Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives: "Find where Islamic religious beliefs intersect with current events. Research a Western news source on the story and summarize the article fr..."

One of the most notorious current events that dealt with conflicting Islam religious beliefs occurred throughout the July and September of 2010. During these several months, there was much controversy surrounding Terry Jones’ announcement of hosting an “International Burn a Qur’an Day” from 6 P.M to 9 P.M on the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. A Christian pastor from the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, Jones hoped this day would remember the 9/11 victims and present a stand against Muslims. Deeming Islam as “a religion of the devil,” Jones, his family, his followers, and their families were determined to execute this day in protest against Islam. By creating a Facebook page, launching a YouTube channel, and selling mugs and t-shirts with the phrase, “Islam is of the Devil,” the Dove World Outreach Center wanted to promote the burning and invite other Christians.
Article link: http://articles.cnn.com/2010-07-29/us/florida.burn.quran.day_1_american-muslims-religion-cair-spokesman-ibrahim-hooper?_s=PM:US

On the other half of the world, hundreds of Afghan Muslims gathered to torch the United States’ flag as they chanted, “Death to the Christians!” in Afghanistan. With a total of 500-700 Muslims in protest to Jones’ plans of burning the Qu’ran, demonstrators at this event held up signs that read, “If Qu’ran is burned it would be beginning of destruction of America.” Likewise, many religious and political leaders from both hemispheres of the world such as Hilary Clinton and Manouchehr Mottaki have been constantly warning Jones of possible repercussions that may severely harm relations between the United States and other Islamic countries. However, Jones has remained firm on his decision.
Article link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100909/ap_on_re_as/quran_burning_reaction

Reading articles from both perspectives, I see many differences and just one similarity between the Western and Eastern views. To the Christians in America, Islam represents the Devil and is a deceptive and violent religion and burning the Qu’ran will rid the world of Islam. To the Muslims in Afghanistan, Islam is their religion and Jones is crazy to be burning such a holy and sacred document. What these two points of view have in common is the intensity and drive both Christians and Muslims have to take the other down. Despite the fact that Jones ended up cancelling his plans, I think this conflict will present more problems in the future between the two opposing sides.