SHAME ON YOU PASTOR TERRY JONES

Good afternoon!

Let me first begin by apologizing for my lack of input in the blogsphere. The last week has been really hectic for me, with dozens of assignments to hand in along with revising for my end of semester exams. The Internet connection too wasn't on my side.

As i browsed through websites to get in touch with the outside world, i came across what i must say is a sickening article. I have nothing against the reporter, but everything against event being covered.

"Church plans Quran-burning event" by Lauren Russell, posted on the 31st of July, 2010 on CNN.

The article revolves around the portrayal of "Islam is of the devil". In this article, i picked up two unspeakable quotes by Pastor Terry Jones.

"We believe that Islam is of the devil, that it's causing billions of people to go to hell, it is a deceptive religion, it is a violent religion and that is proven many, many times."

"I mean ask yourself, have you ever really seen a really happy Muslim? As they're on the way to Mecca? As they gather together in the mosque on the floor? Does it look like a real religion of joy?"

What is even more disappointing is that it comes from a Pastor of a Church- a title depicted by in-depth knowledge on religion, humble, peaceful and righteous individual.

The comments he made about Islam as a religion are shocking and offending to all Muslims. The naivety and ignorance of the Pastor is highlighted, along with his total disrespect to a religion followed by millions of poeple.

The core of this issue is tied down to the September 11 attacks on America. Even since, Islam as a religion has been scrutinized by many.

Why are we being singled out as terrorists? Why then are Muslims subjected to thorough investigations upon an act of terrorism being carried out?

Let me draw some similarities between Christianity and Islam.

They both have Religious scripts that are followed by millions of believers.

Just like Christianity, Islam has also split into sects depending on different beliefs and interpretations of their respective Scripts.

Both religions are connected together through the time of one Prophet, Jesus as the Christians call him. However, their beliefs split when the Muslims believed that the man on the cross wasn't the prophet, and that he had ascended to the Heavens, where as Christians believed that indeed Jesus was crucified.

Both religions have their do's and don'ts.

These few yet significant similarities suggests that both religions come from one religion a long time ago, before their beliefs split.

There is no right or wrong religion-everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. We must also respect each other irrespective of their beliefs, and must not undermine each other as we dive into discussions pertaining to segregation rather than integration.

Just because some Muslims have been involved in crimes, that does not give society the right to criticize his religious beliefs, branding it "devil". Some people have different interpretations of their Holy scripts. It comes down to the Religious books and how an individual interprets it. Criticizing the interpretation, though hurtful, is much better than criticizing the Religious book and its history.

Freedom of worship is highly recommended, and can be augmented by withdrawing from hate-speech against religions.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my disappointment in the Pastor for his comments, as well as his disrespectful act of holding such an event. Muslims and Christians too are deeply disappointed at the act of ignorance portrayed.