Then What Is It to Swear by Allah with One's Hand on the Koran (Qur'an)?

"Swearing by the name of God implies a belief and acknowledgment of His omniscience, omnipotence, and justice; it follows, therefore, that to swear by any other besides Him, must be utterly unlawful, and no less than idolatry."

--Robert Shaw [1845], from An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith (Christian Focus Publications, 1992, p.237)



Question: Hmmm, then is it unlawful and idolatrous to take an oath with one's hand on the Koran?
Answer: YES

"In reaction to the news, conservative media pundit Dennis Prager criticized the decision in his November 28, 2006 column entitled 'America, not Keith Ellison, decides what book a Congressman takes his oath on.'" [Very interesting account of different books used in oath ceremonies in the United States. What a cacophanous mish-mash of gods and their law-standards.]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qur'an_oath_controversy_of_the_110th_United_States_Congress

Is it "America" which decides "what book" a Congressman takes his oath on?

"Instead of 'So Help me God,' Ellison, an African American and of Islamic faith, will pledge to uphold the Constitution of the United States ending with the phrase 'Allahhu Akbar' meaning God is Great in Arabic."
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/3587

Which god was declared to be great by this "representative" of the people? The Christian God? or the Muslim god?

"Before that time [1985], the law was called 'Administration of oath upon the Gospels'"
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,275266,00.html

Why was the oath law called that?

"The whole concept of having someone take an oath with his hand on a book is to have him swear against something he or she considers sacred. To a Christian or a Jew, that would be the Bible - to a Muslim, the Koran. Forcing a Muslim to take an oath with his or her hand on a Bible would make it meaningless, IMHO."
http://dimensionsmagazine.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-15512.html

Is "swearing against something he or she considers sacred" the whole concept of having someone take an oath with his hand on "a book"?


It's almost like one's standard reveals who or what one's god is. The history of this nation has been marked by political polytheism (adulterous idolatry). What does the future hold for this nation in God's providence, I wonder?

Hindu temple

On Peace, Cat Stevens, Islam, and the Worldviews of Songs

This afternoon, driving home from the morning meeting of the church, I was listening to the car radio. The classical music station I usually listen to went to commercial, so I turned to different stations. At one "classic rock" station, I heard a song beginning that had a "catchy" tune and rhythm, so I lingered to listen to the entire song.

It was "Peace Train" by Cat Stevens, or the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, now "Yusuf Islam," because the artist changed his name upon his conversion to Islam.

This is the same man who had a hit with the Christian hymn "Morning Has Broken."

Here are the lyrics of "Peace Train" (from allspirit.co.uk):

Now I've been happy lately,
thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be,
something good has begun

Oh I've been smiling lately,
dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be,
some day it's going to come

Cause out on the edge of darkness,
there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country,
come take me home again

Now I've been smiling lately,
thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be,
something good has begun

Oh peace train sounding louder
Glide on the peace train
Come on now peace train
Yes, peace train holy roller

Everyone jump upon the peace train
Come on now peace train

Get your bags together,
go bring your good friends too
Cause it's getting nearer,
it soon will be with you

Now come and join the living,
it's not so far from you
And it's getting nearer,
soon it will all be true

Now I've been crying lately,
thinking about the world as it is
Why must we go on hating,
why can't we live in bliss

Cause out on the edge of darkness,
there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country,
come take me home again

In Christianity, "peace" means forgiveness, unity (in Christ), and salvation (safe dwelling) in Christ, for God is the author and merciful giver of peace. It is a free offer to all who would believe in Christ for the sake of His atonement for their sin in death and His perfect life lived for their salvation.

In Islam, "peace" means a submission established by violence and with violence as a principle and way of life. It means, "surrender and you will be safe from our violence," or "surrender or you will face death at our hands." There is no forgiveness of sin, no atonement for sin, no peace with God and fellow men.

Under Islam, "the world as one" comes by force/external compulsion. To get on Islam's "peace train," will be to join the perishing in "darkness," not the "living."

"Why must we go on hating"? Because we are born wicked sinners, with wicked hearts, every one of us (James 4:1-3). Each of us needs to be given a new heart by the Holy Spirit, and our sin to be dealt with by One Who will act on our behalf, because we are poor and needy, helpless to atone for our own sin. "Bliss" is a gift that only the God of peace can bestow, and he does so freely:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Mt. 7:8)

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (Jn. 6:24)

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. (Lk. 6:20)

Jesus, the Christ, the Ark of God, the Prince of Peace, the King of Salem, the peace offering of God for man, and "peace train" for sinners, is the One Who gives His peace to all who believe on His name. Peace can only come from Him.

