Florida Pastor Terry Jones Defiant as Criticisms Intensify Over His Planned Koran Burning 9/11

I have been very quiet on the Koran burning plans of Terry Jones, pastor of Dove World Outreach Church in Gainesville, Fla. I am sure he wouldn't like Muslims in America to stage a Bible burning day on September 11. What's equally amazing and telling is the fact that not one Republican leader has repudiated Terry Jones. Why haven't John Boehner (R-OH), who's foaming at the mouth to become the next House speaker, and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) come out and decried this? It's pretty clear who they want to appeal to and who they choose to ignore -- Muslims, blacks, Latinos and the GLBT community. It also says a lot about where our priorities are and seems like our leadership is negotiating with terrorists because they have become so consumed by this wingnut. I came across a press release on the Christian News Network that speaks truth to power in a stern condemnation of Pastor Jones' actions. The following is submitted by Rev. Rob Schenck:

It's hard to understand why Pastor Terry Jones of Gainesville, Florida, will burn a Koran on September 11. After my 36 years of Bible study, three degrees from Bible-believing schools and 28 years of preaching in Bible-centered churches, it's impossible for me to cite one instance in the life or teaching of Jesus Christ that could justify such an act.

Taking Pastor Jones at his word that he sees all Muslims as violent extremists who want to impose sharia law in the United States, it is still clear the New Testament teaches Christians to love even their enemies. When He said from the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34), Jesus showed consummate generosity to the people who spit on Him, mocked Him, beat Him and ultimately murdered Him.

Later, one of the first missionaries, Stephen, as he was stoned to death, prayed to God for his attackers and said, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Acts 7:60)

The Apostle Paul instructed the Romans that when it comes to those who harm us, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:19-21).

Following his service as a missionary abroad, surely Pastor Jones knows the Koran is more than the Holy Book of the Islamic religion. For most Muslims, the Koran represents a culture, a heritage, a people and even a language. Burning the Koran is not instructive, but insulting. It also says we don't really believe the message we preach, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

I am not here to tell you what to believe, but as a Christian, I know that Pastor Jones' actions is contrary to anything found in the Bible. There are millions of decent, hardworking and law-abiding Muslims around the world who don't deserve such treatment. I would also add, that during America's darkest period in its history, there were many members of the Ku Klux Klan who were Christians and killed many blacks in the deep South. The reality is that we didn't dismiss all Christians on the basis of what a handful did. I can well imagine how shallow and mean spirited many in his church are. This is such a travesty.

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