He’s a so-called “Christian” pastor of a small 30 member church in the moderate town of Gainesville, Florida. But this small-time pastor is making some big-time noise with his internationally controversial plans to burn the Muslim Quran this Saturday on the anniversary of 9/11!
Despite criticism and pleas from the top U.S. general in Afghanistan, the White House, the State Department, a variety of religious leaders and even the Vatican, Rev. Terry Jones insists he intends to go forward with plans to torch the holy Quran. Jones is head of the Dove World Outreach Center, which has a strong anti-Islam philosophy (among other dislikes). The church lawn is littered with signs that say “ISLAM IS OF THE DEVIL,” and “NO HOMO MAYOR,” directed toward the openly gay Mayor of Gainesville. Jones has long proclaimed that Islam is the devil’s religion and says the Constitution gives him the right to publicly set fire to the book Muslims throughout the world consider the word of God.
Gen. David Petraeus warned that “images of the burning of a Quran would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan — and around the world — to inflame public opinion and incite violence.” Others insist Jones’ lone act could stir up unnecessary trouble and endanger U.S. troops and Americans everywhere. But Jones was undeterred and responded by saying, “When do we stop? How many times do we back down? Instead of us backing down, maybe it’s time to stand up. Maybe it’s time to send a message to radical Islam that we will not tolerate their behavior.” Hmmm…
If Rev. Jones is a supposed “Christian,” how does he possibly correlate his proposed hateful actions as anything Christ-like? Further, how does he justify attacking and insulting an entire religion solely based on the actions of a few? The answer is simple: This man is NOT a Christian. He is NOWHERE NEAR “Reverend,” and he is NOT a pastoral leader. He is a JACKASS who is about to stir up some rather unnecessary angst at a time when religious and spiritual leaders should be bringing us together, instead of tearing us further apart. Setting fire to a symbol considered by millions as holy and sacred as the Quran is so beyond stupid, there may not be a word yet invented to properly describe it.
And we wonder why some Muslim extremists hate us!
I am extremely angry at this pastor and his intentions. Although he may disagree with Muslim beliefs, the thought of burning a religious symbol invites nothing but trouble. It will be a sad day in America if this is allowed to proceed.