Burning a Quran not the way to go
Please do not think the Florida pastor who is planning on burning the Quran is typical of all Christians.
The concern of Gen. Petraeus (that Americans will be targeted by radical Muslims) is valid but secondary to why this act is so wrong. It is simply not a Christian thing to do. Nothing in the Bible tells us to treat any other religious group with such contempt and disrespect.
The Bible says that we are to show others the way to Christ through our love for each other, even for those that may disagree with us. We must show that our hope is in Christ and do so with gentleness and respect, not with hate.
We must also remember that only God is afforded the ultimate vengeance on those that defile Him and His word. None of this is demonstrated by burning the Quran. And it certainly will get us nowhere in our quest to bring others to Christ.
Imagine if another religious group were burning Bibles. Would you then be willing to listen to them tell you about how right and good their religion is? Surely not.
I sincerely hope that the pastor will change his mind, not just for the sake of Americans, but for the sake of Christ.
SUSAN CLARK
LaFayette, Ga.
What is motive behind mosque?
I keep reading editorials and other articles concerning the mosque two blocks from ground zero and I am flabbergasted!
No true American would question their right to build it there, but we do question the motive and sensitivity.
Why there? Is there a large Muslim community there? I hear not. No one is proposing limiting their right to practice their religion! Some politicians are coming forward to defend it, why? Of course, [the courts] have taken prayer out of school, taken the Ten Commandments out of courthouses [and politicians have] defended abortion on demand and even proposed to remove “In God we trust” from our currency.
Who are these people? They don’t sound like the God-fearing founders of this great land!
Ask the family members who lost a loved one on that horrible day; if it is OK with the majority of them, I bow out gracefully! If not, case closed!
STEPHEN STAPLETON
Enemies win if Quran burned
Burning Qurans in the name of Jesus Christ, my wonderful Lord and Savior [according to a recent pastor’s plan] Wow! What a great idea! I can think of no better way to prove to the world that Christianity is a religion of hatred and bigotry. Many who claim Jesus as their Savior have been trying pretty hard for the last 30 years or so to do just that, but this is the most effective plan yet. How bitterly ironic that the name of the church in question is the Dove World Outreach Center.
As soon as “Pastor” Jones strikes the first match, we can shut our mouths about ever trying to condemn Islam. Ever. And forget all that empty talk about our God being a God of love.
Our actions will prove that even we don’t take that seriously. Why should anyone else?
When that Quran goes up in flames, our enemies will have won. They will have made us just like them. We will be brothers in hatred and bigotry forever. Perhaps we will meet them in the hell for which we say they are destined.
HERBERT K. LEA
Chickamauga, Ga.
Judge Holligsworth a man of integrity
It is not unusual for the losing side of a lawsuit to be unhappy about the outcome. It is highly unusual to seek, by suggestion or innuendo, to impugn the integrity of a judge who decided the case.
Jeff Hollingsworth, both as a lawyer and now as a judge, has been, and is, a man of unquestioned ethics and integrity.
It is also painful to see the losing side raise questions about the firm of Chambliss, Bahner and Stophel. There is no man of greater integrity in this community than Max Bahner. He follows well in the footsteps of his predecessors. The law firm is built on the sound foundation of ethics, integrity and ability. This firm has always recruited on that basis and has always maintained those high standards.
The mayor, as I understand what I read, is not a target of the accusatory questions. And that is well because he is one of the most decent, honest and honorable public servants we have.
It is now time for all to work together. In my many years in Chattanooga, right now is the best chance we’ve seen to go forward. Please, let’s don’t blow it.
JODY BAKER
Pay more attention to ‘peace seekers’
Had the news media paid as much attention to the “peace seekers” demonstrating at the White House and the Pentagon on Aug. 6 and 7, and at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge (where 36 peace persons were arrested), we may not have had to pay attention to the [pastor] Jerry Jones in Florida.
EUGENE CAHILL
Remember what makes us special
I feel I must respond to a letter published in your paper on Sept. 8 and similar sentiments I’ve read over the last few weeks.
The letter said, “Could you imagine a cathedral or church in the middle of downtown Tehran?” But that’s precisely the point: Iran was not founded on the same principles as the U.S.; in particular not on freedom of religion.
Denying that, or any, freedom to a segment of the population – especially in the name of some kind of tit-for-tat retribution for the actions of a few – is hardly what I believe the Founding Fathers intended by the provisions of the Constitution.
I’m not saying allowing freedoms to those you don’t necessarily like or agree with is easy or that I always like doing what’s required, but it’s the right thing to do.
If it were easy, everyone would do it; and clearly, throughout history and around the world today, the U.S. is more of an exception than the rule.
Let’s not lose sight of what makes us special.
STEPHEN POSEY
Hixson
Don’t publicize Quran burning
Re: “Church moves ahead with Quran burning.”
First of all, how about reversing the situation? How would Christians in this country feel if Islamic countries burned Bibles? Would they be any more justified than the church in Gainesville, Fla.? Is religious intolerance and bigotry this acceptable in America today?
Secondly, would this type of (mis)behavior take place if there were no media attention focused on it? I implore every news outlet to stop covering this event. It only foments hatred and misguided arrogance and supremacy that is counterproductive.
Everyone has the right to express themselves according to the First Amendment, but just because they have the right, should they exercise it in such a hateful manner? Kudos to the church in Memphis which opened their doors to Islamic worshipers until the mosque next door can be completed.
And lastly, how can one protest an act that has already occurred? I believe everyone laments the 9/11 horror, but to demonize an entire faith because of the acts of a few is deplorable.
Where is the Christian notion of charity in this instance?
ROBBIE MOORE
Hixson