“First they came for the communists, but I was not a communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unions, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And then they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the few brave Christian leaders to take a stand and speak out against Nazism during World War II. For that he gave his life. He was executed while in a concentration camp in 1945.
He was one of my heroes in college.
Today, I feel compelled to speak out. You’ve probably read in the news about the Pentecostal pastor in Gainesville, Florida who espouses anti-Islamic philosophy and plans to burn copies of the Quran on Saturday, September 11th.
Try as I might to understand what is planned, I cannot, yet I know I must. I was raised a Baptist – I’m the daughter of a Baptist minister and my religious and spiritual roots grow deep.
Just yesterday as I accompanied my elderly father, The Reverend John Buczynski to his doctor’s appointment, I thought we might talk about this protest, but he couldn’t. In sadness, he simply shook his head.
Have we lost our compassion for others who hold beliefs different from our own? Have we forgotten that the Holocaust was perpetrated by wrong-headed Christians?
Intolerance and prejudice, if repeated enough, can become “truth.” While the intentions of this Florida pastor seem to reflect “his truth,” such a protest can only stir up hatred and anger.
An incendiary event such as the one planned for this coming Saturday can easily lead to violence. And I fear this is only the beginning.
Gen Petraeus has indicated that such an event that associates Islam with the Devil is only going to create a backlash in Afghanistan and bring harm to our own troops.
We need to stand up for what is morally right. We need to ask Pastor Terry Jones not to hold this demonstration that can only incite more harm and intensify religious intolerance.
As health and mental health care practitioners, we need to be agents for understanding and compassion in our communities and to reach out globally.
We need to help defuse the hatred and the anger that fuels extremist talk and belief – it can only play into the hands of those who want to do us harm.
In closing, I can’t help but remember back to Dietrich Bonhoeffer and think: “They’re coming for the Muslims” and where will I be?
Let us not find ourselves standing alone.
This is an important issue. Please leave a comment and tell us what you think. Include your full name, profession, city and state and country.
Our Constitution gave us the ability to speak and do as citizens of this wonderful country. Issues such as this bring me back to the interpretation of the 1st Amendment.
Is it to give us the right to endanger America and
its citizens, and those that serve in the Armed Forces
that protect our country. I think not!
This an action stemming from all the hatred that has become so rampant in this country. People who claim to speak for God can be very misguided. I am not a Christian but it does not seem possible that Jesus would do such a thing. When will we ever learn!
I agree with your article. While even burning the American Flag is allowed as part of our Freedom to Speak when we put others into danger that is another matter. If only the Paster would ask: “What Would Jesus Do?” I doubt very much that the Jesus of the Bible I was raised with would do anything like burn someone else’s flag. He might say render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s. They share the Old Testament with Christians and Jew and believe in One God. To Judge is God’s Job. Judge Not Lest We Be Judged. Even Jesus said” I don’t condemn your either, go and sin no more which I think is better translated, go do the best you can. Perhaps the Paster thinks the “Christian KKK” should speak for all Christians. Is this church a Cult that no one has a different opinion on such a violent issue? Sad, we may not be able to stop him for it is said that whatever we oppose we give power to. May most of the Muslums who are as intelligent and loving as ourselves see them as our troubled people and our like their troubled people and their terrorists. Shalome
God, bless this poor, mis-guided soul.
This is certainly a frustrating situation. I hope that Pastor Jones is reading these blogs and seeing the fears and pleas for peace that are rampant among the people in this nation because of the actions he intends to do on 9/11. I hope, if he does read them, that it will turn his heart around.
I posted the following comment on the Washington Post yesterday:
Burning copies of the Koran is bigotted, stupid, and wasteful, but our laws allow people to express their feelings in this way. The law allows Americans to burn the American flag in protest too. Even proposing to burn the Koran or the American flag hurts other people’s feelings.
On the other hand, is not the same as burning or otherwise physically injuring other people. Our laws do not permit that.
“Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me.” If people would learn the difference between hurt feelings and hurt bodies, hurt feelings would cease to escalate into wars. But people are generally stupid and take symbolic expression of feelings to be the same as physical attacks and cannot distinguish the difference.
Burning the American flag and burning an American home or person are not the same. The symbol is not the thing.
Ruth,
Your thoughts are well received in regards to this Pastor’s choice to burn the Koran. He may have the title of Pastor but he is ignorant of its meaning and how to represent the Christian faith.
