I am disappointed that this happened the way that it did, but not as surprised as I'd like to be that there were...
I am disappointed that this happened the way that it did, but not as surprised as I'd like to be that there were enough threats to cause concern. If the FBI was "aware" that suggests this was not just people threatening to withdraw their financial support, which was one angle on this that I have heard.
As far as Duke being a Christian school, as in, officially affiliated with a religion, that's historical. Yes, it was established by Methodists. So was another of my alma maters, Northwestern. They both have so-called chapels which are, in fact, great, big old churches (Duke's is a cathedral by any other name). Duke has a Divinity School, which is officially ecumenical but is an official Methodist seminary; Northwestern until very recently had two seminaries. Duke has a cross in its logo, and its motto is Knowledge and Faith. Northwestern's logo is a seal (not the critter) with a quote from John in greek, and the motto, in latin, from Philipians. Neither is a religious institution as a University, nor does either espouse an official religion. Both have alumni of many religions, or no religion. I call garbage on anyone who threatened violence because a call to prayer violated some kind of sanctified christian holy ground.
As for Franklin Graham, he's not much of a Christian, if his public comments are his perspective. There have been a number of responses to him and this situation that I've seen that were well-thought, and intelligent. I linked to the local paper because it is closest to the community, but there are lots of links to responses and comments out there, some more intelligent than others.
I know The Chapel is a symbol of Duke. Every year, graduating students get a chance to climb up to the top of the tower as one of their privileges. It's a big deal, you can't just go up there any old time. I spent two or more days a week there for several years as part of the Chapel Choir, so I have some pretty personal attachment to the building.
Yes, non-denominational but christian services are held there multiple times a week. However, there are multiple student religious groups that meet and hold services in the basement level. There is, indeed, a Methodist congregation within the Chapel and I'd certainly consider it an active part of the Chapel and the University and the community. I don't think any of that makes it wrong or some kind of violation to have a Muslim call to prayer from the tower. It's a general symbol of the University and of religion generally. Yeah, obviously Christian symbolism, but not exclusively.
The University doesn't need students attacked and property damaged, and yeah, maybe you can call that cowardly, but the call to prayer went ahead, just not from the tower this time. Maybe next time, though.
http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/01/16/4481764/muslims-and-others-at-duke-stand.html
http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/01/16/4481764/muslims-and-others-at-duke-stand.html
As far as Duke being a Christian school, as in, officially affiliated with a religion, that's historical. Yes, it was established by Methodists. So was another of my alma maters, Northwestern. They both have so-called chapels which are, in fact, great, big old churches (Duke's is a cathedral by any other name). Duke has a Divinity School, which is officially ecumenical but is an official Methodist seminary; Northwestern until very recently had two seminaries. Duke has a cross in its logo, and its motto is Knowledge and Faith. Northwestern's logo is a seal (not the critter) with a quote from John in greek, and the motto, in latin, from Philipians. Neither is a religious institution as a University, nor does either espouse an official religion. Both have alumni of many religions, or no religion. I call garbage on anyone who threatened violence because a call to prayer violated some kind of sanctified christian holy ground.
As for Franklin Graham, he's not much of a Christian, if his public comments are his perspective. There have been a number of responses to him and this situation that I've seen that were well-thought, and intelligent. I linked to the local paper because it is closest to the community, but there are lots of links to responses and comments out there, some more intelligent than others.
I know The Chapel is a symbol of Duke. Every year, graduating students get a chance to climb up to the top of the tower as one of their privileges. It's a big deal, you can't just go up there any old time. I spent two or more days a week there for several years as part of the Chapel Choir, so I have some pretty personal attachment to the building.
Yes, non-denominational but christian services are held there multiple times a week. However, there are multiple student religious groups that meet and hold services in the basement level. There is, indeed, a Methodist congregation within the Chapel and I'd certainly consider it an active part of the Chapel and the University and the community. I don't think any of that makes it wrong or some kind of violation to have a Muslim call to prayer from the tower. It's a general symbol of the University and of religion generally. Yeah, obviously Christian symbolism, but not exclusively.
The University doesn't need students attacked and property damaged, and yeah, maybe you can call that cowardly, but the call to prayer went ahead, just not from the tower this time. Maybe next time, though.
http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/01/16/4481764/muslims-and-others-at-duke-stand.html
http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/01/16/4481764/muslims-and-others-at-duke-stand.html
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