On Burning The Koran

"Dove World Outreach Center" doesn't sound like the name of a hate group, but it evidently is.  They have announced that September 11, 2010 is "Burn A Koran Day."  They plan to do just that.

• Despite the fact that it will likely inflame passions around the world.
• Despite the fact that it will likely endanger American Troops (and others)
• Despite the fact that they can't get a permit from the fire department

I suppose that if burning a Koran was vitally important to their mission of "world outreach" they could justify breaking the law and costing some people their lives.  But it is hard for me to see what kind of outreach they hope to accomplish.  Is their message really, "We hate you?"  What kind of outreach is that?

I think that instead of spending time burning Korans the folks at the "Dove World Outreach Center" should spend some time reading their Bibles.  In particular they should read the following passages.

(Matthew 5:43–48) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

AND

(Romans 12:18–21) If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.