So, I've been struggling over the issues that have made the news over the last few days, and whether or not it was at all relevant or necessary for me to add any comment on the happenings. The two biggest struggles for me have been the issues surrounding the potential construction of an Islamic Center (or mosque, I'll admit I'm not interested in debating the specifics of that point.) near Ground Zero, and the "Pastor" (and I do use the term loosely) who plans on burning Korans on the anniversary of 9/11. As I've heard, and seen, and read more about these two stories two old quotes keep coming to the fore for me.
The first is my favorite line from Jurassic Park: "You guys were so interested in whether or not you could, you never stopped to think about whether or not you should." That seems like a very relevant question in both instances for me. I'm no legal expert, but it would appear to me that both the building and the book-burning can be done. But the much bigger question is should they be done. That's a different conversation, and one I'm not hearing as much in the rhetoric.
The other quote is one I can't attribute, because I don't remember where I first heard it: Not every act of stupidity demands a response. I really like this quote. It's pretty loaded, aggressive even, and I'm not saying that either of these two acts are 'stupid'. It's just that it seems in our 24-hour news cycle world, stuff that probably wouldn't get any publicity 10 years ago becomes BIG NEWS, because a news vacuum abhors a void. But really, just because a guy wants publicity, does that mean we have to give it to him? There are a lot of idiots in the world. Do they all require our response?
Still, as evidence by this post, I came to the conclusion that I at least wanted to add something. It's not that I think my opinion will necessarily change the outcome of either event coming to be. But I thought it might be worth a challenge to those of you who read this to see if you've thought something similar, or are looking for a healthy venue to share your own thoughts and struggles.
My first thought, is that I have much more to say to the "Pastor" than I do to those considering building the Islamic Center/Mosque. I have an opinion on the Center/Mosque, I'm sure most of us do. But, and here's part of my struggle, it's something being done and planned by people outside of my influence and background. I'm not a Muslim, and I cannot imagine what the thinking is behind this proposed building. So, I don't know that my opinion is going to be a helpful addition to this conversation.
As to the "Pastor", I feel differently. Because this guy is claiming to be a Christian Pastor, that's something that hits very close to home for me. This is my area, and if someone in that zone is going off the rails, I feel much more of a duty to speak to it. As I see time and again in scripture, Jesus was always hardest on the "insiders." He really went after the flaws and hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Why? Well, at least one reason is because He was one of them. He spoke their language, He lived in their world, and at some level they were a reflection of Him. This "Pastor" in Florida is a reflection of all Christian Pastors, and I find his actions unacceptable to stand without a reasonable challenge. And just to be clear, I can't imagine there being anything positive from this book-burning. On simply one point alone this is so frustrating: If you're a Christian, ask yourself how this guys actions make us look to the Non-Christians we're supposed to be evangelizing. Isn't he simply fulfilling every negative stereotype Non-Christians already have of us: Angry, Judgmental, Intolerant, etc. (By the way, that's exactly what I overheard at lunch the other day. It made me cringe.)
Does that mean I ignore the Center/Mosque and only speak to the Book-burning? I don't really know. Again, regardless I'm not sure my thoughts will change any outcome. But, just because it might not do much doesn't mean I should also say nothing.
Hmm, well I don't know that I solved anything, but I think I feel better for having written. If you've been looking for a healthy format to share some thoughts please do so here. Good, honest responses are always welcome. Even disagreeing opinions, as long we do so without being disagreeable to each other. In the end, I'm drawn to hope that all of us might take the words I use to end this blog as a response to all this as well:
Don't go to church, Be the Church
Bill
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