God gave man freedom of choice and will never take it from us. However, consequences to our choices are real and impact many. The glory of God is only revealed when the glory of man is laid in the dust. I pray this man will allow the Holy Spirit to convict him and change his mind about burning the Koran. Perhaps he may even publicize his decision to change his mind about it. Allowing the Lord to fight our battles is a new wrinkle in any brain. He does such a wonderful job of it, we can all be hopeful that He will intervene in His time and for His glory.
Counselor/Nurse/Seventh-day Adventist Christian
Amen, Ruth. And thanks for taking time to write.
This man will cause more harm and anger. As a spiritual leader – he is a pastor – he just shows a very primitive behavior incompatible with the mission he is supposed to accomplish. I am sorry for his community and for the many US friends.
MJ, Brazil
Apologies for the oversight: EID MUBARAK to all the true followers of the Prophet. May you live in Peace & Plenty.
I am deeply saddened and horrified by the plan this pastor has to burn the Quran. And, to be quite honest, I feel helpless and unsure what can be done.
Wouldn’t it be great if we all respected human differences?
Thank you Ruth.
Thank you for your compassionate response.
I would simply add that when fear and anger dominate the human heart/mind, reason and compassion are lost and rigidity and/or chaos will reign.
Rob Durham Addiction Specialist
Lexington, KY
I am a positive thinking person and believe we are all ONE and should respect people who think differently. We need more love in this world and negative actions as planned in FL will never bring the world the peace and love that we need to heal from all the negative actions/wars etc. that are happening today and the ones that have happened in the past. I hope others will speak out and help all to see that we are here on this Earth to do good and to get along and love each other. I am a retired Educator who always tried to teach the positive to all children and my hope is that the World and all in it will wake up to the purpose in good, positive thoughts and actions for the benefit of us all.
I live in the U.S.A. and hope we all can see that our actions of good will help people in all countries, it must start as love in the heart of each person in the world for good to spread to all people, young and old. I send my love out today to soften the minister in FL and trust his heart will fill with love and compassion for all people today.
Thankyou for speaking out, Ruth. As a non-American I felt i had no right to comment. This poor old chap is the victim of fear & ignorance, just as the young people who perpetuated 9/11, AND their victims, were. Am lighting a candle right now to drive away the darkness.
Bless you & SHANA TOVA for the new year.
Dear Ruth,
Of course I believe that all of us who believe in NICABM would agree with you. In his philosophy, Karl Popper urged us to be intolerant of intolerance. With this I must heartily agree
Thank you Ruth! Of course I agree 100%.
Marian Meade RN (Canada) BScN
mental health therapist (REBT, DBT)
I am appalled and have posted something on Facebook. This country has been so polarized by people who do not understand the complexities of the world and seek to foist their narrow views on on others – even at the cost of American lives – how “patriotic” is that? If, as the ignorant pastor states, we are in a battle between God and evil, much of that evil resides in people who burn books, label all Muslims with a broad (incorrect) brush. Jesus weeps at this!
Ruth, there is a lot of wisdom in what you wrote but at the risk of sounding arrogant and intolerant, a lot of the comments left show some muddle-headed thinking. Yes, I agree that the actions of this pastor in Florida will be extremely inflammatory especially putting at further risk those Christians in Muslim countries. I am a Jew who became a Christian some years ago and I am all too aware what it could be like to be a persecuted minority, whether Jew or Christian. Truth is indivisible. Either the Bible and Jesus’ words are correct or they’re not. Likewise the words in the Qur’an are either true or they’re not. There is not the luxury of holding many ‘truths’ to co-exist. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a committed Christian who stood up for truth in 1930-40’s Germany and paid the ultimate price. If we wish to emulate Bonhoeffer we cannot take the same moral stance without his spiritual dimension. If we wish to follow Jesus we cannot pick and choose the teaching that sit comfortable with us. We have to accept His teaching, that He is the only way to God in heaven. There is so much more to say and write…
I feel a great sadness about this. Have we learned nothing from history. Our failure to appreciate our common humanity, our shared values and our need for mutual respect, compassion and tolerance lie at the root of much that is wrong with our world today.
My Mother, a strong, Catrholic ,Irishwoman, whose mother was asuffragette, always brought us up to respect and tol.erate and appreciate people of difference. My father, born in Belfast and whose mother was Catholic and Father Protestant ,reminded me often of the dangers of intolerance. He suggested that Ireland suffered from a ‘pestilence of priests, pastors and politicians’ This seems tru in this instance.
