Look At Me

I was out trying to solve a computer problem of some of the members of my church when one of them started talking about the latest controversy concerning the anniversary of 9-11 and the desire of a pastor to burn several copies of the Koran to commemorate the event. The person pointed out that the Topeka church noted for protesting at the funerals of service men had come out saying they had burned a copy of the Koran on a street corner in Washington D.C. a few years ago and no one took notice of that event.

Then a little later on in the day I was reading a statement that the same church said if the pastor in Florida changed his mind they would burn not only the Koran but also an American flag. When I saw that piece all I could do was think the lengths some people go to have a place in the news. When they are upstaged they will go to obscene acts in order to put their views back in the minds of the public again.

I have lived all my life in a country that has taken pride in the freedom it promotes and provides and one of those freedoms is the freedom of religion along with a separation of church and state. Now I have heard some content that being founded on Christian principles the freedom of religion statement was only guaranteed to Christianity. I believe such statements are misguided.

George Washington made a statement in favor of Judaism in the early days of our country.

When one religion is limited or banned the next one will not be far behind.

The other argument I have heard is others have done this to us so any type of behavior is a legitimate response. They burned our book so we can burn theirs. All this type of behavior does is ratchet up the fear and the hatred. It does nothing to solve the problem and only serves to increase the tension.

I believe such antics on the part of people who claim to be the church are just attempts to call attention to themselves. When I read of action of this type tied to the Church of Jesus Christ I can easily see why Anne Dillard announced her leaving the church. When I hear other Christians support such actions I wonder where are we going as the church in this country.

When Jesus told us to love our enemies and bless those who persecute you I take those teachings seriously. Times like these call for forgiveness not retaliation. Times like these call for learning and understanding not indoctrination.

One of my first encounters with a Muslim was while making a call on a parishioner before surgery. While in the prep area the surgeon (a devout Muslim) came in the room and struck up a conversation with me and I was impressed with his care and gentleness along with the devotion he had toward and the respect he had toward my faith. I left that encounter with a great deal of admiration for his faith and devotion. I also left wondering why I was not as devoted as he.