Burning the Quran

Last week an American pastor announced plans to burn Qurans on 9/11.

Christians persuade. Christians go into all the world and make disciples, teaching and baptizing.

Christian doctrine can give rise to resultant values that drive the establishment of a federation of states like the United States of America, and in doing so make room for Jews, Muslims, atheists, and a wide range of religious expressions and the civil rights associated with expressing them freely. In contrast, non-Christian thought cannot drive the values that establish a republic in which free speech makes room for a citizen to openly persuade his neighbor.

Non-Christian religions tend to give rise to cultures that meet their detractors with things like the sword, the prison cell, the flame. Non-Christians tend to oppress, banish, burn, and persecute.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.—Matthew 5:10–12

Christians persuade. The weapon of the Christian is truth and a willingness to suffer for announcing it in love. In this age, Christians think more about announcing the truth than silencing falsehood.