Organised random thoughts, which will hopefully provoke discussion or another way of thinking

The story relating to the so-called “Pastor” in Florida that wishes to burn the Quran to commemorate September 11 this week has really got the House’s windows steamed up. So much so, we’re sending him (Terry Jones) to The Outhouse – where he belongs.

Of course, the idea has been taken up by the redneck element in America – ever since 9/11 there has been an absolute divide between Americans and the Muslim world, with no real effort from either side to understand the others position.

The idea that Jones proposes no doubt fuels that fire (no pun intended), especially on a day that has forever been etched into the world’s memory. 9/11 is still vivid in my memory and the vision of those planes careering into the World Trade Centres doesn’t get any less shocking as time passes.

As abhorrent as it seems, a “burn a Quran” sentiment in the days after 9/11 may have been slightly understandable given the anger that surrounded the events of that day, however this far down the track it’s completely unacceptable.

There would have been many innocent Muslims that lost their lives in the devastation, just as there are good Muslims that don’t have the intention of blowing the world up (you’ve probably encountered a few of them on your way to or from the office today).

The actions of those men on that day are not representative of the Muslim people. Most Muslims I know here and overseas are regular people – whether they take a strict approach to their faith or adopt a more relaxed attitude (however they can keep their “turkey bacon” and “chicken ham” – I’ll have the real stuff thanks!).

Jones’ inflammatory sentiment has done nothing to heal the wounds of those still grieving lost ones and the loss of the world’s innocence at the hands of the hijackers.

The Muslim world and the Christian world should be uniting as one to commemorate the events of September 11 this weekend, standing together to remember those that paid the ultimate price following the stupidity of a minority.

A collaborative, united approach between Muslim leaders and Christian leaders in the USA and indeed, worldwide would assist in re-building many of the bridges that for so long have appeared charred. We see it here in Australia on a regular basis with the issues between Muslim communities and white Australia.

Whilst ever there is still a perception of “Us against Them” and Un-Christian radicals like Jones are given a pulpit to stand on, neither side will be able to walk forward. Sure, there are fundamental differences in the understandings of the Muslim and Christian faiths, but there must be co-ordination on both sides and collaboration so that the world can operate in a sense of peace, unity and harmony.