Image via WikipediaI found myself investigating the very core of my values when I heard about the pastor in Florida who is advocating an international day of burning the Quran. At first I felt a strong disapproval, then slid into a feeling of agreement. I started to feel as if "they" feel "they" can burn our flag, our Bibles, our books, why are "they " so upset about burning theirs? Isn't this about equal treatment? You disrespect me, I disrespect you! But wait! Isn't our culture one which sets us apart from others? Isn't our tolerance for your belief and for you to practice your religious beliefs a value which sets us apart? Isn't it also our intolerance to actions which damage or cause injury to others as they practice their religion make us who we are? I believe it is. I believe our core values are the ones which set us apart from others. I think the majority of us believe anyone is entitled to observe their faith and religion as they wish as long as it does not cause any type of harm to anyone else. Alexis de Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America published in 1835, saw in America a balance of liberty and equality for individuals as well as community. He observed the notion of Christianity and liberty so intimate in our lives that one cannot be conceived without the other. He stated America is one of the freest and most enlightened nations in the world. He stated this in 1835! Burning books is not the answer. We Americas have a high tolerance for many people and many beliefs. We voice our disgust and anger at flag burnings and destruction of religious artifacts. However, we don't join into that type of barbaric and uncivilized behavior. Its what makes us who we are. Its what makes us Americans. Its what puts us above the fray. Book burning is not the answer and past history has proven this fact.
Image via WikipediaI found myself investigating the very core of my values when I heard about the pastor in Florida who is advocating an international day of burning the Quran. At first I felt a strong disapproval, then slid into a feeling of agreement. I started to feel as if "they" feel "they" can burn our flag, our Bibles, our books, why are "they " so upset about burning theirs? Isn't this about equal treatment? You disrespect me, I disrespect you! But wait! Isn't our culture one which sets us apart from others? Isn't our tolerance for your belief and for you to practice your religious beliefs a value which sets us apart? Isn't it also our intolerance to actions which damage or cause injury to others as they practice their religion make us who we are? I believe it is. I believe our core values are the ones which set us apart from others. I think the majority of us believe anyone is entitled to observe their faith and religion as they wish as long as it does not cause any type of harm to anyone else. Alexis de Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America published in 1835, saw in America a balance of liberty and equality for individuals as well as community. He observed the notion of Christianity and liberty so intimate in our lives that one cannot be conceived without the other. He stated America is one of the freest and most enlightened nations in the world. He stated this in 1835! Burning books is not the answer. We Americas have a high tolerance for many people and many beliefs. We voice our disgust and anger at flag burnings and destruction of religious artifacts. However, we don't join into that type of barbaric and uncivilized behavior. Its what makes us who we are. Its what makes us Americans. Its what puts us above the fray. Book burning is not the answer and past history has proven this fact.
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