In a discussion earlier today on Islam in America, my friend said to me, “I’m happy about the number of senior officials and figures who have condemned ‘Burn the Quran Day,’ but the drawback is that we end up giving the fringe group exactly what they want – our undivided attention.”
It’s true isn’t it? Terry Jones, pastor of Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida has been calling for an “International Burn the Quran Day” to take place on September 11 since last month. For many, the event was audacious and despicable but it remained just as the movement did – on the periphery. But fast forward to this past week, days before the aforementioned burning, and there have been countless headlines, interviews, reactions, and condemnations. And just like that, an event by a fringe movement dying for air time has grabbed the world’s attention.
General Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, commented on the event, telling NBC News,
We’re concerned that the images from the burning of a Quran would be used in the same way that extremists used images from Abu Ghraib — that they would in a sense be indelible. They would be used by those who wish us ill, to incite violence and to inflame public opinion against us and against our mission here in Afghanistan, as well as our missions undoubtedly around the world.
Following the statement, CNN interviewed the Florida pastor, who said, “We have firmly made up our mind, but at the same time, we are definitely praying about it.”
I’m sorry, Pastor. But what exactly are you praying for? For some iota of sanity? For tolerance, which is preached in both the Bible and the Quran? For a razor to shave off your ridiculous mustache?
The answer: none of the above. Even a press conference with leaders of different faith backgrounds calling for an end to this “atmosphere of fear and intolerance” toward Islam would fall on deaf ears. Because Pastor Jones thinks he’s sending a message to “radical Islam.” And he thinks the only way to do that is to burn a book that would ostracize and offend all Muslims. What he fails to comprehend is that the ramifications won’t just be negative for U.S. interests abroad, but also for Muslims living in America, who are just as much American as they are Muslim, and who feel increasingly marginalized within this xenophobic debate.
Much like the Park 51 “Ground Zero Mosque” controversy, the Florida church paints the “Muslim world” – a farcical and imagined term – with a monolithic brush. And the consequences of such actions are dire and severe. But, at the same time, the more unequivocal media attention we give to Pastor Jones and his Church, the more their stocks rise, and the more likely this debate about Islamophobia in America will rage on. It is a seemingly unending and disastrous cycle.
“1-2-3-4! Tolerance! Break!”
LOL..
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I dont like people who burn books – Quran, Geeta, Bible, Encyclopedia, Atlas, Dictionary, Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintanence – whichever, dont burn books. Books should be respected.
I clearly understand when there are opposing voices on the issue of a mosque being built, both parties have their justifications. But, those who burn books – shtooopid!!!
Who cares? Why are we even talking about this? This is some idiot with a congregation of 50 people. As an American am I supposed to get upset every time someone in the Middle East burns a US flag? Should American Christians be upset over the fact that bibles aren’t burned in Saudi Arabia only because their distribution is illegal?
The best policy is simply to ignore these people. Every ounce of media attention only feeds their power.
Agreed and I really pray to God they don’t film him burning those Qurans on Saturday. Sh*t will hit the fan.
you can’t stop a small group of crazy people from doing provocative things. i say the media should just ignore them. they don’t really deserve this much importance.
Two good follow-up pieces:
1. CAIR is launching a “Learn not Burn Quran” initiative, and will be distributing 200,000 Qurans to replace the 200 that will be burned on Saturday. Hmmm…what did I just say about placating the crazy fringe people??
2. Akbar Ahmed has an excellent piece on CNN about this issue:
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/09/08/ahmed.jones.feisal/index.html?iref=allsearch#fbid=p4hX4zcehJ0&wom=false
You seem to think, based on what is written here, that Christian extremism — either in the form of the Dove Whatever Church or in the form of hostility to the construction of a Mosque near Ground Zero — is the only pig in the barn. Intolerant radicals are littered across all cultures and religions.
I really would not know when people will learn from the simple proverb and a teaching of a gaint powerful animnal
Let thousand dogs bark, the elephant walks unperturbed.
[…] at CHUP! – Changing Up Pakistan questions Pastor Terry: I’m sorry, Pastor. But what exactly are you praying for? For some iota of sanity? […]
One wonder, why Islamic countries never condemn incidents of ‘flag-burning’ or ‘death to XYZ’ in their backyard? (I don’t mean that Qur’an-burning is right)
For that matter, Pakistan government is quick to preach ‘equality’ of faiths in USA but treats its minorities (non-Muslims) as secondary citizens! Prosecution non-Muslims under Blasphemy laws, Recognizing taliban govt (late 90s) in Afghanistan and hence apparent support for blasting Buddhist temples to dust. Yet, condemning Qur’an burning in USA. Talk about hypocrisy!!
Being a Muslim I know that Allah has promised to protect Quran and has kept safety of Quran with Himself. Come What may the Quran cannot be destroyed as Allah is its Protector. The Pastor may do anything but he must not forget Quran was revealed to Beloved of Allah Almighty. He would surely face the consequences directly from Allah Almighty. He has no realization of the sin he is going to commit. I challenge that Pastor. You do it and you will have it from Allah Almighty. We Muslims need not to worry as Allah has Himself promised to protect Quran and His Homes (Mosques). I must ask that Pastor “Check the pages of those copies of Quran while burning I have firm belief that before burning they will be turned into blank pages”. Its not something joke. Its the book from Allah Almighty. The non-believers cannot even imagine.
Anyone who burns a koran in the U.S. will be completely ostracized whereas no one bats an eyelash when Muslims commit these shenanigans.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/285123/christians_in_gaza_fear_for_their_lives.html
The more attention we give to the radical elements the more stronger they will be, such force thrive on news. So either unknowingly we project intolerance in society rather than promoting pluralism and tolerance.
In a global world conflict is natural as people find it hard to adjust with other cultures, however rather than fueling the difference we can highlight the common aspects of our cultures, the best suit will be to ignore the radicals and promote the moderate sane voices