The Crossroads Community Church is completely different from churches in Germany. In this church were no crosses and Chrisitan sights like in a traditional church. There is also a kids club and some working groups are offered. The service took place in a hall, that seems to be a concert hall with a stage, huge displays, cameras, a band, free coffee, free wifi and so on. It was like religious entertainment. They introduced with a song and everybody was invited to sing this song with the band. After that, we should greet our neighbors to have a little smalltalk to them. The show goes on with an interview and a speech of the prayer, and a finishing song.
I think this church is for people, who aren't so conservative like other Christians. There's a light atmosphere in the hall and the speech of the prayer, who was also a very good speaker, isn't starchy like in other churches. He take one phrase out of the Bible, analyze the structure and give examples to his interpretation. The songs are compatible to the program the prayer mentioned.
The church invokes people help people, who are in trouble, for instance the church gave manpower to the people in New Orleans to built up some new houses for the homeless people, or went to India to prevent childrens from prostitution and slavery.
The Cincinnati Mosque is an another religous place in Cincinnati, but in my opinion it is not like an traditional mosque. You can find there an educational and sports building next to the mosque and they also offer courses, where you can meet new people or study a new language. I think the community of the mosque is well accepted in Cincinnati, because they're open minded to everybody.
The religious service at the mosque is little bit different than Crossroad's. In Islam, praying is a component of the daily life, so you should pray five times a day. At certain the times the so called Imam prays in the mosque each day. On fridays is an extra service, where a prayer speak in the mosque.
There are some special events in the Cincinnati Mosque, for instance a basketball tournament, where other Islamic communities from the U.S. are invited to enjoy a good time with like-minded persons.
I think, both communities are well accepted in the larger Cincinnati community and unite the this community, because they are open-minded. Everybody can get there and listen to the speeches of the prayers. Furthermore, you can sign up in different courses or working groups to get involved to these communities.
You have given some good comparisons about Crossroads and the mosque - especially your comments about non-traditional activities and services. Do you think these two houses of worship would appeal to tradtional Christians and Muslims, or would they not go here, in your opinion?
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