However, I don't see any Scriptural support for either a) going out and burning other people's property--which the Bible would define as theft--or b) going out and buying a pagan book or idol for the express purpose of burning it. First of all, in buying the book to burn it, you're handing the publisher enough money to print three more. Secondly, it signifies nothing, since you're not repenting of any sin of your own. And thirdly, it closes doors to the Gospel by creating a viceral reaction in Muslims to no purpose.
Now, if a former Muslim who has given his life to Messiah believes that the best way to sever the ties with his old life and demonstrate his faith in Yeshua is to publicly burn his old Islamic reading material, I have no argument. If a church which somehow got caught up in an ecumenical movement later repented and wanted to make a show of burning the false religious material it accumulated during that time of apostasy, cool.
But in this case? Is the pastor repenting of something? Removing a harmful influence from his flock? Are any Muslims turning to the true Prophet and Messiah because of this?
Of course, if he backs down now, it will be seen as yet another victory for Islam, so heck if I know how to salvage the situation at this point.
Shalom.
I doubt that he’ll do it, but the Florida “minister” should, on Friday, call of the Quran burning, noting that he never intended to really do it, but to illustrate that Christians demonstrably come out and oppose such insensitive actions by those associated with Christianity, while noting that Muslims and liberals have no concern about the sensitivities of 9/11 victims about the Cordoba mosque or the 9/11 terror attacks. Contrast the liberal outrage at the announced Quran burnings with the elephant dung Mary “painting” and “Piss Christ” (a crucifix submerged in urine masqerading as art).
You get the point. It doesn’t look wise. Petraeus didn’t go into great detail, but a fourth problem is in trying to cement diplomatic relations with Islamic groups, troublesome enough in any context, in the volatile, wildcat atmosphere of Afghanistan.
Now maybe this church? IS trying to yank the rug out from under Obama by fanning the flames of Islamic discontent, without caring what a (presumable) President Palin will be able to do in trying to pick up the pieces.
Actually when you get down to it, it does signify something very important. It signifies that although the Nation is ready to bow down to Islam and to kow-tow to terrorists claiming to practice the "religion of peace" this group of Christians is standing up to those who would kill Christians for converting from Islam, or who say bad things about Mohammed, or who would dare to say the truth about Islam, mainly that it is a Satanic Death Cult.
If it truly signified "nothing" then nobody would care. Obviously it signifies something very important, i.e., the hypocrisy that everyone else must be tolerant of Islam, but Islam must not be tolerant of anyone else.
In that sense I wholeheartedly support this Pastor and his mission to place his own life on the line in the cause of Liberty and the cause of Christ.