Is burning the Koran a hate crime?

This was the question asked recently in national media outlets in response to a Gainsville, Florida pastor's plan to burn the Koran on 9/11.

Simple - we live in America and if you can burn the US flag in protest you can certainly burn a book. It is exactly the same! Some hold the US flag to be sacred - some hate what it is only a symbol of. Some hold the koran to be sacred - some hate what it is a symbol of. So NO it is not a crime in any sense of the word.

Burning a Koran may not be a crime, but it may be stupid. The backlash could be worse than even the media or military predicts. Certainly "peaceful" Muslims around the world will protest and people will most likely die. They will burn US flags and chant "Death to Satan America"! But, that is not what worries me most.

Certainly this book burning cannot be compared in scope to the Night of Broken Glass, but the incremental loss of freedom our does hearken back to 1930s Germany. Gainsville police plan to step up a road block and check the ID of everyone who attends the Koran burning. Is no one outraged that the city of Gainsville plans to "set up a road block" and "check the license" of people who go to the event? Who is going to keep the list and what are they planning to do with it? What is happening to our freedom?

You may laugh now, but do not be surprised if one day you have a visit from the "Religious" division of the FBI, or an entirely new federal agency established to "promote tolerance" and fight against the "defamation of religion".

PREDICTION -- The US Congress will debate a bill on the Defamation of Religion that will seek to make it a "hate crime" to "defame" anyone's religion, religious symbols, sacred sites or founders.

I wish the pastor would just cancel the burning, but the firestorm has already started. He did not start the fire, it has always been burning.

Lastly, speaking of politics since when did our political leaders become so well versed in religion? Since when do our political leaders have the right to tell us what to believe and how to practice our faith?

Hillary Clinton has apparently become well versed in Islam and stands in the place of prophet as she make proclamation after proclamation. She condemned Jones' plan at a dinner Tuesday in observance of Iftar, the breaking of the daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "I am heartened by the clear, unequivocal condemnation of this disrespectful, disgraceful act that has come from American religious leaders of all faiths," she said. She has proclaimed that Islam is a religion of peace and that "terrorism has no religion".

Repeatedly we are told that we are "not in a religious war". This is a war against "terrorism". You know the thing that has "no religion". Am I stupid or something? As the Islamic terrorists blow themselves up they chant religious slogans, mobs chant "Death to Infidels", spontaneous parties broke out in the Islamic world to celebrate the Islamic victory on 9/11 and I could go on and on. But, it isn't religion?

The fact is that all leaders of all faiths have not condemned the Koran burning, and from the comments posted on many websites it seems that many (if not a majority of) Americans agree that Pastor Jones has every right to burn whatever book he wants to burn. Furthermore many Americans still believe that you can believe whatever you want to believe, and say whatever you want to say about religion. It is based on something we call the US Constitution.

What ever happened to the separation of Church and State?

www.righttobelieve.org

Method vs Proclamation

I was reading a book today about a modern method of "reaching Muslims for Jesus." The method is based on using the Koran, Islamic tradition and custom, but somehow sneaking Jesus into the mix. The tactic is to Islamify the "gospel" and take away the offense. Change the name of Jesus or Yeshua to "Isa". Change God to Allah. Exchange the title "Jesus, Son of God" for "Isa, Spirit of God". The hopeful end result is "Isa Muslim" (someone who looks, speaks and acts like a Muslim; but has been "saved" by Isa). If you have read much of this blog I am sure you know how I feel about this so I will not belabor the point.

The interesting thing is the story for how this particular method was started. Years ago a young Muslim boy was evicted from his school and family for asking, "How do we know the Koran is true?" He was literally labeled as a "sinner". Some time later the boy was befriended by a foreign missionary who gave the young sinner a Bible. The boy read the Bible, repented and received faith in Jesus. He was baptized and began sharing the Bible with others. Eventually hundreds were saved by hearing the Gospel as revealed in Scripture. After some time one of the leaders in the movement was killed for his faith. Then a method was developed in an effort to "bridge the gap", and hopefully "remove the offense".

I found it ironic that the gift of a Bible was the catalyst for this move of God, however the method now is to use the Koran. The impetus for the young sinner to receive the gift was his expulsion from Islamic society. The young boy exited Islamic culture and found Jesus. The product of using the Bible was a true convert to Christ who was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Why try to develop a scheme for evangelism when God has given us His Word?

