By Rod Benson
The international outcry over Florida pastor Terry Jones’ decision to burn copies of the Koran on the ninth anniversary of 9/11, to “send a message to al-Qaeda,” raises an interesting ethical question: How can those who defend the right to symbolically burn the US flag (or any national flag) logically object to the symbolic burning of the Muslim holy book?
Well, burning a flag is a political act, an expression of rebellion against an allegedly tyrannical government; whereas burning a holy book expresses contempt for the book’s ideas, and the religion it gives shape to, and the people who follow that religion. Burning a flag is symbolism; burning a book is censorship. Are there other more valid means to get the point across? What are the likely outcomes, and unintended consequences?
Burning a Koran is analogous to spiritual terrorism. We should do all we can, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone.
Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 12 September 2010. Image: Harry Potter book burning, 30 Dec 2000 (http://bit.ly/bCTwKL).
