Crazy Pastors and What I Wont Be Doing On 9/11

Well, simply put, today I am frustrated. The day started off well enough, work is going well, Mary is happy and healthy, we won a great soccer game last night, but the frustration began when I read an article titled "Pastor declares 9/11 International burn the Koran Day"

The picture above is of Dr. Terry Jones, the pastor mentioned in this article, now that picture may clue you in on the fact that he may not be the happiest man ever...that is actually him smiling! But upon reading the article this morning I decided to do a bit of research on what this guy was all about so I went to his "church's website (http://www.doveworld.org/) and here is what I found on their main page:

- A 10 minute video where Dr. Terry Jones blasts Obama, homosexuals, and Muslims. Nowhere in this video is the gospel presented, forgiveness offered, love displayed...only anger, violence, and hate

- A book authored by Dr. Terry Jones titled "Islam is of the Devil" - creative title!

- You could purchase coffee mugs, shirts, and hats all featuring "Islam is of the Devil" in bold lettering

- A blog...all of the posts speaking to why Islam is evil and why we need to burn the Koran to save America

- A sign stating "Islam is of the Devil"

- And don't forget...a way to give money to the ministry

The most enraging thing about their website was the video where he promotes his views on the Church, Islam, and culture. When watching this video it is impossible to see anything other than an angry man whose heart has not been penetrated by the gospel. He does not love Jesus, he does not desire to make disciples of Jesus, all he cares about is seeing conservative America unite, bear arms, and make actual war (i think) on Islam and our culture. He is using the fears that Christians and conservatives have to promote himself and he is walking an incredibly dangerous line. My fear this man is the living embodiment of Matthew 7:21-23. I understand the soberness of my previous statement, but this man is a wolf in sheep's clothing and after going to his website and seeing his own videos there is no other conclusion to make.

Here are quick reasons why i think making September 11 "Burn a Koran day is a bad idea"

1. It is offensive to those who lost people during the 9/11 attack to make that day a holiday to promote hatred

2. It is this crusader-like mentality that has brought the great harm to the Church and the name of Jesus

3. This plan has already caused riots in Kabul, Afghanistan and could have real bloody consequences

4. What does this accomplish other than angry people getting to throw a fit?

5. Stunts like this distance Americans from the gospel and make reaching people for Christ more difficult

6. It is extremely anti-gospel

7. Participating in this empowers a lunatic and gives him a platform to do more harm

8. This is the danger in tying too tightly the gospel and American politics.


Is Islam something that churches need to think about and consider? Absolutely!
Do we live in a dark world that is lost? Yes!
Does the church need to be active in the community? Of course!

Here is what I want you to get. The only source of change, hope and love that will penetrate not only the muslim community but any community is the gospel of Jesus Christ, not militaristic anger or hate. The reason I am so passionate about church planting because we need less churches like Dove World (great name for a church...Not) and more churches who are committed to lifting high the name of Christ and committed to penetrating their communities not with hate, but with the gospel of Jesus Christ! That is are call, our purpose, and our joy! Lets get after that calling and not this nonsense!

So needless to say, I will NOT be burning any Koran's this 9/11 and I hope you won't either.

as always, your thoughts and questions are welcomed.


~ cal