How can Christians and others stop Terry Jones from burning copies of the Qu'ran
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
September 8, 2010 12:35pm CST
The Dove World Outreach Center is a non-denominational charismatic so-called "Christian" church in Gainesville, Florida led by Pastor Terry Jones.The church with a 50+ membership, has received widespread national and international attention and criticism this year after it announced an "International Burn a Koran Day". The church plans to hold book burnings of the Qu'ran, on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Most sensible people are outraged and also fear the consequences of such action. This man can by such action put the lives of many people at risk and escalate the war in Afghanistan as well as lead to attacks in other parts of the world. The Qu'ran is the holy book of Islam and is to be respected as such.This group appear to know nothing about the teachings of Christ, a man whom all Muslims revere as a great prophet. Has he been denied a fire permit? If so, can he and other church members be arrested before a single copy of this holy book is set ablaze? September 11 is less than three days away and many think it's crucial that he be stopped. What are your thoughts?
5 people like this
14 responses
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
8 Sep 10
Unless the law does something, the only thing that may stop this guy is prayer. He obviously has some wrong ideas and once again it makes those of us who truly try to follow G♥d commandments look bad. It never ceases to amaze me, what some "Christians" do in His name, it's sick..
2 people like this
@shobhan51 (376)
• Malaysia
10 Sep 10
Pose123, All religions are like rivers flowing into the same vast ocean. The qu'ran is the holy book of the Muslims just like the Bible is to the Christians and the Bhagavad Gita is to the Hindus. We cannot judge a whole mass of people belonging to a certain faith as one. As such we cannot condemn the whole of the Muslim world as responsible for any criminal acts performed by a small group within that faith. It's foolish on the part of this Pastor Terry Jones to instigate the whole of the Muslim world by burning their Holy book. Pastor Terry Jones is just being irresponsible and unfair. TWO WRONGS DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT. Furthermore, the qu'ran too has its roots in the old testament. Why can't people let time heal old wounds. I know it's hard to forgive and forget. But by burning the qu'ran the pastor is not going to improve situations. In fact situations may deteriorate further and cause more suffering and hardship not to forget the pain and torture that accompany acts of violence....
1 person likes this
@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
10 Sep 10
shobhan51,
Likewise, I'd just want to add to that statement of yours and I quote: "Why can't people let time heal old wounds?" which I feel is greatly apt for Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf who is the one proposing to build a mosque near the eventful memorable site of 911.
Also, I feel that there's an ignorance on your perspective that the terror cells is a small group of people within the Islamic faith. I am sorry to disagree with you here. I don't think this burning of the bible or the repugnant attitude to the Muslims would be so strong if the people at your end did not start a fire in the name of Islam. And, sadly to this day these groups are very much alive and supported by a majority of Muslims.
Lastly, this act of burning the Quran is being carried out by Pastor Terry Jones, an individual with no support from the rest of the world and fellow Americans, then why is are the Muslims threatening the deployed troops in the Middle East, the non Muslims, the Christians and others who are not related from the rest of world of violence and terror strikes? How's that for judging a whole mass of people of other faiths?
@shobhan51 (376)
• Malaysia
10 Sep 10
Look skysuccess, I don't understand why you singled my comments. Why don't you comment on the others as well?
@shobhan51 (376)
• Malaysia
10 Sep 10
Oh skysuccess, I wish to retract my earlier statement. You have commented on the others as well I see. Sorry for the error.
@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
9 Sep 10
This worries a great many people, including myself, because I have friends and family who are serving in the Middle East, and thanks to idiots like Terry Jones, it's going to make peace in the Middle East that much more difficult.
I don't think that it is right to burn any book. Instead, I think that people should read those books and have debates on those books. Find out why the Muslim's follow the Qu'ran so much and find out why they believe the way they do. Find parts of the Qu'ran that you aren't too pleased with, and question them. Ask Muslims why they believe this is true, or why they think that people should believe that way? Present arguments and counter-arguments and statements. There is no reason to burn a book, especially this one.
There are many books that I don't like, but instead of wanting to burn them, I debate them, or I return them and get my money back for them.
