Thank God for Religious Founders' Day

If the elders of Plymouth had had their way, Thanksgiving might have been a religious holiday devoted to prayer services. Thank God for the founders of this country who separated Church and State. Jesus taught “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17), providing a Christian foundation for freedom of religion. Unfortunately, by the time the Puritans celebrated the first Thanksgiving their experience with King James had convinced them to govern with intolerance for others, like the Quakers.

Similarly, Islam has also given people the right to freely choose their religion. Muhammad taught “There should be no compulsion in religion.” (Quran 2:567) So the foundation of Islam also supports freedom of conscience but by the 19th century many Muslims practiced intolerance—much like the Puritans of an earlier age.

In order to celebrate our religious freedom and bring all religions together, the Seattle branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will host Religious Founders’ Day on November 14th at 5:00pm. Jews, Christians, Sikhs, and Muslims will explore the common ground of belief in the unseen and the importance of doing good for others at The Abode of Kindness, 23515 Old Owen Rd., Monroe, Washington. Hopefully, all guests will feel plenty of tolerance and generous hospitality, including a free dinner for all. For more information call please (206) 851- 0788.