Now that it has passed I thought I'd make a few comments on the Qur'an Burning episode (see background here). First, let me say I have read the Qur'an about 4 times through and have extensively studied its background, which is what I wish more people would do before they go around claiming "Islam is a religion of peace". Next, let me say immediately that although I didn't agree with Terry Jones' plan to burn Qur'ans, I think the entire episode has brought out some very useful points of discussion; for Muslims, Christians and all.
Burning Qur'ans just because seemed pointless but if I'd been allowed to interview both Terry Jones and leading Imams (Muslim clergy) I would have asked the following questions.
TO TERRY JONES:
- Have you ever read a Qur'an? -- Even Paul was familiar with pagan religions of his day and used them against those who held to them. (see Acts 17)
- Were all of the Qur'ans you intended to burn in English?
TO MUSLIMS:
- If Jones burns these Qur'ans will he defeat Islam?
- I thought Qur'ans written in English aren't actually considered legitimate? (since whenever I debate a Muslim they always claim I can't understand the Qur'an unless I read it in Arabic)