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Ex. 14:14)

And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will. (Lev. 19:5)

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Ps. 4:8)

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. (Ps. 28:3)

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. (Ps. 29:11)

I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. (Ps. 85:8-13)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Is. 9:6)

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee...LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. (Is. 26:3,12)

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (Is.32:17)

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea...There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. (Is. 48:18,22)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (Is. 52:7)

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Is. 53:5)

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. (Is. 54:10-14)

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (Jn. 14:27)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (Jn. 16:33)

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (Acts. 10:36)

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 1:7)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Rom. 5:1-2)

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom. 10:15)

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Rom. 15:3)

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Cor. 14:33)

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Cor. 13:11)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Eph. 2:8-25, emphasis added)

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Col. 1:20)

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thess. 3:16)

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)

Listen to Kevin Swanson's radio show with guest James Jacobson of Christian Freedom International:

Persecution at the Hands of the "Religion of Peace" on SermonAudio or on Mr. Swanson's web site

Theonomy Resources: On Burning Books and Demolishing Idols

Awesome post over on Theonomy Resources on the irrational evil of pluralism (despite the "good intentions" of many, many of the proponents of pluralism).

Updated 10/12/10 to add: All the posts in this series are great! Be sure to read them all!

Part 1 (also linked above)
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

WSJ: Burqa Is Banned In France

On today's Wall Street Journal front page (U.S. print edition) is an article about the burqa being banned in France. This was not on the front page of the European online edition, but it did make it to the top of the European section (tab).

Right next to that article is another article about the release of an American hiker after 13 months in an Iranian prison when her mother paid $500,000 "bail" (ransom). Extortion is the Islamic way. Is that the Christian way? If not, we Christians must reject pluralism and the "tolerance" of evil.

Before I give you some highlights from the article, let me ask a question: Is this about burqa, minarets, or immigration? Or is this about the failure of "tolerance" and "religious pluralism" and the myth of neutrality in the face of an uncompromising evil?

Some highlights from the "Burqa Is Banned in France" article:

"France risked the wrath of the Islamic world on Tuesday by banning burqas and other full-body robes worn by some Muslim women, in a long-debated move that shows the depth of concern of the rise of Muslim culture in Europe."

"The vote...came as a number of European countries are trying to figure out how to reconcile the values of modern Europe with more assertive expressions of Islamic faith."

"Switzerland, for example, banned the construction of minarets..."

"In Sweden, long known as one of Europe's most tolerant societies, an anti-immigrant party that has called for Swedish Muslims to integrate more is expected to win its first Parliamentary seat in this weekend's elections."

"France is facing criticism of its tolerance on other fronts...for its campaign to deport Gypsies..."

Reformed Baptist Fellowship: The Qur’an in the Light of God-breathed Scripture: Shirk, Surah 4:48

A very interesting post by James White on Reformed Baptist Fellowship: The Qur’an in the Light of God-breathed Scripture: Shirk, Surah 4:48.

As I've recently posted about how to evangelize a Muslim, this is very relevant. I appreciate his sum up of the monotheism of Christianity, and how best to present the doctrine of the Trinity to a Muslim:

"It is not that God “needs” a Son, as the Qur’an mistakenly says. It is that God has eternally existed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to deny this revelation of God by accepting a lesser view of God that comes from a later self-proclaimed Scripture is to dishonor the testimony God has given of the Son."

How Can We Evangelize the Muslims?

In an earlier post, I suggested that the Christian response to Muslim threats and extortion should be to love them by 1) giving them the gospel and discipling them in Christ, and 2) by restraining their civil evil in the civil sphere by God's law exercised by the State (civil magistrate).

It's important to emphasize that the Christians' weapons of warfare, in terms of changing hearts, are not physical or material, but spiritual in nature (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Our way as Christians is not the Muslim way of "conversion by the sword"--threats, violence, oppression, and extortion. Christians understand that a heart change, repentence and regeneration, cannot be worked or performed by outward acts of the law, by "penitentiaries," or by force, or by violence. While civil laws and the State, if they are covenantally obedient to God's law, will restrain outward evil in society, they are powerless to effect a change of heart.

One primary way to love the Muslim people, as with all other unbelievers, is to evangelize and disciple them (Psalm 40:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 16:25-27. We cannot allow this evil to continue; we must evangelize every Muslim in the world, that God will call His own out of that religion of darkness into His light, and take their stony hearts from them and give them hearts of flesh, by His Spirit, through the Word (Ezek. 11:19; Ezek. 36:26; 2 Cor. 3:3; Rom. 10:17).

It's important to understand their religion/ideology, how that works out into their culture, and therefore, how to best reach them with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. I list a few resources below that I hope will be of assistance to you.

In all the stories of Muslim conversions to Christianity that I have heard, it is done by 1) witness of the gospel in worked out in Christians' lives--the love, the high standard of Biblical morality, the warm hospitality shown to Muslims when they are invited to visit a meeting of a Biblical church or to visit the home of a godly Christian family; and 2) the word of God graciously shared.

