Over the last few months, the media has placed one “Christian pastor” in the spotlight over and over again as he planned to burn the Qur’an and more recently to hold an armed protest outside of a mosque. In stark contrast to his actions are those of many Christians who are motivated by love rather than hate. Kristen Moulton’s recent article in the The Salt Lake Tribune recognizes this by placing the actions of Terry Jones alongside those of the 458 member Wasatch Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). She reports that Session (leadership body) of the church, at the request of their new pastor (Rev. Scott Dalgarno), gave over $600 to purchase Qur’ans. These copies of Islam’s holy book will be placed at the King’s English Bookstore where they will be given away for free. Each copy will come with a bookmark stating: “This book was donated by the leaders of Wasatch Presbyterian Church, who are not afraid of truth wherever it can be found.”
So What?
In our pluralistic society, people increasingly form opinions about other religions based on limited amounts of data. When multiple media outlets repeatedly portray Christianity as a religion of intolerance, exclusivity and hate they are influencing the opinions of many. Thankfully, some have included disclaimers that this man and his actions are not typical nor mainstream. However, no disclaimer undoes the association of this man’s hate from his Christian religion.
- What has your congregation done in response to one man’s efforts to burn the Qur’an as a part of his “Christian” faith?
- What kinds of ongoing opportunities does your congregation offer for those seeking to learn more about other religions and/or to engage in interreligious dialogue?