Idea Exchange

Defying stereotype through outreach [Excerpts]

May 6, 2006 - On a glorious spring Saturday, Aaron and Crystal Zorn got out the strollers and took their twin daughters, Savannah and Noelle, 2∏, on an outing. They went to a former school building on S. 13th St. to learn about Islam.

Aaron said he came to the Islamic Center's open house knowing little about the religion. He and his wife are Christians.

"I think there are a lot of similarities," he said, referring to Christian and Muslim beliefs. "Their belief in human rights. . .I think it's important to understand what Muslims believe."

The open house offered a forum for varying views of Islam, attracting supporters, the curious, and even a small group of demonstrators outside the center, the former site of the NewRoadSchool.

Several visitors said they had indeed learned more about the Islamic faith

"I've worked with people who are Hindu and Muslim, and they've asked me questions about my religion" of Christianity, explained Roger Gross, 57, a chemist from Milwaukee. "I didn't know much about theirs. I thought this would be a good way to find out. They did a good job. I learned a little more about Islamic beliefs."

However, Dave Girardot, a gospel preacher from West Allis, said that although he likes the Islamic emphasis on modesty, he continues to believe that Islam has a hostile attitude toward other faiths.

"Absolutely," he said. "If they can show me otherwise, I'm open to it, but look at what's happening around the world."

Mark Jaeckel, 53, an elevator mechanic from Milwaukee, came away with the opposite message. Jaeckel said he has been reading more about Islam and believes it is "a religion of peace, love and non-violence."

"I was born Lutheran," he said, "and I'm seriously thinking about declaring my intention to be a Muslim."

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=421555