I read in the news about a minister who wants to burn the Koran. I think that's a very stupid and childish thing to do. There are Muslims around the world who burn stuff, like American and Israeli flags, Salman Rushdie's book and sometimes the Bible.
There are many things in Islamic theory and practice that should be, and need to be debated and criticized; womens rights, sharia laws, violent attacks as response to critique. But burning the Koran means that we step down to the same low level of primitive outrageous action. Burning books is just a stupid thing to do.
I bought the Koran some time ago (and wrote a blogpost about it). I'm not gonna burn my copy. I rather read it. How about you?
I think that pastor will only do more harm than he helps.
ReplyDeleteCD
BRAVO! This is exactly what we feel! Husband has an interest in comparative religion and has copies of most of the holy books (Bible, Koran, Talmud extracts, Upanishads,etc) and shelves of books about the different religions from the three Mosaic religions to obscure religions I've never heard of before. The common factor of the texts is PEACE AND LOVE - the fanaticism and hatred between the religions are human corruptions of those basic tenets. Whether it's a nutty American "Christian" pastor burning the Koran or an equally nutty "Muslim" burning the US flag, two wrongs don't make a right (a cliche, I know, but also a truism!) I'll get off my soap box now because otherwise I'll find myself entering the fray about the mosque near ground zero issue as well...
ReplyDeleteJudy
I think it's stupid, too. Just because one doesn't agree, we shouldn't disrespect another religion.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. Reading increases understanding and opens the door for actual dialog (even debate if that is what we want). Burning it is just inflamatory and ignorant. Unfortunately, the US has no shortage of religious ignorance and stupidity. (I agree with your topics that need debate, but would argue that the Bible, read a certain way, has just as many topics that need debating.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. So childish. It's like those people that try and ban things, it only makes people want them more. And it's going against the whole "be patient" and "understanding" and "love everyone" jive people should be embracing instead of more hate.
ReplyDeleteClarissa: Yes, he probably will
ReplyDeleteJudy: I think religion is very interesting as phenomenon, but I don't really like it. I have some of the major books; The Bible, The Book of Mormon and the Koran. I read them in a critical way, and the more I read the less I believe ... but to get insight you have to read the book and not burn it.
Alex: My point of view is that I respect all people and their right to choose their religion. But I do not respect their Gods. Mocking the Gods can be fun, and the right to express blasphemy is an important part of the freedom of speech. Religious authorities have many times tried to ban critique with blasphemy laws.
ReplyDeleteHart: I agree regarding the Bible. I have no preference for the Christian God before Allah ... I prefer Satan, and think Jesus was a cool rebel >:)
ReplyDeleteC.E. In the match between the Sword and the Pen, I always support the Pen team.
Amen to that! (Or whatever the Islamic equivalent to Amen is..)
ReplyDeletejill
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