Why outrage against burning of Bible was right

By Charles Okecha

After public outrage against the burning of bibles, the errant pastor withdrew to the enclave of denial demanding that his accusers provide evidence that he personally committed this sacrilegious act. 

Of course after realising that the Uganda Bible Society could conduct legal proceedings whose outcome and costs can be very devastating given the enormous cost of publishing bibles. There are video clips displayed on TV and social media that provide credible evidence. 

The purpose of this article is, however, to ascertain why believers reserve the right to be furious when God's word is destroyed. They are His witnesses, soldiers and servants of His kingdom. God and His word are inseparable. (John 1) 

The Ugandan Oath of Allegiance states: "I……………..swear in the name of the Almighty God/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Uganda and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. (So help me God.)

And while taking this Oath the official, if of Christian faith, holds a bible in his hand. If the Ugandan government recognises the sanctity of the Holy Bible while administering oaths even in courts, how does it view its desecration by one of the citizens? Is there no law that restrains such acts? 

The bible is the constitution of the kingdom of Christ and the Christian faith. The church is built on the foundation teachings of apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). In process of witnessing for God, the prophets and apostles suffered severe persecutions, torture and imprisonment. 

Some were starved, burnt to death, killed by the sword, sawn into two, thrown into dens of evil beasts, banished in desolate islands and so forth.

Their lives and testimonies are source of inspiration to believers who earnestly seek God to enter into the eternal bliss which these holy saints now live. It is sheer blasphemy to set their witness to the truth ablaze whether due to radicalism or spiritual immaturity and ignorance. 

Ignorance as we know does not absolve anybody from the bad consequences of a foolish act. Taking poison unknowingly or touching a highly charged electric cable does not prevent the ignorant victim from suffering death. Hosea 4:6 says, My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.

King Jehoiakim who burnt Jeremiah's scroll was taken captive by the fierce Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar who he dreaded. (Jeremiah 36, Daniel 1) 

So instead of justifying oneself in the sight of men using mistakes of other preachers, offenders should seek God's forgiveness. He is merciful yet holy and searches thoughts in the hearts of men. 

Burning the bible dishonours and destroys the name of God which is mentioned countless times in the scriptures. Early Jewish scholars revered the name of God so much they abbreviated Yahweh as YHWH.

While teaching His disciples prayer, Jesus said, in this manner they ought to pray. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Jesus is called the son of David who wrote the psalms exalting God's name. In Psalms 91 David reveals God's promise to deliver those who call upon His name. Apostle Peter echoed it, "Whosoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved". "Salvation is in no other name". 

The bible was written by holy men of God inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Destroying it erases the Spirit's testimony to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. Who can insult and fight God's Spirit and win?

I pray that God forgives the ignorant offenders and spares our country often stricken by disasters. 

Writer is a teacher at St. Paul's College, Mbale