The Koran: To Burn, Or Not To Burn?

In light of the present flap over a small church’s burning of some 200 copies of the Koran, those who know Christ would do well to reflect on the following words of Paul to the Corinthians:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)!

Just because we live in the flesh does not mean we battle in accordance with it. We must correctly identify the real enemy here, which in this case is spiritual, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but ... against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12). Rightly identifying the enemy is critical to mounting an effective assault. When engaged in a spiritual battle, Chuck-Norris-type tactics are inconsequential on the battlefield and will make about as much of an impression as a water pistol on a forest fire, or a meat tenderizer on an aircraft carrier!

By burning the Koran--or wanting to burn the Koran--this pastor evidences that he is fighting on the wrong battlefield using an outdated, antiquated arsenal. The Believer's weaponry is divinely provided and energized by the God of all grace. The best way to engage the enemy here is not through arson-rage, but through the collective of prayer and proclaiming the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation to the Jew first and then to the Greek--not to mention the Muslim!

In quoting Acts 19:19, Pastor Terry misquotes. As pagans came to Christ they in turn burned their own books and relics. It was not the Apostle Paul who started the conflagration of consecration here. It would be a bit different if Muslims who came to Christ were instigating such--though given the modern-day media it might not be wise to publicize such an event because of how it might affect others.

In the end, Pastor Terry, and all who agree with him, would do well to ponder the words of our Lord Himself who said just prior to His crucifixion, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered
up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." (John 18:36). Neither is ours!