Pastor Plans Koran-Burning Bonfire
Pastor Terry Jones has proposed Sept. 11, 2010 as "Burn a Koran Day." The controversial Florida-based preacher has called on people from all over the world to incinerate copies of the holiest text of Islam. The proposed event has prompted widespread condemnation from groups ranging from the Vatican to top NATO officals. General Patraeus, the U.S. Commander in Afghanistan, is outraged at the proposed stunt. "It puts our soldiers in jeopardy," he said. Jones said that his parishioners will continue "to pray" on whether they would follow through with the book burning, but it seems Jones is intent on following through. Tonight on Nightline, Terry Moran speaks with the incendiary pastor who calls Islam "of the devil" about why he is planning the bonfire and if his conscience has given him any second thoughts. What do you think? Are the pastor's actions dangerous for America?
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This isn’t about religion – This is about one man and his greed.
Terry Jones is grabbing world headlines because of this, and it is clearly nothing more than a PR stunt in line with the lauch of his new book “Islam is of the Devil”.
Why are you promoting this man? If you are going to report, at least do some research to find out what is really behind the news.
Posted by: J B | September 7, 2010, 7:19 pm 7:19 pm
Somebody needstostop this stupid basted from doing this. Beside the fact the he will be risking his life, he will also be risking the safety of our country as well. We need to respect all religions and treat everyone the way we would like to be treated. This idiot needs to be stopped.
Posted by: Basel Tarabein | September 8, 2010, 12:16 am 12:16 am
I remember another Pastor whose name was Jones. His words lead to the death of his followers.
If a member of their church was fighting for our freedom right now would they put him in harms way by burning a book?
If the Karan means nothing to you why would you burn it? To promote hatred?
Posted by: Becky | September 8, 2010, 12:35 am 12:35 am
Someone needs to wake this country up to the overall plan of the muslims, they are a gov’t disguised as a religion with one goal in mind, over throw Israel and the USA. Why isn’t the world coming to the Christians defense when they Burn our Bible and behead our soldiers or anyone else who will not submit to their beliefs. Burning an idol of a book as the Koran that teaches its followers to kill us is not the problem. Complacentcy in this country for everyones opinion of free speech except for the Christian faith. I don’t know if this is the way to wake up America, but it is at least one way. WAKE UP AMERICA U ARE BEING DEFEATED FROM WITHIN!~!
Posted by: Randall Lechner | September 8, 2010, 12:47 am 12:47 am
Please God, stop this man from the insanity. Don’t we have enough war, death and suffering in the name of religion. Let’s not stoke the fire–”live and let live”. Why can this not be stopped when I can be stopped from driving a car without a seatbelt, putting myself, alone, at risk. Where will it all end?
Posted by: Claire | September 8, 2010, 12:53 am 12:53 am
I was in the Navy Medical Corp during the Viet Nam War seeing many war injuries. We do not need to give any encouragement to an enemy with strange ideas about the world. Burning a paper book does not do anything constructive and only inflames the enemy. Think about our men and women over there in a difficult situation that you will make more dangerous for them. Have you ever been in the military? You need to be there to see the death and injuries or care for them when they come back to the states. I doubt you have! You need to forget this idea of burning this piece of nothing of meaning. If you want to do something useful, join the Army and put your body where your mouth is! Don’t do something to harm our people doing the job for you
Posted by: Larry willis | September 8, 2010, 1:03 am 1:03 am
Muslims are the children of Ismael, son of Hadoc and Abraham,.. before Issac AKA Isreal was born. The bible follows the Isreal account, The Koran follows the Ismael account. “Allah” means God. Christians found salvation through Jesus Christ. GOD has a different plan for all groups of people. Therefore… Burning the Koran IS burning the word of God, which was assigned to the muslims. The pastor is about to misunderstandingly get on God’s bad side. He doesn’t even know it. PRIDE.
Posted by: tony | September 8, 2010, 1:50 am 1:50 am
Let’s really see where U.S. leadership and logic lead…
“(Homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender behavior) are considered a major offense in the Islamic community — and would jeopardize U.S. military efforts.”
“Images of (U.S. Servicemembers allowed to openly represent these unnatural and immoral behaviors condemned by Islam) would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan — and around the world — to inflame public opinion and incite violence,”
“Were (a Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal) to actually take place, the safety of our soldiers and civilians (operating throughout Islamic countries) would be put in jeopardy and accomplishment of the mission would be made more difficult.”
Surely allowing the gay community to openly serve in the U.S. Military would also create greater incentive for radical Muslim fighters to desire purging infidels off their holy lands through the crosshairs of rifles.
As much as the Koran burning proposal is clearly wrong, our Administration’s and DoD’s leadership judgment regarding the best safety for our servicemembers in combat is disingenuous and twisted as well.