The burning of ANY book is a sign of desperation. The burning of a ‘ Holy Book’ which is part of the inherited universal wisdom of us all is deeply deplorable.
It will probably happen in the ‘so called’ land of the free. But it is up to each and every one of us to stand up and be counted and support the one sixth of our human gfamily who follow the teachings of Islam.
With freedom goes responsibility. You do not have the right to yell “Fire” (when there is none) in a crowded movie theatre, just because you have free speech. Clearly this is a irresponsible act. Some Americans appear very confused about our rights at the moment. We want them to apply only to us without consideration to the rights of others. That is not the America the founders intended, and it is not one that can make us all proud. I believe these actions, along with those of the people that would prevent a Muslim Cultural Center from being built in NYC, are representative of only a few intollerent prople. But even a few can do great harm through these kinds of actions.
I pray this man in Florida will see the light, and the reality, not only is this an unchristian thing to do,
given events in the past in other countries…it is an invitation for something far worse than anyone can imagine.
His actions jeoparodise the lives of more people, of every belief, in every corner of the world.
May he see the blood of the children, alone, before it is too late. be the change we want to see.
Dear Ruth,
Thank you for speaking out.
Although I recognize that everyone has his own truth and that the intentions of this pastor even could be positive,
I feel urged to react and let hear a powerful NO against burning of books.
To be short: dialogue between people and parties is essential. I have developed a method to solve conflicts in organizations and I have experienced that this positive + connecting approach has positive results. It is important to give people the opportunity to feel and speak about their thoughts, feelings, emotions, convictions…etc. I have experienced that honoring specific conditions, f.e. to create a safe atmosphere,is essential for the process; only about the content of what is meant with ‘safe’ an article could be written.
My hope is that the extreme actions we can observe at the moment in our societies (I am from The Netherlands where mr. Wilders expresses himself at a unsubtle and singleminded way about muslims living in Europe)will open the gate for true discussions and dialogue.
I am inspired by the following guideline, derived from Buddhism:
Right speach is speach which is true, helping/assisting and coming at the right moment.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Gerry F.C. van Ravenzwaay,
personal development coach-organizational psychologist
developer of the ‘Master over Mind’ approach
I read through all these comments and sense the emotions that this man has evoked by his imminent action. I am not American, nor am I religious. What I am is spiritual. All I read here, in most of these comments is judgement. As religious/spiritual people I am sure that you are familiar with…”you shall not judge”. God is non-judgemental, so why are you? I understand that this has the ability to cause a whole lot of problems, but who creates the problems? ….we do. Our reactions do. If nobody cares what the man does with the Quran on 9/11 then nothing will come of it. So ultimately the responsibility lies with all of us, not to act from the ego/emotional-mind, but from the heart. You cannot solve a problem with the same mind-set that it was created with, so change the way you look at things, and the way things look will change. Let me ask you, if someone threatened to burn the Bible in public, will it make less of a Christian of you? Will it change who you are? Will it change what you believe in? No, nor will this man change what Muslims believe in when he burns the Quran. Our emotional response is the only thing that can change things. Do I wish he could be stopped? Of course, but I also wish the war had never happened. I hope humanity will come to understand that we create our own reality.
People who do these things are usually full of ignorance and arrogance – arrogating to themselves that they know what is right. They are very scary and do not represent most thinking people, just as the Taliban does not represent those who are educated and of the Islamic faith. Dawn from Brisbane, Australila
Hi, Ruth.
I love your concern and consideration for the people of Islamic faith.
I have been reading and listening to Abraham Hicks for several years and am certainly not the expert on the subject, but I am convinced of the reality of the Law of Attraction. From that perspective, the burning (pushing against) of books we don’t agree with, only attracts more of same into our sphere of experience. So, in burning the books and focusing his attention in the direction of something that he doesn’t agree with is only brining more of it into his experience.
Interestingly, by the same token, if we then push against him, do we in our resistance of his behaviors, create more of same? Isn’t it true, even with children, that often when they are disciplined, negative attention can inspire more of the same behavior we are trying to prevent?
I remember an Oprah show years ago in which she related that she was contacted by someone from a suicide hotline. While they knew it was her intention to use her show to enlighten people and thus decrease the number of suicides, what they had found, instead, was that every time she did a show on suicide, the number of suicides across the country increased.