Lying to tell the Truth - Evangelistic Deception

For years I have protested the modern evangelical Christian practice of Evangelistic Deception (lying about our intentions in doing mission work). How can we share the Truth by lying?

Today it is painfully evident that we have only deceived ourselves - the Taliban knows exactly what the IAM (International Assistance Mission) workers were doing - promoting Christianity. It seems that the only people who are unaware that this is what the team was doing are the US Secretary of State, news outlets and the director of IAM.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned the attack and disputed the Taliban's assertion that the medical team was promoting Christianity.

"We also condemn the Taliban's transparent attempt to justify the unjustifiable by making false accusations about their activities in Afghanistan," Clinton said.

On the IAM website a statement was posted that reads, "Our faith motivates and inspires us - but we do not proselytize. We abide by the laws of Afghanistan. We are signatures of the Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs Disaster Response Programmes, in other words, that, 'aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.' But more than that, our record speaks for itself." (Dirk R Frans)

What record is that? One of doing good in the name of Jesus the Christ and proclamation of the Gospel I would hope. For a true Christian your entire life is about the following of Christ which certainly does include "proselytizing."

It is a shame that this mass martydom is not being portrayed as exactly what it is. These people were killed because they were Christians ministering in the name of Jesus and hopeful that their witness might cause some to convert to Christ and proclaim Jesus as LORD. Instead the State department and even the ministry that sent the team is tying to convince the world that these people were "aid workers" and not "ministers."

It is time to stop fooling ourselves. If you go to another country in the name of Jesus you are a missionary! If you extend yourself on behalf of the poor for Jesus sake, and the Gospel - YOU ARE A MISSIONARY! You do not have to "preach," but I certainly am hopeful that many heard the Gospel through this team of missionaries. Certainly I do not propose that we wear little name plates that say "Missionary Bob," but we should never be ashamed of the fact that these people (at least one that I knew) were promoting Jesus!

Quote of the Weak -- Islam

Egyptian sultan kills Christian who refuse to convert to Islam (Art.Com)

"I think it is interesting. After 9-11 your politicians, your news media and your scholars suddenly become experts on Islam. They say, 'Islam is peaceful religion.' I think this interesting because your politicians, your news media and your scholars obviously not read the Koran. But, somehow they are experts."

"Husen", a former Islamic teacher who converted to Christ and was severely tortured by Islamic religious police

I hate to say I told you so...

"Western and African diplomats called on Friday for the urgent deployment of peacekeepers to Somalia, hours after al Qaeda's deputy leader called on Somali Islamists to launch an
Iraq-style insurgency against Ethiopian forces."

"In the latest show of discontent with the forces that ousted the Islamists, hundreds of Somalis marched through the capital chanting "Down with Ethiopia." (Just days after being hailed as heroes and liberators the Ethiopians are finding few friends).

Reuters (photo and story)

Have we learned nothing?

Photo by Guy Calaf New York Times

Once again a US backed force has put the "Islamists" on the run. Ethiopia invaded Somalia in an effort to rid the neighboring country of terrorists (and maybe secure some territory along the way). The "terrorists" escaped to the countryside only to be replaced by lawlessness and a return to warlords. Ethiopia, much like her ally proclaimed, "Mission Accomplished" as their troops rolled into Mogadishu. I fear that Somalia will be Ethiopia's Iraq.

"MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Somali gunmen attacked an oil tanker truck near Mogadishu on Thursday, wounding three people and raising fears of a return to the clan violence that had largely stopped during six months of Islamist rule.
The Somalia Islamic Courts Council (SICC), which had imposed sharia law across much of the south, abandoned the capital last week to government troops backed by Ethiopian forces.
Within hours of the Islamists' departure, militiamen loyal to warlords ousted in June reappeared at checkpoints in the city where they used to rob, rape and murder civilians"

I am no military general, but surely someone has figured out that a power vacuum invites true terrorists and thugs to rape, pillage and plunder people who have already suffered immensely under both sides of an ideological and religious war. I propose that the next time we invade a nation that we should be prepared to bring the rule of law, peace and order immediately to that nation, or we should stay out.

Somalia - "Life was better under Islamist"

In our American zeal to bring democracy to the world I thought this quote might give pause for thought.