Posted by: LeadOn | September 8, 2010, 2:04 am 2:04 am
I say burn every koran in the world and any other literature that has anything to do with Islam.
Destroy all mosques like the muslims destroyed the buddhist monastaries in India 600 years ago.
They all Evil and dangerous and want to take over the world.
Posted by: paul | September 8, 2010, 2:07 am 2:07 am
Why is it that so many Americans are so full of hate? Perhaps it’s because we have gotten away from the principal values of having love and compassion for each other. People had rather destroy that which they don’t understand rather than just let it be,somewhere down the road it will straighten it self out, (if you believe in righteousness). Rather than be angry at our leaders just pray for them. After all they are only people just as you are. Anger and violence will only be multiplied tenfold. If Pastor Jones, really would like to destroy something evil, he should be burning those sinful Rap CD’s and DVD’s, then he would be doing something useful.
Posted by: leroy Johnson | September 8, 2010, 4:04 am 4:04 am
Just as we have a wide range of comments concerning this act we also share the right to speak out as we please as long as it does no harm to others. The pastor has the inalienable right to light up as many Korans as he likes. While many view this act as deeply offensive, I was deeply offended by 9/11 and I feel no need to appease Islam. As Chamberlain learned in the days preceding WWII, appeasing your enemy is not a policy that leads to peace.
Posted by: lightemupforliberty | September 8, 2010, 5:47 am 5:47 am
I like a friend’s three-word response to Pastor Jones’proposed Koran-burning: water baloon brigade. Any volunteers?
Posted by: Theo Williams | September 8, 2010, 6:16 am 6:16 am
No. It is not dangerous for America. It is free speech and that needs to stand above this petty controversy.
Posted by: Proud Native American and Angry Independent Voter | September 8, 2010, 7:08 am 7:08 am
This man needs to realize he is putting his life, and many americans life in danger. I am against islam, but burning their holy book is not the way. Please, this day is about remembering the men and women who lost their lives in those attacks. Do not sink to their level and try to insult them in some way, at least not on this day.
Posted by: Jordan | September 8, 2010, 7:37 am 7:37 am
I think this feller is a little bit out there! However, he has the right to do as he pleases. So, now its not about the koran. If “WE” back off and bow down to the muslems…then what? We’re too worried now days about getting under someone elses skin. This is a free country! Or did they change that and forget to tell us? If they want this guy to go away… ignore him.
Posted by: Regina | September 8, 2010, 8:23 am 8:23 am
any resulting american blood will be on his hands. good luck living with that, padre.
Posted by: mc | September 8, 2010, 9:33 am 9:33 am
Nominate this man for Presidency! He has the right profile for an American President.
Posted by: DEVONECO | September 8, 2010, 10:26 am 10:26 am
despite being an athiest, in my view this is just plain stupidity, buring the Koran or bible or the jewish books cant benefit anyone, at the end of the day it just promotes hatred between humans of all religions. I think the government has to step inn
Posted by: George london | September 8, 2010, 11:02 am 11:02 am
I couldn’t disagree more with what the Pastor is doing and how he is going about enforcing his point of view towards Islam, but an act like this could start some major problems for America and our troops abroad. But then again, this could be an act of God himself. To punish and pass judgement on such a corrupt nation. These are just times that can’t be ignored. We know that the times are at hand. The bible is proof of that. Why can’t we just all get along? Whatever happened to love?
Posted by: Talkitout Knuws | September 8, 2010, 11:26 am 11:26 am
What is he thinking? And why would he do this? His local sheriff needs to step in and do something before he does something stupid. Seriously.
Posted by: Talkitout Knuws | September 8, 2010, 11:28 am 11:28 am
When i first read the Koran,i was filled with astonishment how so many right thinking people could believe in so much hate mongering.its stories are as a falsification of some christian/Judaistic stories to make it look like genuine religion similar to the two genuine ones. its text is devilish and if allah represents that mohammedan spirit,then iam afraid it is not the right God the father but the DEVIL itself speaking to his false prophet Mohammed.
Posted by: Manman | September 8, 2010, 11:38 am 11:38 am
Grow up people and be real Americans. Anyone who wants to burn their copy of the Koran has a free right to do so in this county. If he is sorry that he burned it later, he can go buy another copy. Otherwise, he has cleared his house of some debris. The content of the Koran does not go away just because some copies of it get burned.
Remember when the people of this country were burning Beatles records? They cleared their houses of debris. If they decided later they wanted to hear the Beatles again, they bought new copies of the records. Burning a few copies did not destroy the content. More copies were made.
So, why is there any issue here? If the pastor wants to burn books and roast marsh-mellows on the flames, let him. If people have copies of the Koran that they do not want anymore, let them toss them on the fire or in a dumpster or whatever. Grow up, people. Let Americans practice the freedoms that we are supposed to have in this country.
Muslim resistance to this burning day is clear evidence of their anti-American disrespect for the laws of this country.