So, I guess, my very respectful question is, do we really want to focus our attention on what this man is doing and thus create more of it through the Law of Attraction or do we want to focus our attention on things that are more to our liking and create more of that?
Ruth I agree with you 100%. I am concerned for what passes as a “relationship/union with God. He seems to mask his hatred behind his Bible He spews his hate and runs and hides behind his little plastic Jesus. He does not appear to have an authentic spirtualty that would that would invite others to a spirtual relationship with the Christ of the Gospels.
Ruth I agree with you 100%. I am concerned for what passes as a “relationship/union with God. He seems to mask his hatred behind his Bible He spews his hate and runs and hides behind his little plastic Jesus. He does not appear to have an authentic spirtualty that would that would invite others to a spirtuality relationship with the Christ of the Gospels.
I deeply appreciate the Science that is now possible as a result of the life of Jesus Christ, so I consider Christianity to be a very positive part of the mix of religions in current human society. However the deeply rooted human ability to detect and defend against “The Other” and “Foreign” while important in protecting against bacteria and other toxins has all too easily gripped the minds and emotions of people of all religions and we end up witnessing the killings and discord that other writers in this blog have been sharing. One organization that has volunteered to replace any burned Korans is the Military Religious Freedom Foundation which I discovered a while back. Please know that there are many people in the USA who both support religious freedom but also refuse to condone killing of other people who do not share the same belief. Thank you, Dr. Buczynski, for helping us communicate from the depths of our own commitment to making this world a better place. Ralph Wilson, N.D., Washington DC
This is an example of a dilemma of freedom of speech and action.The Muslims have the right to practice their religious beliefs as does the pastor. Perhaps what we need is bigger demonstration of love and tolerance with people from both Christian and Muslim traditions reading from their holy books.
I work in health and wellbeing care.
In the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 5 v48) the scripture says: ‘Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.’ The original Greek word we translate as ‘perfect’ actually means ‘COMPASSIONATE’.
Jesus said: ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged’ (Matthew Chapter 7 v1-3).
Jesus said: ‘But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice, is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.’ (Matthew Chapter 7 v 26) and he also said: ‘My Mother and Brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’ (Luke Chapter 8 v 20-22)
To Pastor Terry Jones I would say: you may represent your church, but you certainly do not represent Jesus.
I agree that the actions of this Pentecostal pastor in burning the Quran are misguided. This situation is a perfect example of a fear based reaction. Fear based reactions will never bring peaceful solutions, they typically only stimulate more fear from others. Hopefully, the voices of those that stand for peace will reach Pastor Terry before September 11. My home is in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
America stands for the biggest democracy and humanitarian rights where shall we place it then??!!! I find it such a childish action – what would he accomplish by doing this. He should go through Gandhi’s nonviolence campaign – it helped him and his nation – didn’t it?? History and the recent events has taught us that violence attract only more violence and by this act he will be promoting only terrorism by giving them even more reasons and satisfactions of their wrong doings. Pastor Terry Jones is putting us (people all over the world, not only americans)in more danger of terrorism than we are now.
My islamic name is Hayat, meaning ‘life’. Reading the Quran to better understand my now ex-partner, an algerian refugee/no status, i read the Quran as one who had read many esoteric books. Knowing probably no muslim would read and understand the Quran like i did. The Quran is clear. There is only one God and it is the same as the bible or the Thora talks about. Christians in the Middle East have being calling God ‘Allah’ for thousands of years. The Quran states that in the bible and the Thora humans have distorted the truth about the spiritual message. It also states the Quran is protected and that cannot happen to the Quran. That said, just last sunday i heard again the tapes of the last telephoneconversations of people trapped in the WTC towers. I became so disturbed i couls no longer retain the spiritual calm i had for the 3 weeks before, while celebrating the Ramadan. Ramadan which is about compassion with the hungry and with all suffering in life. Ramadan which forbids to enter into any form of conflict or to judge anyone else, which obliges to see the good in the other person, and always choose forgiveness. I heard someone breathing his last breath in one of the telephoneconversations while hearing the tower collaps. The very sacredness of life was annihilated there. I do not know what the truth is about who caused it. So many stories. I do know this cannot be according the will of any God. This can never be ‘islam’. And i believe, what is stated in the Quran, the truth will ultimately be revealed. If this minister in any way can vent any of his despairing emotions, or help others do so, as far as i am concerned he can feel free to burn Qurans. They are merely printed material and if he does not understand and again many muslims do not understand, there is a difference between the printed material and the true spiritual messages the miss that messages and like is stated in the bible, i think, they are merely trying to drink wine from empty casks, as Jesus said.
