Communication... Hmm...

     Communication is an interesting phenomenon. How would we ever get along without it? For example, how would I even express my thoughts on communication apart from communication? This occurred to me when I was pondering the power of words. More specifically, the power to create with words. Whether it be the beginning of a process through verbal command or the distinct change in emotion that may arise at the sound of a kind word. Words are powerful. Even more so, communication is powerful. After all, feelings of anger and/or sadness through visual communications of war. Here are some thoughts regarding the power of communication...

     Communication is interesting owing to the requirement of two beings in order for it to succeed. The old saying concerning the sound of a falling tree in a forest without human presence comes to mind. Perhaps a more relevant illustration is needed. Let's say that there is a man in an abandoned town. He writes his thoughts on walls and even goes so far as to create a message with rocks on the outskirts of town in case an aircraft passes overhead. However, his efforts do not become communication without someone seeing and understanding what he has written. Again, communication goes beyond mere words.

     Communication is also interesting with regards to thoughts and creation. All of us think. However, our thoughts go nowhere without communication. Let's look at another hypothetical example. A U.N. representative visits a small region suffering from genocide at the hands of a dictator. She thinks about the situation. Her thoughts record the sightings of mass graves and she explores in her mind her moral obligation to end the evil acts. However, nothing will happen unless she communicates her thoughts to another. If she is the only witness and fails to communicate, the genocide continues. This may seem like an extreme example. Perhaps it is. Nonetheless, communication is powerful. Communication can create change in a specific situation.

     Communication is definitely something that deserves some pondering and discussion (or communication...). How can community arise apart from communication? How can thoughts become reality apart from communication? How can a message be given to another apart from communication? (I suppose communication is the giving of a message...) These questions in and of themselves show the significance of communication. I urge you to think. But, don't stop there... communicate.

Simplicity is So Complex

     I have noticed over the past few weeks the huge impact of nature on my life. I know what you may be thinking... Plants create the oxygen that you breathe. Of course nature has a huge impact on your life... Then again, perhaps you weren't thinking of that.
     So, I have interacted with natural phenomena multiple times since moving to Deerfield, IL. Campus is full of squirrels, chipmunks, and the occasional raccoon. In addition, there is plenty of grass, trees, and a pond I walk by almost everyday. It's wonderful to be surrounded by natural beauty in the forms of plants and animals!
     I tend to be the type of person who only uses the outdoors as a means of taking up space between my front door and my car. I suppose I'm not the only one out there who takes nature for granted. Nonetheless, multiple times I have experienced the joy of observing little outdoor creatures. A chipmunk scurries in front of me as I walk to class... A raccoon climbs up a tree and stares at me as I pass by... The wind causes the rustling sound of leaves to flood the air... These are quite simple events. Yet, they have impacted me greatly.
     Perhaps it is the fact that they are simple that I have become so enthralled. After all, I live in a society full of texting, internet browsing, eco-friendly cars, and other forms of complex technologies. Unfortunately, we have become so complex that the simple things are usually overlooked. Why pick up a pen and write a letter to a friend when one can type up a short note and send it over a vast network of towers and wires? It may be easier to shoot an email, but the process of its transmission is quite complicated.
     Perhaps I am making a big deal about nothing. Maybe I should view the practicality of complex systems and move on from the simplicity of past traditions and the beauty of nature. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the joy I have found in the simple things in life- a chattering chipmunk, short conversations with friends, the glare of a raccoon, or a simple greeting from a fellow student. I question whether such joy can be attained by playing a video game or sending a faceless email. It's something to ponder.

Book Burning is Never a Good Idea

     I recently heard about a church in Florida that has decided to label September 11, 2010 as International Burn a Koran Day. I have seen links to stories about the issue on the Drudge Report, but only recently read an article about the event. Here is a quick summary: Some pastor in Florida, along with the members of his congregation, has decided to burn copies of the Koran in an attempt to show independence from the oppression of Muslim terrorism. 