Muslims believe that Islam is an extension of the (corrupted, they believe) revelations of the Pentateuch, the Psalms, and the gospels of Jesus. Many are very curious about Jesus and His teachings; however, never contrast Jesus favorably with Mohammad. It may be best to never mention Mohammad in your own conversation, though the Muslim may talk about Mohammad. Don't worry, the Holy Spirit will bless the Word of God, even apart from and void of our clever arguments about how true Christianity is and how false Islam is. (We Christians must be clear in our own minds, however, that Christianity is true and Islam is false.) If God works, then the Muslim's heart will be regenerated by His Word and Spirit.

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [GD: The Lord has delegated His earthly vengeance in some evils to the civil authority as His representative and minister, see the very next passage, Romans 13:1-5; therefore, this instruction is to Christians who are not acting in the capacity of civil magistrate.] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:17-21,see also Prov. 25:21-22)"

More Resources:
* A Christian's Evangelistic Pocket Guide to Islam by Malcolm Steer
* Books and videos from Daniel Shayesteh, http://www.escapefromdarkness.org/
* Goëkson Cik, in Europe where the darkness is spreading, is courageously working to bring the gospel to the European Muslims. Here is an interview (for iTunes) by Gary DeMar with Cik (number 34, "Evangelism or Cannibalism").
* Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is a Christian organization that seeks to bring relief and the gospel to persecuted Christians around the world, including Muslim persecution. They give updates on Muslim attacks on Christians throughout the world. You can help by giving to this organization.
* The Persecution Project specifically aids Christians persecuted by Muslims in the Sudan.
* As I've mentioned before, Jihad Watch gives news and updates on Muslim attacks and threats around the world. (As we know, Muslims don't only attack Christians; they also attack Hindus, Jews, humanists, and other Muslims.)
* a YouTube video of a UK documentary about the persecution of ex-Muslim Christians in the UK.
* YouTube's Muslims4Jesus Channel

If you have other resources that have assisted you in your witness and evangelization of Muslims, or that you have heard as being a blessing to other brethren as they labor in this mission field, please name the resources in a comment.

"Victory Mosque" at Ground Zero

Today marks the 9th anniversary of the Islamic terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001.

And today around the U.S. there will be protests against the proposed "victory mosque" at Ground Zero in NYC.

We Christians need to understand that the Muslims are talking "peace" and ecumenical brotherhood, pleading pluralism, because they are not yet in positions of power. Though they've obviously become more bold since the election of Mr. Obama to the U.S. Presidency.

This is how they worked when taking over Europe. Now they are the majority there, and the Muslim terrorism, threat, murders, tortures, and extortions are a way of life now for all who will not honor Islam, Muhammed, and the Koran.

From its inception in AD 600 to now, the Islamic way is "conversion by the sword." Opposite to Christianity and our Lord Jesus Christ, whose ways are pleasant and whose paths are peace (Prov. 3:17).

We MUST stand against Islam NOW, when they are in the minority in this country. The current placation, accomodation, and fearful pluralism advocated by prominent Christians and the humanist media is not the Christian, or even the pragmatic, response now.

Now is the time to reject pluralism and Islam definitively. Now is the time to be the Church Militant, not the "church wimpitant."

P.S. I am not a Zionist Christian. This isn't about eschatology. It's about standing, as followers of Christ, against evil, terrorism, oppression, and all who would oppose the Lord Jesus Christ.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Is. 5:20)

They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. (Is. 59:5-8)

Track the Growing Threat of Islam

Track the growing threat of Islam at Jihad Watch, and contend with Islam at every point. We must not let Muslims get a foothold in the the U.S., as they did in Europe and are now taking over Europe.

Don't be so neutral and pluralistic, that you become unable to distinguish right from wrong.

Burning Korans (Qurans) on 9/11/2010 ?

By now you've probably heard about the plans to build a mosque on the 9/11 Ground Zero site, and how pastor Terry Jones and his little church in Gainesville, FL, planned to burn Korans on 9/11 in protest of the mosque and the offensiveness of the planned building site.

Then after calls and visits from government officials, a televised speech by Mr. Obama, Muslim death threats for the pastor and for U.S. soldiers in Muslim countries; and after meeting with a Florida imam, during which the imam said they would relocate the planned mosque, the pastor called off the Koran-burning event.

Now it's come to light that the plans to build the mosque on the 9/11 site are continuing, despite Trump offering to buy the development site. I guess the imam lied.

AFA's OneNewsNow has reported on this news, and as always, has an interesting take on these developments. They have a story/commentary regarding the "hypocrisy" of the U.S. government in condemning the Koran burning, although the U.S. military burned Bibles last year in Afghanistan.

