'Defending Faith: Confronting the Burning of Bibles'

Burning Bibles: A Statement of Contempt

One way to express contempt for something is by publicly burning the symbol associated with it. For example, burning a nation's flag is considered a disrespectful act towards that country. Similarly, burning Bibles is seen as a statement of contempt for God, the church, or religious authority. In 2020, during the riots in Portland, Oregon, groups of protesters burned stacks of Bibles along with American flags. Although there was no official spokesperson to interpret the meaning behind this gesture, it was clearly meant as a protest against traditional American values. Burning Bibles is not a subtle act; it loudly proclaims a rejection of God, spiritual truth, and the church in general.

The act of burning God's Word is not new; it can be traced back to an incident recorded in Jeremiah 36:23-25. King Jehoiakim, a tyrant, sliced up Jeremiah's scroll and threw the strips into the fire. Despite the pleas of Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah to prevent the burning of the scroll, King Jehoiakim refused to listen. This example from the Bible teaches us how we should respond to the burning of Bibles.

Why This Matters

Burning Bibles is not just an expression of contempt for Christianity; it also shows disrespect towards the Holy Spirit, who is considered the ultimate author of God's Word. As Christians, we should urge those who engage in such actions not to do so. Additionally, we can trust that the Lord will hold those who burn Bibles accountable for their actions.

Think About It

Consider how you would respond if you encountered someone burning a Bible. How would you respectfully confront or speak out against such destruction? How can you use such opportunities to share the gospel and address any concerns that may have led to these actions?

How Should We Respond?

When faced with the burning of Bibles, there are several ways we can respond as Christians.

1. Urge Protestors Not to Burn Bibles: Like Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah in the biblical account, we should respectfully urge protestors not to burn Bibles. By doing so, we can highlight the sacredness of God's Word and express our concern for their actions.

2. Trust the Lord to Hold Bibles Burners Accountable: After addressing the physical destruction of God's Word, we should trust in the Lord's justice. Just as King Jehoiakim faced severe judgment for his contempt for that which is holy, those who burn Bibles will also face consequences for their actions.

3. Build Bridges for the Gospel: We can use instances like the burning of Bibles as opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and build bridges for sharing the gospel. By empathizing with protestors and addressing their concerns, such as the abuse of religious power, we can create space for the Holy Spirit to work and bring about healing.

Why This Matters

The burning of Bibles may seem like a significant threat to God's Word, but it is important to remember that there are countless physical and digital copies of the Bible available today. While confronting the profanity of such actions is crucial, we can also use these opportunities to address emotional wounds and offer hope through the gospel.

Think About It

Consider how you can respond when encountering acts of disrespect towards God's Word. How can you engage in conversations that allow for understanding and healing? How can you share the message of hope found within the Bible?

Conclusion

Burning Bibles is a public expression of contempt towards God, spiritual truth, and the church. As Christians, we should respectfully confront those who engage in such actions while trusting in the Lord's justice to hold them accountable. Additionally, we can use instances like these to build bridges for the gospel by addressing concerns and offering hope through the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Although the burning of Bibles may appear threatening, it is essential to remember that God's Word remains abundant and steadfast, regardless of such acts of disrespect.