Dove World Outreach Center's planned "International Burn a Koran Day" as an anti-Muslim protest on the anniversary of 9/11 is scheduled to go on, says Pastor Terry Jones, despite the group not having a burn permit for a bonfire on their property.
Christians of all denominations and theological persuasions have denounced the group's act, including the National Association of Evangelicals President Leith Anderson. Even the conservative Southern Baptist Association has not minced words in speaking out against Jones' planned demonstration:
"I think it is appalling, disgusting, and brainless," said Richard Land, director of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. "I think that those of us who find what they are doing abhorrent should say so, and say so publicly and often."
Land added that the church's actions "besmirch the reputation of our Savior, and that makes it blasphemy." [source]
I personally have written to Jones urging him to not go through with this event, which Baltimore Muslim Examiner J. Samia Mair appreciated in her article about it.
Despite all attempts to dissuade Jones from backing down from this shameful act on behalf of the larger Christian community, he has only become more determined to burn Qur'ans ... despite the fact that doing so will put the lives of people around the world in danger and aid extremist terrorists in their recruitment propaganda.
Today, the Wall Street Journal reports that the top U.S. commander of troops in Afghanistan has warned of the danger of Jones' actions to American troops in that country.
"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort," Gen. Petraeus said in an interview. "It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems. Not just here, but everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community."
Hundreds of Afghans attended a demonstration in Kabul on Monday to protest the plans of Florida pastor Terry Jones, who has said he will burn copies of Islam's holy book to mark the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Afghan protesters chanted "death to America," and speakers called on the U.S. to withdraw its troops. Some protesters threw rocks at a passing military convoy. [source]
For a general to speak to a domestic matter, particularly one of the exercise of free speech, is rare indeed -- which is all the more reason for Jones and Dove World Outreach organizers to heed this unanimity of denunciation from all sides and call off their demonstration.
Some have said that the thing for Christians to do is to ignore Jones and his little group of protesters, lest they be given any more publicity. However, what people who argue for such reaction seem unaware of is that the concept of the First Amendment is unfathomable to many within countries such as Afghanistan. In the Wall Street Journal article, another senior military commander, Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, explains why Jones' protest is so ill-advised:
Gen. Caldwell said many Afghans do not understand either the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment or the fact that President Barack Obama can't simply issue a decree to stop Mr. Jones from his demonstration. Military officials said they were not trying to deny Mr. Jones his right to free speech, but feared he was not thinking about the consequences of his actions.
"There is no question about First Amendment rights; that is not the issue," Gen. Caldwell said. "The question is: What is the implication over here? It is going to jeopardize the men and women serving in Afghanistan."
Military officials also fear that if video of the Quran burning is broadcast in Afghanistan, tensions could rise between NATO forces and the Afghan military and police. Allegations of mishandling the Quran have interrupted Afghan security training at least twice this year, Gen. Caldwell said.
In one instance, a Quran fell to the ground when an American officer opened a locker during an inspection of Afghan trainees' barracks. The rumor quickly spread that the officer had thrown it to the ground, angering the trainees at the camp. "He quickly apologized, but rumors took off like wildfire," Gen. Caldwell said. "It was so hard to get the misperception turned around we stopped all training for the rest of the day." [source]
These concerns are not overblown and those who don't understand this are simply naive and do not understand the mindset of extremists who will use anything they can to incite hatred and violence in the name of religion. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Dove World Outreach Center is directly contributing to the continuation of violence and hatred.
Pastor Jones, God is not pleased by your church burning Qur'ans. It does not honor His name. It does not reflect His Son. It does not minister the truth of the Gospel to anyone. Please, in the name of Jesus whom you and I both desire to serve wholeheartedly, do not go through with this incendiary display! It's not too late ... but it WILL BE after you've gone through with this foolish display ... particularly from those who bear the consequences of your actions while you and your congregation sit home comfortably protected by the Constitution they are -- whether rightly or wrongly, regardless of one's stance on war and pacifism -- risking their lives fighting to protect!
Comments
Heavenly Father, It says in Your word that a king's heart is like watercourses in Your hand. May You direct Pastor Jones to honor You this weekend. This book burning could bring harm to missionaries and soldiers around the world. You are in control. Would You change the hearts of the people at the Dove World Outreach Center? It's in the name of Jesus. Amen!
"You are in control."
So if the book burning happens anyways, then does that mean God isn't in control?
No - if book burning does go through does not mean God is not in control. I am merely petitioning HIm.
But isn't Pastor Jones doing it in the name of Jesus too, Arran? Or are you going to explain his actions with the "no true Scotsman" argument?
I just don't think referencing that fallacy is viable here. I am not claiming that no true Christian would ever do this. I am merely saying I don't think this lines up with what Scripture commands. Claiming that a Christian would never do something is like saying if you are a Christian, you are perfect and without fault. That is not true either. Everybody is blemished and in need of a savior.
"Gen. Caldwell said many Afghans do not understand either the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment or the fact that President Barack Obama can't simply issue a decree to stop Mr. Jones from his demonstration."
Very true. More interesting than that though is their implied assumption that Christianity is a monolithic structure with no difference between one Christian and another. It's an ignorance so monumental that it can only be matched by that of Americans who think Islam is a monolith too.