1 person likes this
@rogue13xmen13 (14402)
• United States
10 Sep 10
I think that it is better to question and debate than to burn the book. Questioning and debating will accomplish something, burning the book will accomplish nothing. What does society have to gain by burning this book? It is like burning the Bible or the Satanic Bible. What do we gain by burning these books?
I agree with Pose123, we don't need more bloodshed and violence, we don't need more war, what we need is an open discussion.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Hi rogue, I agree that's what we need open dialog but I think we should read the Qu'ran with an open mind just as we do the Bible. I'm sure that there is much good in the Qu'ran as well as bad and I feel that the same thing can be said for the Bible. I don't think that either side should be trying to convert the other but learning to live together in peace and mutual respect. This man however is putting many people in harm's way and if he is allowed to go through with this could cause the deaths of thousands. Hasn't religion caused enough bloodshed? Blessings.
1 person likes this
@shobhan51 (376)
• Malaysia
10 Sep 10
Hi Rogue, it's not easy to question another religion's beliefs by someone outside the religion. The followers of that religion are the right people to make decisions on their beliefs and make the necessary amendments. I am sure there are Muslims the world over who sympathise with those hurt in the Sept 11th incident and condemn the act of violence.
1 person likes this
@uath13 (8192)
• United States
9 Sep 10
Fanatics from one religion insult or injure the other religion & then that religions fanatics retaliate.
That's the way it goes.
This pastors actions will be giving the Muslim fanatics exactly the excuse they need to show the rest of the muslim world that the christians are all evil. He might as well be recruiting more terrorists for them. Of course their actions are exactly what brings our own fanatics ( like this pastor ) out of the woodwork which gives the American people a bad rep as well.
It's no wonder this B.S. continues. None of these fanatical groups realizes just how stupid & insensative they're being.
1 person likes this
@awapak (1275)
• Pakistan
9 Sep 10
No doubt we Muslims appreciate positive response of many Jews and Christians on this extreme radicalism of Pastor Terry Jones.Hillary Clinton has declared it a "distressful and disgraceful plan."US Attorney General Eric Holder called the plan"idiotic and dangerous".The Vatican has also condemned this action.
I think the best way to stop this fanatic action is to convey your protests to your govt and use media against this plan.You can also use muslimpetition.org to raise voice against it..........
1 person likes this
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
8 Sep 10
I'm not worried about stopping him. I think he is wrong and it is like you said, not a Christian thing to do. However, what he is saying is correct! They burn Bibles all the time in other parts of the world and no one cares! That does not make what he is doing correct.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Hi macdingolinger, Thank you for commenting but there have already been protests about this and even people in high places are concerned about what might happen. There has to be a way of stoping this. It's downright crazy but I know he's loving the attention. Blessings.
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
9 Sep 10
It is crazy and as I said I believe it's wrong to burn any religion's sacred book whether or not I agree with that religion. However, this is why we live in America we do have the freedom to express ourselves. I am more amazed that there is so much media attention being poured into it. They are fueling a fire that need never burn. But it also opens up the truth that the Muslim religion is not one of peace...well, their definition of "peace" is when all agree with them and their religion
@urbandekay (18278)
•
8 Sep 10
It is a foolish and repugnant act, but I know not what can be done to stop it
all the best urban
1 person likes this
@zapatee (477)
• Philippines
9 Sep 10
burning the qu'ran is asking for trouble. they should not do it. what if other people of another religion does it to their own bible, how would they react? sometimes people do not think before they act. a lot of people could get hurt if they do what they're planning to do.
or if the pastor only wants attention for himself and for his church, that's a bad way to get publicity.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Hi zapatee, You can be sure he's quite happy with all the attention he's getting. He could burn all the books he wants in private, but that wouldn't get him any publicity. I think this man knows exactly what he's doing and we can't let him get away with it. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Obviously, the Christian thing to do is murder Terry before he cooks the book. Christianity is forever famous for such acts!(Do I need references to prove this point?) Hes acting against Christendom, so burn him at the stake! Boil him in Oil!