"In June this year, when the Supreme Council of Islamic Courts (SCIC) first took control of Mogadishu, the capital was transformed. A ruined city of warlord-controlled fiefdoms became largely safe. Guns disappeared from the streets. Not everybody approved of the SCIC, which started as 11 different clan-based courts of justice, but few in Mogadishu could deny that life was better under the Islamists. Outsiders' fears of an 'African Taliban' seemed misplaced." Xan Rice, The Observer

My comment: I would suggest that Xan Rice visit the Islamic prisons around the world where life is not "better" for those who disagree with the prevalent theology of the society. Tyranny is tyranny wither it is power hungry warlords or power hungry religious fundamentalist who dish it out.


Xan Rice, The Observer, Sunday, December 31, 2006
La Tribuna Magazine Cover Ethiopians Invade Somalia - 1930s (Art.com)

European Efficiency

Before Thanksgiving our government announced that travelers who plan to fly place their carry-on liquids and gels (less than 3 oz per container) in a quart sized plastic bag.

Simple enough?

Apparently not.

Almost a month later about every third traveler passing through security holds up the line while they dig their liquids out of their bag and throw away their bottled water or 32 oz Coke. It took about 20 minutes to get through security in the States.

When in Amsterdam a few weeks ago I noticed that there were multiple stations set-up throughout the airport with a few simple things. Large posters explaining the new regulations (in multiple languages and symbols), uniformed attendants who were screening passengers as they walked by (asking "Are you carrying any liquids or gels?") and plastic bags for people who were carrying such items. By the time we got to the security check we had passed two such stations and had had plenty of opportunity to make adjustments to our carry-on bags.

It took less than five minutes to get through a thorough security check in Amsterdam (including taking a survey about how the airport could improve services) and proceed to the gate. I truly appreciate northern European efficiency.

Security at Heathrow, Art.com

What did the Pope say?

The Pope's recent speech concerning peace and dialogue was the fuel for violence and threats from the Islamic world.

His words, a quote taken out of context, were an accusation that Mohammed taught growth by the sword and this teaching is wrong. Today the Pope said that this was not his view. Yet, the Muslim reaction around the world has served only to prove that Islam is a violent religion.

If you do read the Pope's speech it is a bit disturbing to see that the Pope seems to refers to the Koran in terms of scripture. If anything the Pope has been too benevolent by making Islam on the same plain as Christianity. Moderate Islamist have tried to calm their Fundamentalist brothers by pointing out that the Pope promotes Islam as one of the three great monotheistic religions, and that "thinking" Muslims are in some way in tune with God. Many say that the Pope is only speaking out against "radical" Islamist that have "hijacked Islam."

The belief in the equality of belief (at least as far as the "monotheistic" religions) is popular among many Christians these days, but you will find it is rare in the Islamic world.

One point that the Pope was trying to make is that you cannot force religion on anyone. Sure the Catholic Church has been guilty of trying, and various Christians throughout the history of the Church have tried coercions in many forms. But, listen to what the man is saying! He does not believe in forcing religion on people - either the Christian or Muslim religion.

All religions are not equal. To say that "Mohammed promoted peace" is about as smart as saying that "Jesus promoted violence".

Jews do not believe that God is triune. Muslims do not believe that God is triune. More than philosophy Christianity stands out above the other "monotheistic" religions pointing to Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life -- the only way to get to the Father. Christianity is not only monotheistic, but it is Trinitarian.

While I do not think that the Pope is God's voice on Earth it does trouble me to hear him apologize for the reaction that misinformed zealots (which seem to be the majority) had concerning his quote. Pope Benedict, please do not make apologies. Preach the Gospel, repentance and faith, and Christ as the only way!

Quote of the Weak -- Compassion

"I want to send the signal to our enemy that you have aroused a compassionate and decent and mighty nation, and we're going to hunt you down."
-- President George W. Bush

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:21)

Tolerance and the question of the Universe

I read a new blog recently that was written by a sincere Pakistani who was vainly promoting tolerance. He (or she) will soon find out how intolerant religious people are.

I do take issue with the idea that the center of Semitic religions is tolerance. The center of Islam, Judaism and Christianity should be God. Each religion has its own particular view of a monotheistic god and each religion's practice is determined by that view of a god. Quite simply none of these religions is based upon tolerance.

I cannot speak for Islam or Judaism, but I can speak as a Christian. Love of God and love for man is the greatest commandment, but that does not mean that I should condone all of mans' beliefs or behaviors.