Like Christianity, Islam is split into a number of divisions with a variety of different interpretations of their scripture. Imam Rauf, the guy who's building the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" for instance, is a Sufi and their brand of Islam is a far cry from the intolerant Wahabiism of the 9/11 hijackers.
Unfortunately, most people find anything more complex than a bumpersticker slogan too hard to wrap their minds around. In the case of the Afghans, their ignorance might be excused by an 85% illiteracy rate and almost no secular education system.
But what is the American excuse for such ignorance?
You are correct in your statement that we should be ignoring the 'Dove World Outreach Center' actions. I do fear that Making apology for these idiots only serves to weaken the concept that the vast majority of American Christians as well as American Muslims are rational, thinking people that can see past a small group of backward individuals that could easily confuse their biblical theology with a comic book.
And then you think you might get some sort of rational, logical response from an athiest who generally take pride in such traits but they make remarks such as, "aren't they doing it in the name of Jesus too?". Anyone can do anything in the name of Jesus
Hugh I take back 50% of what I said after you made your second post. However i bet you're smarter than your last line. Literacy doesn't eliminate brain washing, fear of stepping outside of your comfort zone, or doing the right thing when admitting your wrong results in getting faced. I suppose if this pastor thought he was actually 'doing the will of God' he couldn't even fathom admitting that his stance was wrong and admit it. Now maybe the builders of the 'mosque' that is 'near' ground zero are nothing like the terrorists that bombed the twin towers but that doesn't mean that building it there is a smart thing to do either.
They are pointing out idol worship and are drawing attention to one of the worst evils infecting our world. In the end, any true Christian should be willing to die for his beliefs, James-Michael. I just might join them.
@Bob - No, Christians should not be willing to die "for their beliefs" when their beliefs are not in tune with the Spirit and with Scripture. Christians are only called to face death when it comes to choosing between death or renouncing Jesus as Lord.
Burning a Koran is not something that a Christian does as part of their daily walk. It would be a choice that is wildly out of practice with normal Christian doctrine. Specifically doing this act, especially with the world watching, is practically guaranteeing violence against Christians in other parts of the world - violence that is in response specifically to this act.
I'm having a very hard time with the idea that *other* Christians should be willing to die because *Pastor Terry* wants to make a point.
I agree whole-heartedly that other Christians shouldn't have to die because of one small group's choices.
The author makes an excellent point that this is the kind of thing that the Muslim extremists long for to fuel their fire. This demonstration will aid NO ONE.
Moreover, the Qur'an burning is offensive to EVERY Muslim, NOT just the extremists. We would surely not respond well to a group of people burning Bibles. It is wildly disrespectful and honors no one.
Excellent point Mark!
I don't recall anywhere that Jesus said, "Draw attention to the evils infecting our world." I do, however, recall this one:
"Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye.
(Mat 7:1-5 NRSV)
What Pastor Jones doesn't realize is that he too is the terrorist. He's operating from the same hatred, the same narrow-mindedness, the same intolerance, the same misunderstanding of his holy book. Unfortunately, there's no negotiating with terrorists... and Pastor Jones is a terrorist.
I heartily appreciate your article and your sentiments. Jones' actions are full of hatred and provocation and on that note I pray that American Muslims don't get emotional and do something like they did during the cartoon controversy or jump to conclusions like you mentioned in Afghanistan. The Holy Qur'an says: "Bear patiently what they say," (20:139). Not many Muslims follow this commandment just like this pastor and his followers are ignoring Jesus' commandment in Matt 5:44, " But I say: Love thy enemies and pray for those who persecute you..."
I'm not sure what Anonymous means by quoting Matthew 7, but I also have to point out that Jesus talked about judging righteous judgment (John 7:24). While it's complicated to think what he might mean I think it's worse to see god's supposed children behaving egregiously and not saying anything about it. Jesus also said that all evil deeds must be brought into the light, and we need to bring light to what Terry Jones is really doing, and that he is "of his father the devil." We were told to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." Terry Jones is not acting on the advice of Jesus.
We don't oppose evil, specifically since we can't, but we must shine light upon it.
Well... you know what I think! Sin, disgraceful, and counter to the message of Jesus!!!!
Mark B, well said. Terry, ready my original two articles in which I write to Pastor Jones and respond to his response for more on why this does nothing to oppose evil or shine the light of Christ. One can speak and teach against the claims of Islam in a respectful manner, just as they can speak and teach against Christianity in such a way--doing so not only shines genuine light on the topic, but it also illumines everyone involved. Burning Qur'ans does not. Rather, it throws a needless stumbling block in the path of millions of Muslims who will associate this with Jesus Himself. It's OUR job to get out of the way so that Jesus can be proclaimed, not throw our own geopolitical/cultural baggage in their path.
James-Michael Smith, excellent article--great work! As a follower of Christ, I completely agree with what you've said and the way you said it. I've linked this article to my blog. www.mikeoutler.com
Thanks Mike O. Continue speaking out against this grave and foolish display!
Crazy church, at least those fanatic Muslims were not ordered by Mosques to commit terror acts. However, the Christian church seems to be guiding unethical and terror acts.
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