On the Burning of Books

Terry Jones and his Dove World Outreach Center are leading the news this week because of their announced plan to burn copies of the Koran (Quran) for the 9/11 anniversary.  Public leaders and media institutions have spoken strongly against this plan.  But the leaders and institutions have it wrong.  I believe Jones's plan is foolhardy, but for a completely different (and biblical) reason.

Muslims are some of the very people we're trying to reach with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Yet Jones's actions will most certainly alienate some of the very people to whom we are to bring the gospel.  There is no redemptive value in this demonstration he's planning.  Much better would be to reach out to the Muslims in his neighborhood and share the love of Jesus Christ.

Protesters like this promote hate, not love.  I widen this comment to include people who protest military funerals, and even some who protest outside abortion clinics (I'm thinking of the ones who speak caustically and hatefully).  Yes, we as Christians must stand AGAINST the wrong, but since I only have a limited number of redemptive hours in my life, I would rather spend them standing FOR what is right.  I will speak the truth, but not in debate or protest: I want to speak it to someone who is listening and who might turn his or her heart to Christ.  Jesus spoke the truth about the Pharisees and the hypocrites, but He spent much more of His time lingering with those who had open hearts for His message.  I should do likewise.