Wholesale Burning of Korans a Very Bad Idea

As I heard of the idea to burn copies of Islam’s Holy Book on September 11, put forth by Florida Pastor Terry Jones, visions of newsreel footage of the Nazi’s burning books raced through my head, followed by an old episode of the 1970’s TV show, the Walton’s, where John Boy rescued a Holy Bible written in German from the flames.

Those visions soon gave way to the thought, “what ignorant moron would propose such a thing?”

My thought is not born out of any profound acceptance of Islam or appreciation for their beliefs, just common sense knowing that such actions will serve only to inflame the very people our Troops are trying to win the hearts and minds of in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is such a great propaganda tool for the Taliban, Al Qaeda and other extremist groups, I am left wondering if Jones isn’t in their employ.

No, obviously he is not, but he sure isn’t thinking of the welfare of our Troops in harm’s way.

I see this as little more than a publicity gimmick for a marginal nobody to make a name for himself, not exactly what Christianity is supposed to be about. Jones even freely admits he has no knowledge of the Koran saying, “I have no experience with it whatsoever. I only know what the Bible says,” adding that God told him to burn the books.

General David Petraeus is alarmed over the idea saying,

“It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort. 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.”

Jones agrees his plan could spark outrage and violence against our Troops and others, but plans to go ahead with his ill-conceived idea saying,

“America should quit apologizing for its actions and bowing to kings.”

It isn’t apologizing or bowing to show a little respect or tolerance to the people who we are also trying to encourage to stand up and fight the scourge from within their midst that plan on a world takeover by their own perverted view of their Holy Book.

It is aid and comfort to the enemy to supply the enemy to give them ample support, or even a propaganda tool to turn people against our Troops while fighting. Already protests have been held in Afghanistan and you can be sure more will follow elsewhere.

While Jones feels he has the first amendment right to do such a thing, it is a total tactical blunder to play into our enemies hands in such a cavalier fashion. In my estimation, if even one of our Troops is harmed or killed as a result of inflamed passions over this action, Jones should be tried for treason.

Since Jones claims to “only know what the Bible says,” I’d like to remind him of,

2 Timothy 2:24 “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,” and Acts 8:22 “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.”

He might also reflect on

Titus 3:1 “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.”

Pastor Jones, if this is the only way you can come up with the try to grow your 50 member Church, surely you will answer on Judgment Day for the blood you are about to cause to be spilled.