A Message of Inclusion by Keith Ellison

Keith Ellison has been the target of much unfounded criticism, much of it xenophobic. I have read critics hail Judeo-Christian values and fear their demise if someone like Keith Ellison, a Muslim, serves in Congress. Well, today, on the day that Keith Ellison takes his seat in Congress for the first time, he offers a beautiful meditation on generosity. In a surprise twist, he quotes Jesus. If this new Congressman lives out his promise, I think we're poised for a new day in Washington! And isn't it wonderful that the first Muslim Congressman actually understands Judeo-Christian values better than his critics!

Well read his comments on this issue at On Faith.


Choose Generosity, Not Exclusion

Somewhere in Minneapolis or Jackson or Baltimore, somewhere in America today, there is a young couple that is feeling vulnerable. Maybe one has been laid off due to outsourcing, and maybe, the other is working for something close to a minimum wage. They probably have no medical benefits. Today real income is lower for the typical family than in 2000, while the incomes of the wealthiest families have grown significantly. Things are tough for working people, but in America, we often turn to our faith in tough times.

When our couple shows up for worship service, probably on a Sunday, there is no doubt that the preacher will tell them of God’s unyielding love. “God loves you.” But the next thing the preacher tells them is crucial - not only to the young couple, but to us all. The next message from the preacher may help to shape, not only the next election results, but the political landscape of the nation.

Will the preacher tell our young couple, “God loves you – but only you and people like you?” Or will the preacher say “God loves you and you must love your neighbors of all colors, cultures, or faiths as yourselves”? One message will lead to be a stinginess of spirit, an exclusion of the “undeserving”, and the other will lead to a generosity of spirit and inclusion of all. (Read the remainder of the column at Newsweek's On Faith Blog)

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