A few thoughts I have about this story, so I can wrap up this post and retire for the night:

1) Planning to build a mosque on the site of the Islamic terrorist attacks is offensive, deliberately provocative, and a gloatingly evil thing to do. What are they going to do? Have the grand opening September 11, 2011? Arrogant wickedness.

2) People are concerned that our U.S. military might be killed by Muslim terrorists if Christians burn Korans in Florida. Isn't the U.S. involved in a war in Muslim territory? Aren't our U.S. servicemen's lives in danger right now? Aren't Muslims out to kill U.S. servicemen right now? Aren't we at war, at least in part, because of the attacks of 9/11/2001? If you're so worried about their lives, Mr. Obama, then why don't you bring them home, like you campaign-promised you would two years ago? I guess Mr. Obama lied.

3) The Islamic Allah is a false god, and the Koran is not holy. It is unholy and demonically-inspired.It is good to destroy evil books, for they propogate evil ideas and evil acts (Matthew 15:19; Acts 19:18-20) Like all people who have not been regenerated by the Holy Spirit for the sake of Jesus Christ in the plan of the Father from all eternity, Muslims are under sin's dominion. They need the gospel, and it's Christians' duty to love their enemies by giving them the gospel. It is also Christians' duty to love their enemies and their brethren by restraining evil in the socio-political sphere. Extortion, such as threatening and plotting to kill people if copies of the Koran are burned, is evil in Jehovah's sight and, I think, still illegal (so far).

4) The U.S. government is not being hypocritical by condemning the Koran burning, while ordering the Bible burning. It's being ANTI-CHRISTIAN. They are anti-Christian, and they are acting in conformity with those anti-Christian beliefs; there's nothing hypocritical about it. Notice why the pietistic Christians think it's "hypocritical," though? Because the pietistic Christians believe in the myth of pluralism/neutrality. Are the AFA people saying they would be happy with anti-Christian practices, as long as anti-Islam practices are allowed, too? Is that their "principle" they want to stand for?

5) The myth of pluralism/neutrality is being exploded before our eyes (yet AGAIN). Oh Lord, please let the Christians understand that neutrality is a myth, the way the Muslims understand so well. They know how to manipulate the language of it, though; check out the WSJ article, "religious freedom and diversity." Hah! They know what the pietistic Christians and humanists will fall for!

(Note to Christians: Non-Christians are not morally opposed to bearing false witness. Another note to Christians: A person cannot lie about something and not lie about that same thing at the same time. Note 3 to Christians: Pluralism is a myth and breaks the law of non-contradiction. Note 4 to Christians: Wake up! And I say that with love, yet urgency.)

6) Appeasing insanely evil people is a mistake. Evil extortionist murderers do not get to control our actions. If we give into them, instead of restraining their evil, as best we can within our sphere of delegated biblical authority, we will become their servants and be abused by them, and they will become stronger and even bolder.

7) Hey, good on Trump! New Yorkers with even an ounce of the work of God's law on their hearts (Rom. 2:14-16) must be sick about this thumb-nosing mosque at the site of their city's devastation at the hands of Muslim terrorists. It's obviously gone beyond mere economics for the Marxist Muslims, though; they're single-mindedly, and un-neutrally, committed to their ideology at all costs.

8) Christians should repent of our sins, including our national sins, including for promoting and preaching "neutrality" instead of the crown rights of King Jesus Christ, who is the risen and ascended King of kings, and pray for forgiveness that God would not bring judgment on our nation or "appoint terror" (Lev. 26:15-17) over us through wicked idolators (Dan. 9:13-15).

9) We shouldn't feel sorry for or pity (Deut. 19:13; Deut. 19:21) the Muslims for the "threat" of having some copies of the Koran burned in protest of their murder and approval of murderers and then flaunting the murder with the building of a mosque on the scene of the atrocity. I think it was the WSJ that sympathetically murmured about how "vulnerable" the Muslims feel because of the possibility of a Koran-burning event. Which would make someone really feel vulnerable in reality--a "threat" of your "holy" book being burned in a distant state, or death threats from insane jihadists who know where you live and go to church?

10) This is probably the most courage I've seen U.S. Christians display in quite awhile. I'll be praying for this pastor and congregation in Florida. That God will be with them and give them strength and the wisdom to do the right thing.

Thou shalt not kill. (Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17)

My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. (Psalm 7:10-17)

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. (Psalm 37:10-15)

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. (Prov. 8:13)

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.(Prov. 28:4)

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (Matt. 12:30)

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Cor. 6:9-11)

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11)

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Pet. 3:12-16)

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. (1 Tim. 1:8-11)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 Jn. 4:1-3)

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:3-4)