By David C. Pack, Pastor General of The Restored Church of God

More pastors are coming out in support of a Florida pastor planning to burn Korans in a field with his tiny congregation. Others are angry but do not know what to do. Still others are simply confused.

Anyone who takes such action is not remotely following the teachings of Jesus Christ, who declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they [no one else] shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

In a longer statement, the apostle James amplified Jesus’ words: “If you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts…lie not against the truth [admit the problem]. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where…strife is, there is confusion and every evil work…the wisdom…from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated…and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:14-18).

Making peace is very hard to do. In fact, few things are more difficult. Realize that creating peace is only possible where peace is lacking. Rare are those who can take conditions of strife, or even war, and turn them to peace. What the Florida pastor is proposing is precisely the opposite of plain Bible teaching—taking (at least relatively) peaceful conditions and engendering strife, and possibly war!

Hold no illusions. Koran-burning—a grievous offense to Muslims and the entire world of Islam, as well as to almost all sensible people—is an overtly strife-creating, and even potentially war-making, act. Understand that this event is intended to be incendiary, and far beyond the flames that burn a few books. No matter the minister’s purpose, it is a strife-driven and devilish action.

So say Jesus Christ and James, inspired by God!

The apostle Paul explained what true Christians do: “If it be possible [not always the case], as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). King David recorded, “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). The apostle Peter reaffirmed David: “Let him [shun] evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (I Peter 3:11). This passage demonstrates that those who do not seek peace are in fact pursuing evil. True Christians know Koran-burning is an evil act! David made clear they should depart from—shun—get away from—such evil!

One should not—and should never!—be confused about whether those staging such “protests” have anything to do with true Christianity. People have already died because of the failed thinking of a man who may be sincere, but who is sincerely WRONG!

The true Jesus Christ of the Bible is working out a much greater Purpose on Earth than misguided leaders carrying out their own purpose in complete ignorance of His Master Plan for all mankind.

Religious deception will soon grow much worse in the name of Christ, beyond mere deceived “pastors” of tiny congregations dismissing Jesus’ plain words. When asked by His disciples, “What shall be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the world [the Greek means age]?” (Matthew 24:3), Jesus’ long answer—first describing false religion, war, famine, pestilence and earthquakes—also included this: “You shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another” (vs. 9-10).

Who can doubt that all of these things are being brought to bear on all who even profess Christianity by just this single demonstration?

So obviously misrepresenting and betraying true Christianity, the hostile, inflammatory action planned for September 11 by this “pastor” practically seeks to fulfill Jesus’ prophecy—while claiming to carry His authority. Jesus also warned in Matthew 24 that “Many shall come in My name [appearing to carry His authority], saying, I am Christ [that Christ is Christ]; and shall deceive many” (vs. 5).

Such ministers fulfill this verse.

They also invite a potential assault against the First Amendment and freedom of religion. Burning Korans because religious freedom permits it is akin to shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theater in the name of freedom of speech.

You may wish to read the following FREE booklet: How Religion Deceives You About Your Incredible Future. More serious readers will wish to study the book The True Jesus Christ – Unknown to Christianity and two other booklets: How World Peace Will Come! and War, Killing and the Military, to understand why both popular and unconventional approaches by religious leaders professing to act on God’s behalf all so terribly miss the mark in bringing the peace that all peoples and nations genuinely long for.

In Christ’s service,

David C. Pack