Books won’t stay banned. They won’t burn. Ideas won’t go to jail. In the long run of history, the censor and the inquisitor have always lost. The only weapon against bad ideas is better ideas.
~Alfred Whitney Griswold, New York Times, 24 February 1959
I found this quote interesting in light of the recent threat by a Florida pastor to burn some copies of the Koran. While my initial concerns with this plan involved the safety of my son who is soon to depart for Afghanistan and my former teammates who continue to labor in Muslim areas of Asia, my greater concerns are for the souls of men and women, boys and girls, who would be spiritually damaged by such an act of aggression. Not many people have ever been won to Christ by insulting them from a distance and with that which they hold so dear. Far more important than our safety and national security anyway (even if this burning threat would somehow help with that) are the souls of those cut off from Christ.
As followers of Jesus (Asa/Isa/Yeshua) we have a Book that contains not only the best ideas but one that reflects the very heart of God. Rather than trying to destroy some other book, let’s focus our attention on putting God’s Book into the language and the hands of every people, tongue, tribe, and nation so that God might receive the glory and His fame spread to every dark corner of this world. After all, it is the Gospel that is “God’s power for salvation” (Romans 1:16). Shouldn’t we focus our attention on what Griswold called “better ideas”?
September 10, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I don’t agree with the pastor in FL, but where is the world-wide outrage when our own military burns Christian Bibles. You probably never heard about this story.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=1160612
I think the reason there was such a massive outcry against the Koran burning is because people are fearful of terrorists, not because they disagree with the burning a book. People burn objects all the time. Books, flags, etc.
But when it comes to burning Bibles or even worse, killing Christians, where is the world-wide condemnation? More Christians are killed today because of their faith,than any other time in history.
Jesus was angry when the temple courts were made into a marketplace. But today people would probably just say, oh what does it matter, its just a building. We worship God not the building. Well, the Bible is just ink and paper then. Wrong. It’s the Word of the one true God. And when people burn it they are desecrating His name. If that doesn’t fire you up like Jesus was in the temple/market, then you need to take a hard look at your faith.
I think American Christians have gotten soft, especially the men. We need to start having more reverence for God and defending our faith. NOT through violence or Koran burning, but through unity and public action. I’m fed up with the apathy.
I’m advocating Holy fire and reverence inside our hearts, NOT violence.
September 11, 2010 at 12:23 am
Brian,
I agree, it’s been the thing on my mind too. Safety concerns are real. National security concerns are probably real as well. But the Kingdom implications of this are what’s heartbreaking. How many hearts will be hardened by these actions?
Thanks for writing out your thoughts. I’m with you.
September 13, 2010 at 8:42 am
Amen Jess. Kingdom takes priority over everything else. Thanks for your comment!
September 13, 2010 at 8:41 am
Totally understand your perspective WR. I only caught wind of the Bible burning story last week; it certainly didn’t get much coverage. I’m surprised that they found soldiers willing to do it. The Christian outrage should definitely work both ways. Paul said, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable.” We should always consider whether or not the Kingdom will profit before we take any action, regardless of where our emotions are taking us.
Thanks for the comment!
September 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm
i believe that those who engage in such trivial things are first and foremost showing their own ignorance and bigotry. this pastor is acting completely opposite of what (i assume) he preaches.
my soul aches for those he’s offending within and without the faith – my soul aches for the rude awakening he may get when he dies. i was indignant when i heard but now, i’m simply sad for him. i’m sad for those who have been affected by his words and intended actions. i’m sad for the way he is disgracing the name and character of God. apparently he’s forgotten the greatest of what remains: love.
September 13, 2010 at 12:21 pm
“Sad” is a very good word to use here, Cari. Thanks for your comment!