Posted by: Proud Native American and Angry Independent Voter | September 8, 2010, 1:39 pm 1:39 pm
ATTN ALL MEDIA OUTLETS: STOP GIVING THIS GUY ATTENTION. He does not reflect the opinions/actions of most Americans. I am a Christian but I do not condon ANYONE putting down another religion just because it’s different. Christians have a not so rosy history with the marches across Europe, also don’t we send missionaries into countries that already have another religion. There is nothing in the bible that says Christians are on a higher pedestal than others!
Posted by: JR | September 8, 2010, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
From the Koran—Muhsin Khan
The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace , not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians).
Some Religion!
Posted by: Ken Jaros | September 8, 2010, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
I think you read this wrong—this passage is against Judaism and Christianity. You have bestowed your grace ONLY on Islam.
Posted by: Ken Jaros | September 8, 2010, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm
This is a fake blog site. They only publish what they want people to see and that’s only good things about islam.
Posted by: Lucille Earl | September 8, 2010, 5:22 pm 5:22 pm
if the American approves the burning of Quran, they will be hated harmed and even killed not just abroad but within America. If they back off from such an idiotic and Nazi like act, that will show American tolerance, their patience and will gain respect in the whole world.
Posted by: essa | September 8, 2010, 6:19 pm 6:19 pm
if you can get your own quran (koran) then dont look at what others do with theirs. read the wisdom and worship your lord. because when others will astray, you will lose focus on the heavenly glory above your head. ~ im saying “the pastor makes fools of his people and they obey him because they dont know better”.
Posted by: not muslim | September 8, 2010, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm
General Pateros has already said burning the Koran will put our fine brave men and women wearing the uniform of the United States Military at risk. I think if Preacher Terry Jones and any of his followers go through with burning of the Koran, the military should have a C-130 ready to pick them up and take them on a vacation to Afghanistan to face the Muslins who will be totally offended and hurt by their actions. They will reap what they sow and not our service personnel.
Posted by: Charles Rambo | September 9, 2010, 1:16 am 1:16 am
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear;
If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear;
Where’er ye meet with evil, within you or without,
Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, each soldier to his post,
Close up the broken column, and shout through all the host:
Make good the loss so heavy, in those that still remain,
And prove to all around you that death itself is gain.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.
George Duffield, Jr
CRUSADERS! GET READY….
Posted by: JJ Chors | September 9, 2010, 5:03 am 5:03 am
I truly believe this Terry Jones is not a real “pastor”, he’s just looking for power. Now he has the whole country and world watching to see what he is going to do. We live in a country where we believe in freedom of speech and he can express himself in such a way. He’s not doing it for God or the United States. He’s going to cause the United States and our soldiers pain and suffering and I’m sure he’ll end up causing us all pain and suffering because of his stupid idea. At least it is disorderly conduct because he’e doing it to cause a disturbance. On person said the Sheriff should step in and stop him, I however think that will only delay this, it’s better that he back down, he’s already proven his point with all the media coverage.
Posted by: Dennis Smith | September 9, 2010, 8:12 am 8:12 am
Propaganda is a “weapon of warfare”
The Marines (WWII) did sever the heads of dead Japanese soldiers and stake them upon bamboo poles to instill fear and demoralize the enemy on one of the Pacific islands.
If we can hit the enemy where it hurts, we should be getting after it. I wonder how this issue would poll if a WMD is deployed on U.S. soil!
BTW…The media is giving this story legs.
Posted by: Brutus | September 9, 2010, 9:35 am 9:35 am
I for one, would like to see comment from active service personnel on this issue.
** ALL military **
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE U.S.A.
Posted by: Brutus | September 9, 2010, 9:52 am 9:52 am
THIS PERSON IS PUTTING ALOT OF LIVES IN DANGER IF HE DOES THIS PUBLICALLY. OUR MILITARY TROUP ARE AND WILL BE AT GREAT RISK ALONG WITH OUR COUNTRY. IF HE FEELS THE NEED TO BURN SOMETHING, LET HIM DO IT, BUT DO NOT BROADCAST IT!! IT WILL CAUSE US ALL DANGER!! FREEDOM YES, IN HIS OWN BACK YARD!! DO NOT GIVE HIM THE SATISFATION OF BEING ON TV, RADIO OR ONLINE FOR IT…PLEASE PLEASE LET IT GO, OR 911 WILL BE THE LEAST OF OUR WORRIES…
Posted by: STEPHANIE | September 10, 2010, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm
Islam has been burning flags and bibles for years , not to mention killing innocent people. Quit worrying about a guy burning a book and worry about these crazy idiots that are trying to get in our country and build mosques as trophys over our dead americans. If you dont like this country ,get out!
Posted by: S.W. | September 12, 2010, 9:35 pm 9:35 pm