Sep
9
Written by:
Dennis Atwood
9/9/2010 12:52 PM
By now, you’re probably aware of the latest brewing controversy that is linked to the names “Christian” and “church.” This one could be fatal. The Dove World Outreach Center, a tiny church of some 50 members located in Gainesville, Florida, made headlines last year after distributing T-shirts that said "Islam is of the Devil.” Now the congregation has utilized the power of the Internet to promote its Quran-burning plans this Saturday to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan warned Tuesday of this week that their actions could endanger U.S. troops and Americans worldwide if the church follows through on its threat to burn copies of the Muslim holy book the Quran.
"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," Petraeus said in an
e-mail to The Associated Press.
The good general is not the only one to speak out this week. Seems that everyone from Angelina Jolie to Haley Barbour to Hillary Clinton is getting in on the condemning of Rev. Terry Jones’ threat to burn copies of the Quran. And rightly so. Just because you have the “right” to do something doesn’t make it the “right” thing to do. (That same argument has been made in the other major religious headline issue concerning the potential mosque being built near ground zero in New York City.)
So how should disciples of Jesus respond to such? How would you feel as a Christian if a mosque in the land of the free held a “Bible burning party?” Seems like I recall Jesus saying, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
A little respect please for the one in whose name Christians speak or stand! Jesus never encouraged disrespect or hate or violence from his followers. So now would be a good time for those who wear the name of Christ to stand up, drown out the divisive voices, and set the record straight about the One whom we follow. It begins by demonstrating an attitude of respect and love for one’s neighbor. Let’s hope, and pray, that the Rev. Jones has a change of heart before Saturday.
Copyright ©2010 Dennis Atwood