As I have stated before in previous posts, I don't watch that much tv. I have kept up with the news a little bit and I know most of you have probably heard about the preacher in Florida who plans to burn the Koran this weekend as we remember the awful events that unfolded 9 years ago. I've seen a few interviews with this man and wonder what he thinks his message really is. I heard him say that he didn't think that God would want us to burn religious books but he's pretty sure God would want this particular book burned. It makes me sad.
Although I do not share the same beliefs as muslims, I also do not share the same beliefs as catholics, mormons, buddhists, scientologist or people who practice kabala for that matter. But out of respect for those people who do practice those religions, I do not agree with this preachers views on burning the Koran. Nor would I agree with anyone burning any books associated with other religions. I've seen a few excerpts from this particular book and I don't agree with it's teachings, but I wouldn't burn it just for the fact that sadly, so many people do follow it and treat it as their "bible". I know for me, if someone said they were going to burn the actual Bible, I would be sad and heartbroken. It would be hurtful to me. I think it is dis-respectful and crossing a line that shouldn't be crossed.
Only 48% of Americans believe that America is "safer" than before 9/11. Obviously, people are still in fear of radical extremists harming our country and to me, this man who "leads" a church of 50 or so is sending the wrong message. He claims to be Christian, but in fact, I don't believe what he is doing is Christian like at all and I believe that it will make non believers turn away from those that really are trying to reach out to a lost world. I think it will make people start to think that Christians are radical extremist because of an action done by one man. What I'm afraid of is this man turning people away from the true teachings of Jesus by his harmful actions. God tells us to love others. I just don't feel that this is a way that Jesus would want us to show love to others by purposefully hurting them.
I really do believe as others do, including our top commander in Afghanistan, that the actions of this man and his church will put our hard working troops in harms way. They are the ones on the front lines and will possibly pay for it with their lives which in turn affects the thousands of military families throughout this country. I also think that there will be an even more willingness of radicals to join groups associated with Al-Qaida and the like for the sole purpose of hurting/killing innocent Americans.
I am in no way claiming to know what God would feel about the actions of this preacher or anyone else, but based on what's in the Bible about loving our neighbors I personally feel that God would be disappointed about this along with the other things this country has allowed to go on. Sadly, I think this mans actions will hurt Christianity and turn people away to the good work that others are doing throughout this and other countries by sharing the gospel. We need to keep this preacher in our prayers that God would open his eyes to see that what he plans to do is going to hurt a lot of people. You don't just go around hurting people on purpose. That's not from God.
Now, on the other hand, I do not agree with other's thoughts on a mosque being built near Ground Zero. Yes, we have the freedom to practice whatever religion we choose but there should be a respect there that is just given. I saw this morning where 2/3rds of Americans do not agree with the mosque being built on that site. I just don't understand why the person in charge of that (Imam??) would purposefully want to build an islamic worship center so close to Ground Zero. Surely he has to know how Americans would feel about that. He says he's surprised by all of the protests but in reality, I don't think he is. I don't think he cares about what Americans really think. He says he will continue with his plans to build the mosque, which to me, spits in the face of Americans and especially those who lost loved ones on 9/11. He also stated that if they don't build it there, then muslims will look at it as an attack on Islam. I'm sorry what??? What about the attack on our country nine years ago from islamist who hate Americans? I have not checked into this information myself, but I heard recently that muslims will build a worship center where they had a victory of some sort. If that's true then....WOW.
"House Minority Leader John Boehner spoke out against the event(Koran burning), comparing it to the planned Islamic center near Ground Zero. "Well, listen, I just think it's not wise to do this in the face of what our country represents. ... Just because you have the right to do something in America, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do." " (Quote copied by Liz Goodwin-writer of an article written Sept. 8th about the preacher's planned book burning on Yahoo News Blog)
AMEN & AMEN!! I totally agree with Mr. Boehner!
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