Sapphire Sky

So they want to burn a Quran, what of it? I find this whole episode where commentators of all stripes are calling for this little dinky church of 30 people to pleeeeeease not burn the holy Quran, quite revealing. Who would have thunk that 30 people could cause so many around the world to cry foul. By contrast, I wonder how many bibles have been burned in the last year without so much as a whimper of concern.

I know for a fact that bibles are burned in North Korea, China, Laos, certain parts of India, all over the Middle East, Indonesia and other places as well. Nary a word is said in outrage over such acts. What is normally not told – well, bible burning stories are never reported in main stream media to begin with – but what most don’t realize is that along with the bible burning in many places is the killing of the Christians who owned those bibles to begin with. This is a well documented fact.

However, at face value, the desire to burn the Quran is simply stupid. It obviously cannot accomplish the goal of the church, which is to warn people of the dangers of Islam – or can it?

After reading several different columns of talking heads who frantically were calling for this pastor to rethink his stupidly, I became uncomfortably aware of a nagging little truth. These people are afraid.

Of course I do believe that burning the Quran is stupid for several reasons. First, it will not win a single Muslim to faith in Christ. Second, it will endanger Christians in Muslim lands. Third, it will insight Muslims to violence around the world … maybe in my neck of the woods … gulp … maybe in my neighborhood?

Ok, I’m afraid too. DONT BURN IT!

I think the little church has made a big point.

It would, of course, be wise not to go through with the act, especially when we consider what will happen to Christians in lands where Muslim majorities seek to make a point themselves. But it won’t be only bibles being burned.

Christians, what are we to do?

1st, we are to always share the truth in love – no matter the consequences. Let me emphasize love. Burning anyone’s book is not an act of love!

2nd, we are to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us. This means we defend truth … in love. No one comes to the Father but through the Son.

3rd, we are to always demonstrate the truth through how we treat our enemies. Jesus asked the Father to forgive His tormentors as He was being nailed to a cross.

4th, we are to let Muslims know that God loves them enough to send Jesus Christ to die for their sins.

5th, we have to be willing to die to make that great truth known.

Lovingly share the truth. Defend the truth. Live the truth. Proclaim the truth even to those who mean us harm, and be willing to die for the truth.

That’s what Christ did. And that’s what we do!