EXTRA: Burn the Koran?

~ No One Can Change God’s Character—But They Sure Can Damage His Reputation! ~

The Situation ~ Two individual religious leaders have been at the center of recurring major news stories. First, the Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf who plans on building a Muslim mosque near ground zero in New York City. Second, a Christian pastor Terry Jones who plans on publicly burning copies of the Koran.

Both men claim to be religious leaders. Both plan to do something perfectly legal and allowable. Both men are correct! They both are holding to their principles. But are there actions right?

Since this blog is about Christian living, we will discuss the issue from the Christian perspective. What does the Bible say that is relevant to this situation?

On one side many will point to the fact that God is a God of love (1 John 4:8, 16). But others would point to Christ overturning the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple (Mark 11:15) as evidence of Jesus taking strong in-your-face action.

Christians are to operate according to principles rather than methodically following a guidebook. To do this effectively two things are necessary. First, a grounded understanding of the entire Word of God, and secondly, sensitivity to the guiding of the Holy Spirit.

The key issue which seems to dominate the discussion is the concept that it is “my right” to move forward with my planned actions regardless of the counsel of others or the consequences of my planned actions. Both men talk of their “First Amendment Rights.”

One View ~ The book of 1 Corinthians was written to local Christians who were having trouble applying Christian principles in everyday situations. The book may be summed up as directions regarding Christian conduct. While the following passages are not about burning the Koran or where to build a mosque, the principles contained in these passages are quite relevant.

“I say this as bluntly as I can to wake you up to the stupidity of what you're doing” (1 Corinthians 6:5 The Message).

“All you're doing is providing fuel for more wrong, more injustice, bringing more hurt to the people of your own spiritual family” (1 Corinthians 6:8 The Message).

“Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate” (1 Corinthians 6:12 The Message).

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NKJV).

“…do everything that way, heartily and freely to God's glory. At the same time, don't be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren't as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone's feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too” (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 The Message).

“Let all that you do be done with love” (1 Corinthians 16:14 NKJV).