I was reminded of a news story on the radio today that on September 11th, a (apparently) self-proclaimed 'church' is going to have a Qur'an burning. I don't know if they are doing this to mourn the victims of the attacks (seems like a strange way of doing so), to protest radical Islam (and all of the Islamic world, for that matter), to disrespect a sworn nemesis (in a rather child-like manner) or to prove a point - but the point they are proving is my own - that an aggressive wave of xenophobic ignorance is sweeping our nation. Although it may not be to the extent of the rogue church in Florida, it's still there (see previous posts...)
It seems that if there was going to be another angel in Revelation, representing different churches, it may as well be this one. First of all, I will flat out deny that this church is authentically Christian. No way. Not if it is going against the most basic tenet of the Christian faith, that of "Love your neighbor as yourself." Second, if this church could have a warning straight from the mouth of God, I wonder what it would sound like...perhaps, "What in My Name are you doing? Don't you know how hypocritical and ignorant you look, not to mention endangering the precious lives of troops in Afghanistan?"
Regardless, as a Christian, I am shocked and infuriated by this church's ignorant, ungodly, and frankly (and hopefully) unrepresentative-of-the-rest-of-the-church behavior. Under no circumstances should any Christian church desecrate the holy book of another religion, en masse (as is the case) or individually, to prove a point of resentment.
I heard more about this church on the radio this morning. The pastor's name is Terry Jones, and his church is called something about a Dove and World Outreach. It does NOT get any more ironic than that, considering a dove represents peace and what they are doing is the opposite of peace, and there is no way this book burning is going to reach anyone in the world (positively, that is). Anyway, there are about 50 members of the congregation, and as Steve Inskeep on NPR put it this morning, it seems to be the congregation against the rest of the world.
It's not just me that is outraged at this planned event. First of all, Muslims probably are. I haven't heard anything for sure, but if people get pissed about a cartoon of the prophet Muhammed, they would be livid to know about a Qur'an burning. Secondly, world leaders, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (scary!) are trying to persuade "Reverend" Jones not to do this. Thirdly, top commander of troops in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, is warning that this event may incite a violent backlash against the American troops overseas. (There is a very interesting line drawn here between free speech and national security then, because it does pose a "clear and present danger" and is therefore not protected under the First Amendment.) It really is this congregation against the rest of the world. Especially me.
Finally, the "reverend" is quoted in saying that he felt called to do this. Called by who?! This is a blatant case of a) pure insanity or b) palpable interference from the devil. This should be a warning to other Christians - look out! There will be false prophets, and not everything you hear in any church is Scripture-based, Christ-like in nature, or just plain cogent. Here is where an old Calvin aphorism seems appropriate - discern. Discern the message of this guy Jones, and discern what message it is sending. Is it really something Christ would smile on? No. Make disciples of all nations, that is something we are all called to do. Love our neighbors as ourselves, another encouragement from Christ. And even as we remember the horrible and resentful events of September 11th this weekend, we should also remember to pray for those who persecute us. And for that matter, we should pray that we stop persecuting whoever we already are.
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