The top US General in Afghanistan says that the planned burning of Qurans by a Florida church on September 11 could damage the war effort there and put the lives of American troops in danger.

Gen. David Petraeus said in an interview that the Taliban would exploit the demonstration for propaganda purposes and drum up anger toward the U.S. and make it harder for American and allied troops to carry out their mission of protecting Afghan civilians:

"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort. It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems. Not just here, but everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community."

Already there have been protests in Kabul and in Indonesia. This is probably just the beginning. Military officials fear that the demonstrations will spread to other Afghan cities and could get a lot worse if the Florida event is broadcast or ends up in an Internet video.

Pastor Terry Jones, of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, says they will go ahead with their plan anyway:

"We understand the General’s concerns. We are sure that his concerns are legitimate."

"We must send a clear message to the radical element of Islam. We will no longer be controlled and dominated by their fears and threats."

Response: The response of this pastor and Florida church is the height of stupidity, ignorance, and irresponsibility. Yes we have freedom in this country to do stupid things like burn Qurans and offend Muslims if we want to but to put lives in danger on purpose is unforgiveable.

The pastor is supposed to be a Bible believing fundamentalist Christian yet provides no theological or Biblical reason, purpose, or underpinnings for his actions. In fact I believe that what he is proposing to do is actually contrary to the teaching of Jesus.

We now live in a media connected world where actions in Florida can be viewed by folks living in the caves of Afghanistan, in the sands of Saudi Arabia, and in the jungles of Indonesia.

Unfortunately the context of the event will be completely misunderstood and the point that the pastor is trying to make will be entirely lost and used by the very radicals he opposes to further there own agenda. Fact is, the pastor and his church are going to end up actually helping the Taliban and al Qaeda.

Folks in the Middle East and in Indonesia will blame the burning event on the US government and on Christians in general. I not only fear that our military will suffer because of this but look for Christian churches, missionaries, and relief workers to also pay a price for this offensive stupidity.

Muslims around the world do not understand the U.S. Constitution and our freedom of religion in this country. Such an event would not be allowed in their country and they will not understand or accept the fact that President Barack Obama can’t just simply issue a decree to stop Pastor Jones and his ‘church’. It will be viewed as a deliberate act by Americans and by Christians.

Therefore the burning will be blamed on America in general and on Christians in particular.              *Top of the Blog

 

>>>Don't Miss an Update!**CLICK NOW**Get ANSWERS For The Faith by email<<<