My mind is feeble in understanding why an Evangelical Church through its pastor wants to burn the holy book of our Muslim brethren. Evangelicals are known to interpret what the Bible says literally. In the Beatitudes, (Mark 5-3:10) Jesus teaches:
* Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
* Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
* Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
* Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
* Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
* Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
* Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
* Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Rev. Terry Jones, pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center is determined to burn the Quran to celebrate the “9-11” anniversary, the day when the United States was attacked by Islamic terrorists. Three thousand souls perished on that day when the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York were razed to the ground.
I am not saying that the Rev. Jones has no right to protest and exercise his freedom of worship. I am just wondering what could have drove him in choosing the path he elects to commemorate 9-11 when there are more meaningful ways in venting his grievances and of the church he heads?
What will be the world’s one billion Muslims from all continents response in knowing that their holy book is burned? Will it not spark Muslim hatred not only against the Evangelicals but against Christians? If the Muslims burn the Bible, do the Christians remain silent without a single protest against “Muslim extremists”? Rev. Jones knows the golden rule and other Christian teachings like the Beatitudes which must serve as his guideposts in leading his flock instead of instigating hatred.
It is ironic that he heads an outreach center that starts with a “Dove”, the symbol of peace and not of hatred.
"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." -30-
"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." -30-
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