Let's Start Small

Politicians will often try to get their name on some building project, Reagan Airport, Kennedy Space Center, etc. I'd like to propose Barack Obama Ct. here in Merced.

 

There are lots of unnamed streets in our unfinished developments full of half built houses that no one can afford to buy.

 

Besides, I think a cul du sac is a perfect picture. Once you go down it you find it doesn't lead anywhere and your only choice is to turn around and go back the way you came. 

 

 

The Problem with Book Burning

Florida pastor Terry Jones is set to burn a book that confirms Jesus as Messiah (Quran surah 3:45). A book that proclaims resurrection for followers of Jesus, s3:55. A book endorsing the entire message of the Old Testament and affirming the continuity of Jesus' preaching with those OT prophets s4:163; s5:46; s5:68. Surah 60:8 actually forbids violence against those not actively opposing Islam.

Of course there are real differences between biblical doctrine and the message of the Quran. Jesus of the Bible is uncreated and coeternal with the Father (John 1:1). The biblical Jesus really died on the cross (John 19:33,34) and has already been raised to life. Jesus in the Bible received worship as God (John 20:28) and proclaimed his equality with God (John 10:30). The Jesus of Quran is "son of Mary" and never "son of God," so I get why pastor wants to burn it. It is probably not for hateful things regarding infidels, but for what it says about Jesus. The most important question in the world is the one Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15,16) What do you think about Jesus? Was he a man only, or God only, half and half, or is he fully God and fully man? The answer, your answer, is very telling.

My point is that there are lines of truth buried in the Quran that would lead a serious student into contact with eternal truth about Jesus. The Quran endorses the message of the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospel. What is wanted is not burning but real reading of Quran and then the books Quran endorses. I am not liberal in many senses, but in this I am. I believe one who freely (liberally) reads and engages the texts will find the truth welling up within. Inshla