Book Burning

The Rev. Terry Jones said Thursday he would call off the planned burning of Qurans based on a deal negotiated with the president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida that the location of a mosque planned near ground zero in New York would be changed. (WRAL TV)

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." -- Mahatma Gandhi

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5.43-45 )

Rev. Jones says they will, then they won't, then maybe they will and for each sad change of "mind," and whim that this man has, the television cameras roll, the microphones are placed and "his" changes of tiny little mind are blasted around the globe. I wonder if we ignored him if he wouldn't just go away? I rather think the good man is enjoying his media manipulation and time in the spotlights.

My mind wanders to the simple question, what exactly does this man wish to accomplish by his actions?

Gain converts, nonsense, alienation does not win hearts and minds, it hardens them.

Fill his pews, hardly, today the Quran, tomorrow "War and Peace," "The NIV Bible," or any other book he deems ungodly.

A belief that he actually speaks for God? Pish Pash, history is full of people that believe that God was speaking through them. God doesn't need a human voice, God is God and his word is eternal. Plus, in Matthew, Jesus tell us exactly what we should do in face of adversity and there ain't no burning in those words, there is love and prayer.

There is so much to be done yet we are trapped in minutia fueled by nonsense and the exploitation of the twenty four hour news cycle. My main worry and concern, Terry Jones actions can place innocent people in danger as he mindlessly throws gasoline on an out of control fire of irrational fundamentalism.