Long before this bookburning reached me, i believe Muslims should have taken action worldwide, to make 9/11 a day of compassion for the dead, for the survivors and for the families, for the american people at large, all those who suffered 9/11. Even for the world, for me too, a dutch woman, who only saw it happen the moment it happened on television, am victimized and changed by what happened then and there. I pity a minister/reverend like that. But i am horrified about muslims screaming on television that there will be revenged and they will all be killed for it. Just as i am horrified about the many bombattacks in muslim countries during Ramadan and the planned stoning of an adulterous woman in Iran. I abhor adultery, know by experience the emotional deaths, suicides, murders it causes. Both by living it as a newborn as by witnessing it from many womenfriends. I know the dutch research about the devastating effect of divorces on children, even when they become adults and thus again on their children. I saw a movie on a stoning of a woman a few years ago, on the Amnesty International Moviefestival. Many victims are being falsely accused and they are always women. When also the men who took part should be punished, according to the Quran. The Quran talks about a different historic conception though. But then again in the United States the deathpenalty is still being executed, as it is not in The Netherlands. Is there really a difference? Is murder for murder or for adultery a solution we, people in this age, with al our planetary problems, should still choose. Is war, which cannot be won anymore, still an option we should still choose.
The Quran is clear in the enddays of this world, all cultures will be brought together and will ‘learn’ from each other. But are muslims, who should have always studied, from their culture to China, meaning worldwide, even aware of the worldconcepts of f.i. the Hopi, or did they mistakenly loose themselves in ethnocentric isolation, thus missing the whole point in what it means to be ‘islam’, having surrendered your will to God/Allah.
The Islam prides itself that all advises in the Quran are supported with presentday science. I agree. Fasting is healthy for a healthy person. But when muslims not eat for 16 hours a day, but then stuff themselves with extremely unhealthy food,grease/sugar and fat, is that still fasting. When some cultures just eat through the night and sleep during the day, can one still speak of a holy Ramadan. Wnen women have to spend the whole day, cooking for their husbands and friends and family, becoming extremely tired, can one still speak of a sacred time of contemplation.
One of my favorite advises in the Quran is that one should never cause people in non-islamic countries to hate Allah. Another is that men will never understand the equalityconcept with women. In the Hadiths it is stated that there will come times, that many muslims will not be muslims in the true spiritual sense. For those who are Allah feels close at times and distant at other times.
So on those reading my comment, i call on focussing on spiritual and personal growth and not waste time and energy with things, that truely do not matter. Let God take care of that. Burning a Quran cannot compare with the burning of those in the WTC towers or with the pain suffered by their families.
I feel for them and on the 11th of september, i am attending a healing workshop with Carolyne Myss and i will pray for them.
That is where all energy should go to of all humans of all cultures of all nationalities of all countries.
We became a different world because of 9/11. The brutal idea to commit those acts is beyond my human ability to conceive of. Today is Idul Fitri, the end of Ramadan, a festival of sweets, sugar, new celebrative dresses, gifts of money for the children, a festival of gratitude and saying ‘Salaam Maleikum’, may peace be with you, for all those encountered today and anyday, for one can never know what a person will become, be the next day, and when they will become ‘islam’, meaning, having their wills surrendered to the divine, whatever religion. God/Allah had a plan, it says in the Quran, to create so many different religions, he send over a 100 prophets/teachter to ever so many cultures. In stead of forbidding the Quran, like Wilders, the leading dutch rightwing politician, demands, or burning, we should maybe test on Quranic knowledge. Ask those who stand behind it to at least read all of it and try to understand the depth of its meaning.
I will try and google the minister who plans the burning. Or maybe someone has his emailaddress and can post it.
May the sweetness of life envelop you all this day and the coming days, may angels protect you from the influence and acts of the temptations of the Devil, who can only be there by divine ordinance and will ultimately return to the light as we will all do.
It is true living, at times falling for temptations, making wrong decisions, performing wrong, sometimes despicable acts, that make us human, with the capacity to use our brains in extraordinarily ways. Humans who can at times be the worst heroinaddicts and transform into sacred people. That very possibility of 180 degree transformations is what makes us a brilliant divine creation, capable of change, capable of compassion.
