Have you heard about the church in Gainesville, Florida that is planning on a Quran book burning on 9/11? Apparently they were denied a permit for safety reasons but are planning on going ahead with it, and all this in the name of Jesus. However, this isn’t too surprising considering the pastor of the church, Terry Jones wrote a book called “Islam is of the Devil” and consequently sells mugs with the same logo.
I feel like I’m missing something here. This is wrong on so many levels. Sure Islam is of the devil, but so are all the other religions and cults out there. Not to mention “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21) And I didn’t even mention the fact that Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself, as well as love your enemy. I don’t know that I count Muslims as my enemy but surely they are my neighbor. Is it loving my enemy to burn a book they consider holy? I’d have to say unequivocally, NO!
It really makes me angry to see a church like this making decisions that are so far off what the bible teaches. They are being a terrible representation of Christ. I know Christians aren’t perfect but these types of Christians make it worse for the rest of us. They make a big fuss and get all the media attention and people in the world look on and see us as hypocrites. And rightfully so. If what they are doing is what being a Christian is all about then I would want no part of it either. Why don’t they burn x rated movies and violent video games while they are at it. Those have probably destroyed just as many lives if not more.
September 11, 2001 was a tragic day for our nation and surely it will not soon be forgotten. However, we cannot cling to that as a reason to hold on to fear and bitterness. We can’t use it as a crutch to ostracize a people group. We are called to love as Jesus loves, to forgive as He has forgiven. Muslims need Jesus just as much as the rest of the world and I will be bold enough to say, just as much as some of our “Christian” church members. If the shoe were on the other foot and Muslims were burning bibles the church would be outraged. What a terrible act of disrespect not just to us, but to God! Why should they feel any differently.
Pray that God would use Christian leaders to heavily push for this church to cancel the event. Pray that God could somehow bring good out of this if it proceeds as planned. Pray for Jesus to reveal His truth to Muslims around the world. Pray that these misguided Christians would come to understand the truth of Jesus and His message as well.
Details based on Article on Yahoo.com among other websites
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