Quran Burning

I realize that this has been a news story for awhile now, but this morning I saw a serious of articles that outline one pastor and one church's desire to host International Burn-a-Quran Day on September 11, 2010. Rev. Terry Jones plans on burning copies of the Muslim holy book.

Thankfully, the near unanimous response to this proposed event has been negative. I cannot see any good coming out of this event. It will only result in increased anger, increased violence and increased frustration between Muslims and Christians.

Nine years later, there is still a deep level of pain after the September 11, 2001 attacks. People are still angry and still frustrated. They are looking for someone to put the blame. Sadly, the blame gets placed on the entire religion of Islam or on people of a certain ethnicity. Burning the Quran, a book considered holy by Muslims, will do nothing to heal the wounds of September 11.

There are a lot of religions that are attempting to live together in a world with a great deal of tension. When I think about this, I can't help but think about the "Coexist" bumper stickers that I see on many cars. I wonder about what it means to coexist as a Christian.

As a Christian, and as a pastor, I strongly believe that it is only through Jesus Christ that we find our salvation. Through no action would I ever force someone to convert to Christianity, but I do pray for those who are of other religions. Only God knows what happens to those who are Jewish, Muslims, Buddhists and other religions. I would minister the same to anyone regardless of their religion or lack of religion.

Responding with violence rarely solves anything. We should respond with love. We should act in love for neighbor. "They will know we are Christians by our love."