Ten Reasons to Burn a Koran

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[G_Prince]

Interesting that G-Prince said that our opinions do not matter outside of ourselves.  He frequently offers his opinions on this forum, solicited or not, and it seems he thinks his opinions ought to make a difference to the readers. 

In fact, his opinions do make a difference.  When G-Prince stated his opinion was that I posted that Islam was a warrior (militaristic) religion because I was angry about 911, his opinion was mistaken.  My view of Islam as a warrior's relgion is based on reading the Q'ran, not on the 911 events.  However, his opinion had an impact on me as it caused me to be discouraged and to stop posting for a while.

Of course, he also shared his opinion in the form of a joke that every one of my posts requires a holy water cleansing.  That opinion will surely color the way others read my posts, and so again, opinions carry impact. 

For that reason, I say, share your opinions!  When our opinions reflect the truth of Scripture and the light of holy living, our opinions will have a good impact.  When our opinions are baseless, incorrect, and needlessly unkind, they too will have an impact, but not for good.

My opinions don't matter. But thanks for making me feel like they do. It's quite empowering infact. I've never had anyone take a holy water joke so seriously! 

I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings and I believe I did so by misreading your preliminary post. My impression was that you were very angry at Islam, but aparently I was reading between the lines. Thank you for correcting me. Reading someone's emotions in a forum is always a bit dangerous when there are no smily faces to guide you.

I guess brining up Qu'ran burning on this site was a bad idea. Originally I thought it would make interesting conversation about outreach to Islam and how many christains have a highly negative opinion of muslims which seems to alienate rather than "reach out." In the process it seems that I have become a Islamo-Ahmadinejad speach writer intent on online emotional terrorism. Puff, can we please move this to the "moribund equine"?

[Linda]

On the other hand, GP, bringing up the Koran burning nut-case on this forum was actually quite relevant in my opinion. Somehow the Florida pastor, had it in his head that ideas can be destroyed and bad ideas should be kept out of people's reach.

I was thinking about GC and the concept of keeping information from people. In a way they do the same thing. Many of us have heard the message delivered in CO after this site went up. People were told not to go here. That's a book burning of sorts.

My husband and I were asked to agree to a two sentence statement and "say nothing more" if people asked us why we left. Again, suppressing information.

Bill Taylor was not allowed to speak in his defense prior to his excommunication. Again, controlling information.

GC seems to be afraid of ideas. GC leaders feel a need to control information.

The best thing a person could do is read the Koran and study Islam and draw their own conclusions. People should be familiar with the history of GC, the statement of error, the excommunications, the ruined families and friendships, and should be able to draw their own conclusions.

Here's my rule of thumb. If someone is trying to keep information from you, they have something to hide. If they give spiritual reasons for doing it (like "it's slander", or "it's divisive") they have something REALLY BIG to hide!

[EverAStudent]

Linda, I appreciate your last post.

Outreach to Muslims is a wonderful thing, and is part of the Great Commission overall.  That said, it would a show of ignorance to pretend Islam was a religion founded on and dedicated to peace when it's own sacred text directs otherwise.  As you said, Linda, pick up a copy of and English language Q'ran and read it. 

Information is always friendly, it is what we decide to do with it that can make it harmful.

[newcreature]

I guess bringing up Qu'ran burning on this site was a bad idea. Originally I thought it would make interesting conversation about outreach to Islam..."

Being new to this forum, I actually thought your reply to EAS was a humorous, tongue-in-cheek comeback based on a friendly relationship you two have had in here for a few years. However, I was very impressed by your genuine apology when you discovered you hurt his feelings. You didn't dissimulate behind the common "non-apology" I have heard so often: "If I hurt your feelings... blah, blah, blah."

I never thought your post was a bad idea. I also never realized it was intended to generate discussion about outreach to Islam. I thought it was a post to venerate Islam and use a kook and his website to discredit true Christian sentiment about love and tolerance and forgiveness.

Barring the militant outreach that GCx promotes (however, I don't see them going into any Muslim countries, or even Muslim communities in the West, to preach the gospel), how do you propose reaching out to Muslims with the gospel of Jesus Christ when that is in direct opposition to their beliefs?

I have a friend in Communist China who lives there as a "teacher of foreign languages." When she is able to befriend some of her students, she invites them to her apartment for dinner and a Bible study. The government would revoke her visa and expel her from the country if they ever caught her "proselytizing."

She is willing to take that risk, and she has reported in her discreet emails that a few of her students have accepted Christ as their Savior and no longer adhere to Buddhism. At least in China she is currently not in danger of life and limb for being accused as a proselytizer.

[EverAStudent]

Newcreature: what you said of the approach in China works equally well here at home.  Muslims are everywhere, and they are often open to friendly chatting over dinner.  While we were seeking students to talk to about Christ on campus one night a Muslim student from Iran found my wife and I, befriended us, and took us back to his apartment to talk about politics and religion.  Nothing pushy, just friendly talk.  When his room mate came home, an American, he asked, "Who are you?...oh never mind, Ahmed brought you up right?" 

People are people, and people are curious about how people live and believe elsewhere.  Frankly I was impressed with how much he loved his home country, though, he did not know much about his own religion.  Great opportunities.

[newcreature]

As far as you being angry goes...I don't know anything, but based on your two previous posts I would say something is getting under your skin.

G_Prince,

I want to publicly apologize to you for coming on too strong at the beginning of this thread. Looking back, I now realize that you were right about something getting under my skin.

I had recently found this thread and had been reading all the abuses of leadership so many people have suffered through. That was beginning to stir up old memories and old feelings. In addition, I had just read the Time magazine article showing the horrible atrocities committed on that poor Muslim girl whose nose and ears were cut off by Muslim extremists. That really saddened and angered me.

My emotions were beginning to bubble to the surface, and I want to apologize for scalding you.

Sincerely,
newcreature

[G_Prince]

As far as you being angry goes...I don't know anything, but based on your two previous posts I would say something is getting under your skin.

G_Prince,

I want to publicly apologize to you for coming on too strong at the beginning of this thread. Looking back, I now realize that you were right about something getting under my skin.

I had recently found this thread and had been reading all the abuses of leadership so many people have suffered through. That was beginning to stir up old memories and old feelings. In addition, I had just read the Time magazine article showing the horrible atrocities committed on that poor Muslim girl whose nose and ears were cut off by Muslim extremists. That really saddened and angered me.

My emotions were beginning to bubble to the surface, and I want to apologize for scalding you.

Sincerely,
newcreature

Thank you! That really does mean a lot.

I also apologize if I hurt your feelings in anyway. I think I was stiring the pot when I should have just let things simmer.

There is already so much to be angry about; why should create one more thing by getting pissed at each other? Chat room friends! 

[newcreature]

Thanks!

(I'm a little shy and old-fashioned about PDAs, so I sent you a PM.)