From time to time, demonstrators choose to burn something to show their approval or disapproval. It’s nearly always a bad idea.
Sometimes — fortunately not often these days — members of the Ku Klux Klan have engaged in cross burnings. Such things are always disgusting and inappropriate. And they defile the symbolism of the cross.
Some people, most unfortunately, have demonstrated by burning the American flag.
And some equally ill-advised people have burned the Bible in flagrantly objectionable demonstrations.
Now, a Christian pastor in Gainesville, Fla., has announced that on Sept. 11, he and his very few followers (fewer than a hundred) plan to burn copies of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, in a defiant demonstration to recall the Sept. 11, 2001, attack by radical Muslims who hijacked airliners and flew them into the World Trade Center in New York City and into the Pentagon.
The announced plan to burn the Qurans should be condemned by Americans, for a number of strong reasons.
Christians and other Americans certainly should not stoop to demonstrating in a way that would reflect objectionably upon themselves — not just against Muslims.
But in addition, a public demonstration involving the burning of the Quran surely would be highly publicized all over the world — inflaming millions of Muslims, the peaceful ones as well as the radicals.
Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. and NATO military commander in Afghanistan, said “images of the burning of a Quran would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan — and around the world — to inflame public opinion and incite violence.”
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said, “While it may well be within someone’s right to take this action, we hope cooler heads will prevail.”
But most of all, such a thing as burning the Quran should not be done — simply because it would be “non-Christian.”
What needs to happen with these poor misguided idiots is for no one to show up to watch. Don't give them the attention they crave. No video no media, let them have their fun alone. I know that's just wishful thinking but I am sick and tired of all this fuss just because some small group of gubbers want attention. People run around yelling about upholding the constitution then want to trample it with their hatred and bigotry. I am a christian but I am just about to the point of being ashamed to say it the way some are acting in the name of christianty.
hambone, never be ashamed to say you are truly a follower of Jesus Christ. You know and I know the misrepresentations of his way by so many are merely a distraction for the world which opposes his true way. I have to say freedom of speech rights in this country do allow for ridiculous acts such as burning a Quran or other honored and respected items. But it is absolutely the wrong thing to do. In so doing, this group will cause open season on Bibles and other acknowledged sacred literature. That is sad. For all we may disagree with in the Quran, it is not our place to outright destroy it. I will never apologize that I truly try to follow Jesus Christ. I will never apologize for the atrocities done by misled people who claim to follow him. I will be saddened and disappointed that such ridiculous persons do not see the harm they are doing for the cause of the Gospel. On the other hand, I am sorry for Muslims who see no harm in exercising their rights in regard to the Manhattan mosque and who think that will not lead to more negativity about their religion. But I do acknowledge they have a right to put it there even if I and a host of Americans peacefully oppose it.
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