Hi Ruth,
thank you for speaking out loud! It’s too sad that a spiritual leader is so full of hatred and out of his own real spiritual connection, just polarizing and creating more violence in the world – and the answer will be dramatically heavy.
As German therapist I’ve seen too often the heavy life baggage carried forwarth till to the third generation, not only for the identification with the actors or the victims, but also for the lack of courage. And I’ve seen: the matrix or culture medium for this form of violence are fear and lack of humility.
So it’s really necessary to speak, to pray, to do anything thinkable to stop this misleaded man. But not only: as this action is published in the world press, it’s also necessary to create a real visible movement of peace minded people.
Oh, Stephanie, how right you are! Where is the Baptist church and its leaders in all this? They should be making a stand – not to do so confirms there agreement with the planned action. We all have our own beliefs and are entitled to them but tis man is no better than those that took part in the bombing on 9/11. Revenge is very destructive. Sad, sad man!
It is true that Religion has fuelled most of the wars in our world and even though I was raised a Roman Catholic I believe we the people can make a difference and find a way to live in peace. Surely the Reverend is just seeking some attention and he seems to have got it. But I am in Malaga Spain at the moment and do not think he has any supporters here. Does his congregation have a voice or is it just his idea? I pray that peace emerges out of the divisions generated by the atrocities of the past. Thank you Ruth for starting this small dialogue
I agree with your post and the responses I’ve read. I would like to make a few points that I believe haven’t been made yet.
First of all, terrorists and extremists are defying the Quran every day of their lives. The Quran does not support their behavior; they are on their own. Burning the Quran indicates total ignorance of the situation.
Secondly, religious intolerance is a big part of 9/11. How can more religious intolerance be the answer to the problem of religious intolerance?
Thirdly, where is the Baptist Church in all of this? If I were a leader of that organization, I would have already initiated a process to remove Mr. Jones from his post. (Perhaps this is underway; I don’t know.) I would also be heading a delegation to Gainesville to insure that, at the very least, no religious books of any kind were burned on church property. Unless the congregation goes independent by Saturday, they should be required to follow the rules of the Baptist Church. Certainly the leadership should not be allowing this to take place. So many organizations have condemned this behavior, but the Baptist Church has the power to prevent it from being associated with them. I belive that a campaign of phone calls, emails and faxes flooding their head office would be appropriate. If anyone knows how to contact them, I would be grateful for the information.
And, finally, I believe that while all reasoning people condemn this action (it is, after all, a form of hate speech), we should also find it in our hearts to have compassion for these people. They have allowed their fear to take them over, and they are suffering greatly. For those who pray, I encourage you to keep them in your prayers as well. They need our understanding and compassion, even while we disagree – in the strongest terms possible – with their actions. Peace will only come to the world after it has grown in our hearts. We can only start with our own.
Stephanie Sterner
Personal Change Faciliitator
Hi Ruth, I agree with you 100%. It is so sad that Terry Jones is about to unlease so much more hatred in this world by his actions. Pity he has sunk so low in his soul and spirit to contemplate such a selfish amd damgerpis action. We need more people to speak out and stand up against hatred and bigotry. Thank you Ruth for posting this on your site.
Rehana Webster
Energy therapy practitioner
Perth, Australia
I agree that it is imperative that everyone has a divine right to his/her truth because in essence, truth is what we are. If we all believe in one God, we cannot disparage another man’s God, without disparaging our own simply because it is only different aspects of the same God in which we believe. However, when the belief in a particular construct of God leads to the murder, death or injury of another who does not accept that particular recognised construct of God (different religion),the former open playing field of acceptance, freedom of speech and responsbile action is no longer. There are fanatics, heretics and zealots in every religion, and many religious followers have killed and been killed “in the name of God”, every antagonist believing themselves to be followers of the one true God. I do not think the issue is about which aspect of God is the true God, but it is more like learning and gaining the wisdom and love to accept how another man chooses to worship. It is to be hoped that death by another’s hand is not the price to pay for that difference in choice.
Any leader of any religion, cult, sect, group or belief that advocates the death of those simply because they are different, is not and can never be honouring the one True God, thought many good people have died at the hands of those who think their God is The God, and their way of worshipping is the only way. Down through the ages, some extreme Muslims, some heated Roman Catholics and the Governments of many countries countries have resorted to killing those who oppose them as if it is the only way to gain and hold power. Problem is, these evil deeds will prevail if good men simply do nothing.