Rather than teaching tolerance or ambivalence Christ taught that we should live in a way that brings light to a dark world and stands in stark contrast to other systems of belief and practice. While we are not to condemn others we are certainly not commanded to condone others.

In this nation (USA) tolerance carries with it the idea that anyone's belief is not above another's. Tolerance has come to mean submission. Nothing is absolute, nothing is true -- therefore, no one should have the the belief that his faith is true so as to disrespect others beliefs. This is a silly idea. If a man believes perfectly that the moon is made of cheese his belief is wrong. It is not my place to change his belief through argument or violence, but I certainly do not have to live by his belief, nor should I have to submit to it. To respect such a belief and place it as equal to truth would be ridiculous.

I (neither would the Pakistani blogger) respect the beliefs of anyone who is willing to kill others so as to force his/her beliefs on someone else.

Talk of tolerance is a diversion from the real issue.

The main question of the Universe is Who is God?

Islam says that Allah is God and there is no other.

Judaism says that Jehovah is God and there is no other.

Christ says, "I am the way, the truth and the life and there are none that come to the Father except by me."

These three teachings (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) are tri-polar opposites and cannot all be true.

In the blog a sincere peace-loving Muslim's question read, "How can someone who is truly religious kill themselves?" I do not understand the zealots who kill others, nor do I understand how they think this will persuade others to follow their example or their god. However, Christians are called to "kill themselves" in a sense.

We have been commanded to put to death the deeds of the flesh, which are murder, envy, strife, lust, etc. I submit that the man who truly knows God must "kill himself" and love all of man kind. Far from simple tolerance Christians have been commanded to active self-sacrificial love. Tolerance is inactive, I can sit on a log and tolerate everyone. Love is active, I must pursue love in deed and truth.

The blogger went on to say that all true religions promote tolerance as tolerance is the center of true religion. While I appreciated this Mulsim's hope for promoting peace and tolerance I think his assessment is superficial at best. I do not claim to understand Islam, however I would never say that the essence of Islam or religion is "tolerance."

The essence of religion should be answering the questions; Who is God? What did He say? How should I then live?

Listerine Kills!

Today flights were canceled, people around the world were having their hygiene products confiscated, arrest were made and a group of young English Muslims of Pakistani decent gave new meaning to the ad slogan, "Listerine Kills..."








Thanks to a moronic group of Islamic "fascists" (as W put it) seems that toothpaste, shampoo and that loved/hated mouthwash are now contraband on flights.

First the guy who tried to light his shoes, now mouthwash. Is nothing sacred?!?

The irony is that these punks were trying to terrorize the Capitalist West and bring our economic engines to a screeching halt. What they did was cause the stock prices for hygiene products to gain ground and sent hundreds of thousands of would-be squeaky clean travelers to Wal-Mart to replace their shampoo that was impounded by the TSA. Most travelers were mildly irritated, but travel again they will.

Maybe instead of banning my toothpaste our government should reconsider decades of flawed policies directed at most of the world's poorest populations. When will we get it through our heads that it is not OUR freedom that the Islamic world fears (it is our freedom that makes us vulnerable to their shoe and Listerine bombers) it is THEIR freedom that they fear. Freedom is a mixed bag of good and bad. They do not want our democratic system of government, nor do they want the decadence that accompanies it. They do not want their women to be treated like human beings. Most of all they want us to stop supporting everything that Israel (the most democratic society in the Middle East) does just because they are democratic (and that shared religious heritage Judao/Christian stuff).

I am afraid that the more the Muslim extremists try to terrorize the West the more the West will infringe upon the East. Ironically these young zealots are going to bring to their nations the thing they fear most -- more US troops to the Middle East and more Americans to the support of Israel's "fight against terrorists." Did these cave dwellers not see how many American flags were flying on the day after September 11? Terrorism does affect Americans deeply, and makes us even more resolved.

I have to admit that I have been swayed today. The more attacks we face as a nation the more patriotic I feel. The more I am hated for simply being born in America the more American I feel. I was against the war, I'm still against war. I think democracy is not such a good idea on a global scale. But, the more Muslims try to kill Westerners (and fellow Muslims as in Iraq) the more empathy I feel toward Israel and England. Sure America has done a lot of bad things in the name of democracy. Truly Israel has taken land that did not legally belong to them. Of course Great Britain made gross errors in dividing up the Middle East (which was a mess before the UK got involved). But, what makes Osama think that by terrorizing the general public of free nations we will want to run headlong back into the dark ages? For better or worse a free society may not be able to freshen up on a flight, but we refuse to ban Muslims from flights. We will not become the racist bigots and zealots that threaten us.

