REVISION and REPENTANCE of thoughts on Burning Korans...
Wednesday, September 08, 2010 Posted by Pastor Fred Wolfe
My most recent post about the Florida Pastor who will be burning Korans sparked a lot of controversy. During my discussions, I was admonished in many ways. I began to see that my views came out of pride-and not much prayer.
In my last post I laid out some of the positive aspects of this public Koran burning, but upon further reflection, I have decided that the harm that will come from it outweigh any benefits. Some of the following points have come from some of my discussions with others, and some have come from my own reflection.
Reasons NOT to publicly burn Korans:
1. Eyewitnesses in Gainesville have experienced death threats, and possible violence. This will assuredly transfer to the middle east, where our troops will be in greater danger. (Thanks Jen)
2. The only instance in the scripture of burning books is found in Acts 19:19, where people voluntarily did it. The point is, burning someone else's holy book will not lead them to Christ, it will lead them to anger. Our goal should be to proclaim the gospel as boldly, and have them burn their own Korans. (Thanks Seun)
3. A few Bible verses have taught my heart on this subject: (Thanks Danny)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Pr. 15:1).
A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Pr. 15:18).
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him (Pr. 16:7).
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (Pr. 17:14).
It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Pr. 20:3)
4. Since David Petraeus unwisely gave this event a lot of publicity, and the pastor seems to be relishing his 15 minutes of fame, the event does not seem to have even the motivations I gave in my last post. It seems to be a selfish event. We should not support the glory of man.
5. This event in no way displays the grace, love or mercy of God. Even the most ardent of bold preachers bring their messages around to the gospel.
Therefore, I publicly repent of my latest post. I was wrong to post it in light of the fact that after prayer I was convicted of it's content. I ask my readers for their forgiveness, and join me in prayer for wisdom and guidance as we all seek our Lord in these tumultuous days.
Sincerely,
Fred
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