Good on you Ruth, Well said !!!
RY Australia
thank you Ruth, for speaking out. I am a Dutch, married to a Turk. We live in Istanbul. I am not a Moslem myself, my husband is. There has NEVER been any hostility towards me, always a willingness, even eagerness to dialogue about the subject of religion. Today is the first day of the Sugerfeast after the Moslems had a (very difficult since it was so warm) month of fasting. They offer tea and food while fasting themselves. The sugarfeast will last three days, the last day will be september 11. It would be a very very sad thing if this burning would continue….
We live in a world where contrast abounds. Out of contrast we learn. The difficulty is when we impose our view on others or expect them to hold the same view we do.
Whilst i can’t condone the behaviour of others who do not live the way i choose or beleive the things i beleive. I appreciate the contrast they provide as it helps me to understand and balance my own view. Who are we to judge eachother?
A world without contrast would be lack lustre and de-generative.
This is my view – i hope you are fulfilled and satisfied by your own views.
Dawn Robertson
Development Specialist Senior
UK
This is just another example of the rise and rise of fundamentalism.
Sometimes dogma drives humans to do bizarre things.
I don’t particularly care for religion per se; but I believe that respect is a necessary part of being truly human. Let’s just all extend each other a modicum of respect.
Burning this book will drive the “opposition” into a righteous frenzy and simply cause more unnecessary deaths and suffering, this is how the revenge cycle manifests.
Ruth, if this burning happens many american citicens all over the world be in danger, as the resentment towards this action will be enourmous.
i am working in sudan and we are already warned.
yes he has a right to do it – and yes he is not killing americans directly… – but is it wise?
First thank you for Rosh Ha-Shanah wishes.
Agree entirely. I heard about the protest on BBC Radio News. The “justification” was to send a message to the Muslims. The message they will receive, radical and moderate alike, is that Christianity is a hateful warmongering religion.
As psychologists the message to Pastor Terry Jones is that he is in need of anger management therapy and that while he and his supporters may feel better for venting in this fashion, the world as a whole will be worse off for it.
I agree with your thoughts.
I detest bigotry in any form. Surely an enlightened society should aspire to tolerance of all beliefs whether they be religious or not, provided they do no harm to others.
The way forwards is education and understanding, not fear of the unknown.
The pastor in Florida would be advised to spend his time in prayer rather than speech – please someone post him a free ticket to a foreigh country, here’s hopings that novel experiences might build some new neural pathways and a change of mindset. Maybe I will buy him a ticket to the South Island of New Zealand where he can be entranced by wonderful scenery, and then visit Christchurch (site of Saturday’s earthquake)where he could provide shelter and trauma support to the 100,000 people who are too scared to sleep at night in their damaged homes. Yes – get a life Mr Terry Jones – I’m also offended on behalf of all the Terry Jones’ in this world, particularly as my brother in Adelaide is also called Terry Jones.
Sallyanne Stone – Psychologist
I agree with Ruth.This pastor will fuel anger and mistrust.Burning the Q’ran reminds me of the mediaeval burning of books.It’s not the book that’s the problem but the interpretation.
I wonder if the pastor just wants his 5 minutes of fame on the media?His church only has 50 members I believe—why???The media should put a block on this and refuse to publicise it.
In any religion or group there are fanatics who see only black or white.Tolerance and flexibility are key strengths.
I totally agree. it is utterly sad that ‘Christian’ people can even contemplate such an inflammatory act as burning another faith’s Holy Book.
Together let us give the intent for peace to prevail.
Justus Lewis
Holistic Health Practitioner
Melbourne
Australia
I am not a health care provider or professional, no presently employed, live in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, and I am absolutely opposed to what the Pentecostal Pastor in Gainesville, FL is planning on doing on 9/11/10. Just because we “believe” or have a “truth” it does not mean we should speak or act it out that truth or belief.
Pastor Terry Jones has the right to speak his beliefs, but I don’t believe he understands what his actions, if carried out might lead to. He says if any Americans, soldiers nonetheless, are killed he will not be responsible. He will be, as will all of us, if he is allowed to carry out his planned actions. If those of us, of all faiths, do not stand and support another faith has history has shown, we all suffer.