Mars Hill Church in Seattle, which has taken many hits from the social and religious left, recently found itself being attacked by its ideological brethren on the right. You'd think that an endorsement of discussion between Christians and Muslims by a theologically conservative church would be praised as a step forward, a celebration of open minds and open arms. Not so, says Ingrid Schlueter of the CrossTalk blog, who blasted the Mars Hill-affiliated Harambee Church for meeting with the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS). "Useful idiots," is the term she used. 

Schlueter's indignity ("I was shocked and really horrified," she said) stems from two points: one, that MAPS has ties to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which she claimed was tied to Hamas, the Palestinian political-terrorist organization; and two, that non-Christians were using Christian facilities to spread a message that is contrary to Christian teachings and beliefs. 

Any relationship between the Council on American-Islamic Relations and terrorist groups is hard to either prove or disprove. The FBI severed relations with CAIR last year, because CAIR was named as an unindicted co-defendant in a terrorism funding case. Critics of CAIR have claimed the organization has connections with Hamas and intends to seed Islamist sleeper cells in America, but CAIR itself claims that it is the victim of smear campaigns and fear mongering. A Mars Hill Church spokesman said that his church isn't aware of terrorist groups and their ties, and called Schuelter a "right wing fanatic".

Harsh words from the same organization that labeled the movie Avatar "satanic". 

Schlueter insists that she has nothing against Muslims, and is not intolerant of their faith. But when she objects to Muslims telling Christians who they think Jesus is, it hints at a set of double standards. If she really does want talk between Christians and Muslims, it seems she would prefer it on her terms - no open minded dialog and an exchange of ideas, but a "This is what we believe, end of discussion" banner. If any Muslims were to show up, they'd be lucky to get a word in.