Burning of the Koran

Last week, an American pastor burnt the Koran  -  and now some muslims respond with violence.

To the American pastor I would like to say: God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17). God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation  -  not condemnation (2nd Corinthians 5:18-19). Burning the Koran is not according to a reconciled behaviour. We are ambassadors for Christ. We are supposed to tell all people to be reconciled to God. (2nd Corinthians 5:20). Paul was showing respect to people's religion when he approached them. It is not at all respectful to burn the Koran!

To the muslims with violent behaviour I would like to say: The lack of respect showed to you and to your religion by the American pastor should not be answered by more lack of respect. To kill people is far from being a respectful reaction. Many muslims claim that your religion does not allow you to kill other people. So why do you give more food to the discussions in the west, whether or not it is correct that Islam is a peaceful religion? Killing western people and burning flags of western countries do not apply to a peaceful religion. If you expect respect for your religion, you need to respect non-muslim people's religion.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I bless you  -  all you Christians and all you Muslims; and all you people of other religions.