     I believe this event is wrong on multiple levels. First, let's look at the issue of burning books. I understand that some books are offensive to some people. I understand that some books are so horribly written that justification may easily be made for setting them ablaze. However, I question whether the destruction of literature is ever appropriate. As one who studies history, I find that it is important to preserve items from the past in order to prepare for the future. Nazi propaganda, for example, was horrid. Nonetheless, if we decide to burn up every pamphlet calling for the rise of a "superior" race, then we as a people will quickly forget about the horrors of the Holocaust. Perhaps, WWII propaganda is too extreme. So, let's look at the world of fables and fairy tales. What if someone decides that anything that is not blatantly scientific is worthy of being thrown in the incinerator? We will lose not only the joy of reading about fantastic worlds, but we will eventually lose our concept of art and beauty. So... Book burning serves no productive purpose (unless one is stranded in an abandoned cabin in the dead of winter).

     I would like to propose an alternative to book burning... Education. I will use Harry Potter as an example. My parents have never felt comfortable with the Harry Potter books. I recall being told that I should never read them owing to the wizardry and supposed links to satanic practices. However, I never recall hearing my parents call for a community book burning of the Harry Potter books (although I know of some people who may have supported such an idea). The key to dealing with controversial literature is education, and, beyond simple education, discernment. If you find a book to be disturbing, don't read it. If you would rather your children wait to read certain types of literature until they are older, give them some clear reasons why you have come to that decision.

     Of course, discernment does not limit itself to the categories of "read" and "don't read." Some books, however controversial, should be read. How are we to come to an understanding of Marxist Communism without reading the Communist Manifesto? How are we to come to an understanding of someone else's religion without reading the texts he or she considers to be sacred? We should not throw away books with which we do not agree. Instead, we should read books with a mind open to learning.

     I would now like to move on to another problem with the Koran burning event. Let's look at this from a biblical perspective. First, I have yet to find any verse in the New Testament that advocates the burning of literature. It is evident that the Christian response to a non-Christian religious text should not be the organization of a book burning. Instead, the Christian should respond with love and wisdom. While I do not believe the Koran to be a God-inspired text, I refuse to support its destruction owing my love for the Muslim people and common sense. 

     As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am called to love God, love others, and advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My love for God creates within me a love for others. The burning of another's sacred text fails to show love towards him or her. Also, I do not see how a Koran burning event will help with the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I fear that such an event will only create more barriers between Christians and Muslims, and, thus, hinder the spread of the Gospel. I do not believe that the motives of the pastor, or his church, in Florida are pure and focused on the Gospel.

     This brings up another significant problem. I noticed in the article that I read about the event that the pastor is sponsoring the event in order to resist the oppression of Muslim terrorism. His reasoning appears to be more focused on nationalism than the cause of Jesus Christ. (Newsflash: Christianity and America are not the same thing.) As a follower of Jesus Christ, my citizenship is in heaven. While I participate in the governmental functions of my country, my allegiance is to Jesus Christ. The pastor stated in the interview that he is not going to allow Muslims and terrorists to control him. I think he has his priorities in the wrong place. (Of course this brings up the problem of cultural Christianity in America, but I digress...)

     Finally, let's look at the potential results of this act of protest. The media has already reported negative backlash from Muslim countries. In addition, General Petraeus has warned that the event could be used by Muslim terrorists to justify acts of terrorism. I can't seem to find any positive outcome from this event.

     I am saddened by the ignorance of those who would rather burn religious books, than reach out in love to those of different faiths. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe the Gospel message is Truth. The only way to be forgiven of one's sins and be reconciled to God is through the blood of Jesus Christ. This is already a very offensive message to many. Nonetheless, the Truth is a necessary offense to those who do not accept it. The International Burn a Koran Day, on the other hand, is a very unnecessary, and unjustified, offense. The event is ridiculous. I hope that those who are not Christians will recognize that the event is not a genuine reflection of true biblical Christianity.