Would Jesus Burn the Koran?

Many people in America and around the world have been following the story about the Christian Pentecostal Pastor, Rev. Terry Jones, who is planning to burn hundreds of copies of the Koran (or Quran) on September 11 from 6:00-9:00 PM at the church's 20-acre campus in Florida.

Condemnation of this "Burn the Koran Day" has come from many religious leaders as well as government officials. It would not surprise the members of Ebenezer Church (where I serve as Pastor) to know I would join the chorus of voices that urge this misguided Pastor to reconsider his plans.

I don't know of any Christian who is a fan of radical Islam, but how is burning the book that all Muslims consider holy going to accomplish anything worthwhile or constructive? In fact, this act of disrespectful confrontation seems to simply illustrate the unfortunate reality that radicals exist on the "lunatic fringe" of every major religion. 

It would seem that one of the fundamental teachings of Jesus would apply here. The teaching that we are to "do unto others as we would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12, also known as "The Golden Rule") should cause all Christians to ponder how we might feel if someone was planning a "Burn the Bible Day."

In some ways I understand this Florida Pastor's frustration. America is no longer the "Godly Christian Nation" that she used to be just a couple of generations ago. People don't flock to church every Sunday, attitudes about morality have changed dramatically, and the Bible is mocked by some and ignored by others. There is a prevailing philosophy today that seems to say, "All religions are basically the same, and most of them are full of superstitions, myths, and ancient traditions that are no longer relevant for modern life." Those of us who consider ourselves to be committed Christians are bound to be frustrated by all of this. But proclaiming, "Islam is of the Devil" and burning books is not going to make anything better, and will undoubtedly make matters worse.

I had a conversation the other day with a young lady in her early 20's who has visited our Church a couple of times. She is not a Christian, but considers herself to be a "spiritual seeker." She referred to Pastor Jones and his plan to burn copies of the Koran, and she exclaimed, "This is why I tend to stay away from organized religion. It seems to attract ignorant and hateful people who have closed minds and self-righteous attitudes." I tried to explain to her that it would be a mistake to condemn all religious groups based on the actions of a small few, but I don't think I made much of an impact. 

As I get older, I realize there is much I don't know. But there are some things I do know. I know that in spite of our faults and flaws, God still loves us and wants us to love others. I know America is not the Christian nation she once was, but when the Church chooses love over hate, we can have a positive impact on our skeptical culture. I know we can find a way to stand up against radical Islam without insulting and offending moderate Muslims. And I know this Sunday, there will be good people coming to worship God at Ebenezer Church, and I look forward to worshiping God with them. I hope to see you there.

Comments

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[Tom]

A really excellent post, Mark, thanks. I cannot for the life of me bend my mind around this to see how any good can come of it. Of course, now it appears Jones is backing out, albeit clumsily, but hey, I'll take it.