A brilliant move by a pastor in Florida is causing a rather large fuss. Pastor Terry Jones is planning to old a Quar'an burning at his church on September 11th to protest the events of 9/11. While the events of the date should never be forgotten, Jones' unique method of protest is dangerous. He says:
It is not to the moderate Muslim. Our message is not a message of hate. Our message is a message of warning to the radical element of Islam, and I think what we see right now around the globe provides exactly what we're talking about.
He has missed the mark. Burn any religious text and you are condemning and seriously insulting that religion. I know I would be furious if I heard about a bible burning (I am aware that they happen). I cannot fathom how it is not a message of hate and violence. Moderate and Radical Muslims have every right to be angry at this event. I see no purpose in his actions. It will only add fuel to the fire of radical Islam. Radicals will use Jones' actions as a justification for their jihad.
While I have my issues with the Muslim faith, I would not say they are evil by any stretch of the imagination. There are good tenants in (almost) every faith. Also, one must remember that Christians are not exempt from using religion to insight violence. I would encourage people to live and let live more. Disagree where you will, but do not hate or encourage violence. We must defend our rights and liberties and never forget what happened on September 11 2001. However, we must not let this event turn us into the same monsters as those terrorists. God bless all good people of the world, and with hope Jones will be stopped before he causes more problems.
References
Qur'an Burning: The Guardian UK
CNN: Plans to Burn Qur'an
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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