Let me start by saying I completely support our first amendment rights to freedom of expression; they should be able to burn the book just like I support a person’s right to tread our flag into the dirt - something I abhor, but it’s still their right.
That said, this pastor is a low-life. This act doesn’t show the world the true America - the America which says it will embrace all faiths.
This past Friday, our church group met a Shiite Iraqi family of five at the local airport; the State Department has assigned them refugee status due to the guy’s military background in Iraq. Our group has arranged with a refugee organization to “adopt” the family for a year or two, to help them with basic necessities, transportation, etc, until they are able to become self-sustaining.
We will never speak of our religion to them unless they ask; indeed - we want them to see how amazing and open America is...what are they going to think on Sept 11 when they turn on the TV and see people in a nearby state burning their holy book? The very thought pains me greatly.
Then either your group doesn't understand the Gospel, or fails to love their fellow man, and/or fails to perform the Great Commission. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.