hnpcc | (no subject)

I was shocked when I first heard about the proposed "Burn a Koran" day. Shocked because firstly I am against burning books, no matter how bad they are; and secondly because I really hadn't realised that it was a pastor advocating this. Why I should be shocked at the second I'm not entirely sure - God knows there's a lot of incredibly intolerant "people of faith" out there, but this still seemed to me to be a bit past what I regard as the pale. Right out there with Fred Phelps in fact, which is usually a place I thought most US pastors would prefer not to be.

And then I read this letter from a Syrian Catholic priest to that pastor, via VS. THE POMEGRANATE.

Tell me, is there in the character of Jesus, in his words or in his actions anything that would remotely justify even a hint of promoting disdain and hatred among people?

Have you forgotten that Jesus was completely for love, forgiveness and peace? Have you forgotten what he taught us when he told his disciples and the people after them to tell God the heavenly Father of all to “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who wrong us”? You overlooked or forgot that when Jesus was hanging on the cross and being subjected to insults and vile words, he raised his voice, saying, “O Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Who, then, do you represent or who are you trying to guide with this call of yours?

But it's the second part of the letter that I really hope comes to fruition:

Believe me, it is not my intention to indict you and it is not my intention to engage with you in a religious debate about Christianity or Islam. However, after I prayed for a long time, let me suggest for both of us to make a joint effort on this coming September 11.

You might ask me what effort can we do jointly when you are in Florida and I’m in Damascus?

Here is my suggestion.

I invite you to visit Syria, where you will be my guest and the guest of many of my Muslim and Christian friends. Syria is a country populated mostly by Muslims and in which Christians are indigenous to the land and have lived side-by-side with Muslims for centuries and centuries.

Come and don’t worry about anything.

Come and you will find out about Islam and Muslims what will comfort you, please you, surprise you, and even lead you, from where you are today in Florida, to invite all people to live in respect, love and cooperation among all people.

This is what people need rather than the un-Christian call to fuel the sentiment of hatred and division.

Amen.