Terry Jones is a little man, making a big stink,and he has a Big Audience. Does it really matter what he says or does? For God's sake, let him be! Will fewer soldiers be blown up if he does, than if he doesn't? Does it really matter if he burns a Flag, or a Holy Book? He was a Nobody, until Everybody got on his case! Shame on America!(Shame on Christianity!)
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Hi barehugs, Thanks for making that point, the world has certainly given him the stage he wanted. I watched him hold a news conference today, and I bet it was broadcast all around the world. Imagine it - a pastor whose congregation numbers just 50 members - and he has the attention of the world. Yet hasn't that happened countless times before? He now has power and you're right, we have given it to him. If he can be stopped, it may yet do some good however, because enemies have now gotten together to oppose him. Blessings.
@roberten (3128)
• United States
9 Sep 10
Christians have the power of prayer, the question is: "Is Terry Jones a christian?". I believe he will do whatever he has in his heart to do, for good or bad. The truth is the only person that can stop him "proforming" is himself. We as individuals should stop giving him attention *negative or positive". If he wants to do as he has said, let him do it alone and without our participation. Two wrongs never make a right.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Hi roberten, I agree that the world has given this man a platform from which to speak. Unfortunitely, I don't think the media attention will stop, in fact I believe it will grow. I find it difficult to believe that he can't be stopped. Thank you for responding. Blessings.
@Margajoe (4747)
• Germany
8 Sep 10
I think this Terry Jones guy is asking for trouble.
The consequences could be more than what he can handle.
Innocent people could be killed or injured over this, as revenge will be taken.
You can count on that.
My Motto is: Live and let live.
But then again, who am I?
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Hi Margajoe, The world is made up of one person plus one person--- and you - are one person, and your opinion does count. Think of how different our governments might be if every person decided to take a real interest in what was happening in their country, and than voted accordingly. I agree that this person is asking for trouble and we may all get it. Thanks for your comments. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@Adoniah (7513)
• United States
9 Sep 10
I went to his web site yesterday and wrote a long message to him from a Jews point of view. I doubt it will make any difference, but I did try. There are things that he does that are good, but this is way off course and I told him so.
This man is a fanatic and he wants attention. Two of the worst traits a person can have. I do not see how he can be stopped. The worst part is he is leading others down a bad path that may snowball into something worse. If Muslims get upset about cartoons, who knows how they will react to the desecration of their holy book.
The fire permit is the least of his problems. Besides where he lives, if he does it in a container, he most likely will not get into trouble. He is leading souls astray...their sin becomes his sin....
It might not be a bad idea if everyone on the Lot were to write to him like I did...
Shalom~Adoniah
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Hi Adoniah, Thank you for responding and your suggestions. I think it was fine for you to write him a letter, as you say - you tried. Perhaps others would like to do the same but I think we're dealing with a man who is a few cards short of a full deck. A madman will not listen to logic. The President has appealed to him, the Pope has appealed to him as well as the leaders of other religions and countries. It should be illegal to spread hatred and that's what this man is doing. Blessings.
@bird123 (10643)
• United States
9 Sep 10
God grants everyone the freedom to Choose. Shouldn't we allow others the same right??? Ah yes, the test is on. Let's see who returns hate with hate. Is this what God wants?? Is this what Holy books teach???? This is a great opportunity for islam they don't see. If people of islam all sent flowers to the 911 site, no one would remember the book burning. The love would be felt all over the world. Look how it would teach people what all the holy words mean. Why value the physical books??? Send the spiritual message that really counts. If we are all children of God, we should show everyone what God is about UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. We shall soon see just who people really are.
1 person likes this
@raztadog (6)
• Philippines
8 Sep 10
Hello,
I am a Christian here. Well, for me I think I should not do that just to respect our fellow muslim brothers. It is a failure to cause someone to stumble. It is not just the right way to stand as Christian. Well, if muslims do burn bibles, well that is their nature. Why should we follow their footstep where they are different from us?
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
Hi raztadog, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I feel that it is only radical Muslims who burn Bibles and this pastor is certainly a radical Christian. Many people fear the consequences of such action. Are we to be held hostage by the actions of a pastor with a congregation of 50 people? Blessings.
