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A couple of years ago, Ralph Williams and I were left in a parked, older model SUV in downtown Chittagong, Bangladesh, while a couple of local Christians and the driver went to get us some luchi frybread and Coca-Colas for breakfast.  It was morning rush hour, and the streets were filled with Muslims including not a few clerics and imams.  I admit that the sight and experience was unsettling.  I have heard the harrowing Muslim calls to prayer in such cities as Banderban, Nairobi, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam, and I cannot agree that it is either comforting or beautiful. 

Many of the world’s trouble spots and areas of conflict center around at least one side adhering to Muslim ideology.  In its fundamental form, Muslims who are true to their book will read encouragement to be violent and oppressive.  For example, Qu’ran (8:12) says, “I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.”  Later, one reads, “So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them” (Qu’ran 9:5).  Some (see www.religionofpeace.com) say at least 109 verses in the Koran call for Muslims to war against those they regard as infidels (unbelievers).  

This Saturday, September 11, 2010, marks the ninth anniversary of the attack by Muslim terrorists on New York City, Washington, D.C., and another target thwarted in western Pennsylvania.  To mark this infamous date, a community church pastor named Terry Jones is going to burn a few hundred copies of the Koran.  Should we commend this response that has drawn international attention and caused many in Iraq and Afghanistan to burn this man in effigy?  Is that courage and conviction,  and is it that with which our Lord would be pleased?
While I certainly cannot speak for Him, I can look at His Words and follow His example (1 Pet. 2:21; see context).  I can read the writings of His disciples whom the Holy Spirit inspired to record His will and teaching.  I can see how John and Paul dealt with Judaism and proto-gnosticism, two of the most pervasive, troubling, and rival religions of the day.  They attacked and addressed ideas and doctrines, but they did not burn their books or their idols.

While Jesus turned over the money changers table, He did not do so as a member of a different world religion but rather as a practicer of that religion correcting corruptions He saw within it (Matt. 21:12ff).  When books were burned in Acts 19:19, it was done by people who were converted to Christianity and felt convicted in their repentance to graphically get rid of books they now knew should hold no sway over them.  Paul did not burn those books in anger or in vengeance.

By the power of the gospel and providence of God, I have been able to sit down and study with Muslims in this country and overseas.  Through His Word, I have had the joy of watching men and women leave that religion to follow Christ.  Never have I found it effective to try to persuade someone or reach their heart by affronting, offending, and provoking them.  We serve the Prince of Peace (cf. Isa. 9:6).  He has shown us the way to mature, heavenly love (cf. 1 Cor. 13:4ff).  We are to be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16).  Jones’ action seems neither wise nor harmless.  Nor will it advance the cause of Christ or implant the word of Christ in the hearts of the lost.  We need to reach those outside of Christ, including those of the Muslim faith, but this is not the way to do it! — Neal Pollard