Friday, December 18, 2015

Proud not upset about Blaine High School

I just became aware today of a controversy brewing because the Blaine High School choir sang a song at their concert this past Thursday that had Arabic words, including the phrase “Allahu Akbar,” which means “God is great.” 


The title of the article on the web site is: “Parents Question Choice To Sing ‘Allahu Akbar’ At Holiday Concert.”

As a parent of a Blaine high school 9th grader I don’t question this choice at all.  Singing a song at a choir concert is not an endorsement of a religion. The choir concert is obviously not a religious worship service.  For me singing this song is an issue of respect.  My daughter doesn’t sing in the choir, but I would have been proud to have her sing this song.  Have we become so insecure that we can't sing a song about our Muslim friends?


As a pastor of a church in Blaine I'm proud that the Blaine High school choir sings songs from different religious traditions. Our Muslim friends are sisters and brothers in faith.  Our lineage goes back to Abraham.  I don’t feel threatened by our Muslim friends at all.  In fact I believe that Jesus is smiling about what happened at the choir concert.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Do you really think that O Holy Night is being sung during the summer months during actual Ramadan? Allahu Akbar isnt just God is great. It isnt Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. IT IS ALLAH. You are a Christian pastor but would be completely okay with your daughter singing a praise to a not Christian 'god'? I don't understand your footing. There is no gray.