Crescent Moon Rising

The other day while driving through Roxbury, I noticed that the crescent has finally made its way to the top of the dome on the new mosque that is currently under construction along Columbus Avenue. I was struck by how lovely the crescent looked with its delicate shape and graceful lines. I am happy to see that the project is progressing.

You’ll recall from a previous post several months ago that the project has not been without controversy. Some have challenged the method by which the land was acquired from the city and, more importantly, have alleged that the Islamic Society of Boston has ties to radical Muslim elements.

With all the bad behavior, intolerance, hatred, and violence displayed by Muslims in recent weeks—both in connection with the violent reaction of Muslims worldwide to the Danish cartoons portraying the Prophet Mohammed and the homophobic statements made by Muslim clerics in London and in Russia—you might wonder why I would be so enthusiastic about the addition of a new mosque to Boston’s landscape.

This is a teachable moment. By celebrating Islam and the colors it brings to Boston’s rich spiritual and cultural tapestry, we are demonstrating the very tolerance and commitment to pluralism that our Muslim brothers and sisters often lack.

And lest we rush to the conclusion that the crescent represents intolerance and hatred, I ask: Is the cross any better?