

· I want freedom for the full expression of my personality.

· Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.

· Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

· Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

· Permanent good can never be the outcome of untruth and violence.

· The name "Gandhi" is synonymous with peace and non-violence. His epic struggle to bring together the people of India in their search for sovereignty is unparalleled.

INTRODUCTION

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions to media and to the public on important and complex issues of the day and is available to speak in a variety of settings such as schools, seminars, conferences, and places of worship, or the work place.

Mike is a frequent guest on Fox News, (The Hannity Show), and has been interviewed on nationally syndicated Radio shows along with Dallas TV, Print and Radio networks and occasional interviews on NPR. He is a member of the Texas Faith panel of Dallas Morning News and writes on issues facing the nation every week. He has spoken at international forums including the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, in Melbourne, Australia, Middle East Peace Initiative, in Jerusalem, the International Leadership conference, in Hawaii, and in Washington

The Foundation for Pluralism champions the idea of co-existence by respecting and accepting the otherness of those different from ourselves. The World Muslim Congress is committed to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam. Heavily involved in both, Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and has produced outstanding public events to bring Americans together of different religions, ethnicities and races on common grounds of building a safe and secure America.

He is a speaker, thinker, collaborator and a writer on the subjects of Pluralism, the interfaith movement, cohesive societies, Islam, India, hope and world peace. Over 1000 articles of Mike’s have been published worldwide and two books are poised to be released this summer. His work is reflected in 4 websites and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/
C
oncerned by the divisiveness, he saw the need to bring Americans together and founded America Together Foundation committed to building a cohesive America, indeed it is in response to ACT America which is bent on pitching one American against the other. We will be holding series of educational programs, conferences and workshops to address the issues that divide us such as Civil Right, GLBT, Quraan, Abortion, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Racial Profiling and Stereotyping.

The Annual Unity Day USA is in its 7th year now, it is a purposeful event to bring Americans together, on this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and wellbeing of our nation.

Thanksgiving Celebration is in its 15th year showcasing cultural diversity.

The 5th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides is to learn and to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other and commit to avert such tragedies. Through this event non-Jewish people have consciously learned about Holocaust for the first time, it was also for the first time that people of 14 faiths came together to join in to commemorate the Holocaust that commemorated within the Jewish Community for years. They are not alone anymore in their anguish, we are all in it together with them, and it is a Muslim initiative to effect a positive change.

The programs, seminars and workshops conducted by the Foundation for Pluralism have become a part of the America Together Foundation. While the Foundation for Pluralism continues championing the idea of co-existence through respecting and accepting the otherness of other, the commitment to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam through the World Muslim Congress continues.

Mike is a speaker, thinker, collaborator and a writer on the subjects of Pluralism, the Interfaith Movement, Cohesive Societies, Islam, India, Hope and World Peace. Over 1000 of his articles have been published worldwide and two books are poised to be released this summer. His work is reflected in 4 websites and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net

To engage Mike in a dialogue, conference or a talk, write to Ghousespeaks@gmail.com and email dedicated for this purpose or you can call him on a short notice at 214.325.1916