Two-thirds of Americans believe that it is wrong to allow the building of an Islamic community center two blocks from “Ground Zero” in New York, even though America is the land of freedom (including freedom of religion). A church in Florida has declared September 11, 2010 “Burn the Quran Day,” and thousands of Americans are in support of that. There is clearly a negative attitude toward Muslims in this country, an attitude that, if left unchecked, threatens the liberties we all cherish.
Do we really believe that a few horrendous acts of violence committed by a few extremists are representative of an entire faith? Thank God that Christianity has not been judged as harshly, what with the history of crusades, witch hunts, inquisition, racism, abortion clinic bombings, etc., all supposedly done in the name of Christ.
Yes, there are Islamic extremists who advocate terrorism; yes, there are Christian extremists who believe God calls them to kill. But the beliefs of extremist minorities do not mean that either Islam or Christianity is a religion of violence.
It is, however, an act of violence to burn sacred books, whether they be Qurans or Bibles. Burning books is one of the tactics used by the Nazis in the last century. Burning the Quran or any other sacred text is wrong.
It is important for Americans who cherish liberty and freedom to speak against such acts. Followers of Jesus like myself are called to live for peace and reconciliation, and to seek reconciliation with other people of peace. I am thankful to have the opportunity to do that here in the Long Beach area, one of the most beautifully diverse areas in the world.
Danny Bradfield
Pastor
Bixby Knolls Christian Church