My message to the terrorists -- Keep it up and I'll be working for the right of Muslim women everywhere to vote. What woman would "mastermind" a plan to kill thousands of innocent people?

Thanks a lot, zealots, for taking my toothpaste away on my next international flight. May the bad breath of a hundred thousand travelers fill the nostrils of your sleep.

So, tell me again -- who are the terrorists?

34 children and 12 women died while sleeping in their apartment building that was hit in an Israeli air strike on Sunday in Qana, Lebanon.

Some 500 Lebanese, mostly civilians, have been killed in the campaign according to the Health Ministry. Thirty-three Israeli soldiers have died, and Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel have killed 18 civilians, Israeli authorities said.

"During the current crisis, Israel and the world need to know that the US Congress stands firm in its commitment to Israel's protection and right to defend itself against terrorism and state-sponsored terrorists," Dave Weldon (R) Congressman from Florida. Funny, I thought blowing up buildings full of women and children was what we call terrorism.

What disturbs me most is that so many of my fellow Christians cheer for the modern state of Israel as "God's chosen people" and that anything the nation does is endorsed by God Himself. For some balance I suggest John Piper's sermon on the issue.

I might also suggest a history lesson from Wikipedia concerning the Lavon Affair. To quote my favorite movie line once again, "We all covered up in it, they aien't a one of us clean. "

Bumper Sticker of the Week - Democracy

It is interesting to me that we only seem to bring "freedom" to our enemies and not our allies (ie. Saudi Arabia, which just happens to be our second greatest ally in the Middle East and the second most oppressive government in the world).

I am convinced that those who hate America do not hate our wealth, they do not even hate freedom. They hate that our freedom and wealth has led to decadence. They also hate the hypocrisy of our support of oppressive regimes (like the Taliban or "Mujahideen" during the Cold War) around the world in our efforts to promote the "American way of life". And that is what they fear that we will bringing to their country by force.

Pray for the peace of Palestine

It is horrible that so many young Muslim men (and now women) are so willing to strap bombs to their chests and blow up cafes full of civilians. But have you ever stopped to ask the question, "What would make someone so desperate?"

Bin Ladin is an opportunist on a power trip, but what about the young men who are willing to die for him? Maybe they had a childhood like the boy in the photo from Gaza. Maybe their homes, or families were destroyed by a rocket fired from Israel and made in the good ole US of A.

I do not condone the taking of prisoners of war, nor do I condone the excessive force exerted by Israel in retaliation. But whatever happened to the rule of "an eye for an eye?"

What bothers me most tonight is that I am hearing so many evangelicals who are calling us to pray for Israel, but so few who make the same request for the Palestinians and the Lebanese. I know this comes from a misunderstanding of Paul's teaching about the spiritual covenant and the physical covenant God made with Abraham (Gal 4:21-31). It comes from an ignorance of history as recent as the 1940s. It comes from a fear of Islam and Arabs. But even if the Arabs (some of whom are not Muslim) are our enemies (as the enemies of Israel), are we not required by Christ to love and pray for them?

The Israel of God are those who have faith in the Christ (Galatians 3:26-29, 6:16). The Seed that was promised to Abraham is Jesus (Galatians 3:16, Genesis 21:17-20, 22:15-19). Ishmael (the father of the Arabs) was not cursed by God; he and Isaac were both blessed by God. (Jealousy caused Sarah to curse Ishmael and his mother as recorded in Genesis 21:8-21, yet God was at work to bless them all). Abraham is the father of many nations, but God is the Father of the true Israel, which is not a kingdom (or nation) of this world (John 18:36). Isaac was particularly blessed as his descendant would be the Christ, but it has always been by faith in the Gospel that anyone was considered righteous by God (Galatians 3:8) and grafted into the vine (Jesus).

There are many innocent Arabs (Christian and Muslim) who are suffering tonight at the hand of Israel, with the backing of the USA. Collateral damage we prefer to call it. I can only hope that the little boys who are digging through the rubble tonight will not be the suicide bombers of tomorrow.

In just a few hours thousands of American Christians will gather at their places of worship and will pray for the peace of Israel. When you pray, consider whispering a prayer for the peace of Palestine as well.