hype: to make something into a bigger issue or deal than it really is
so-called: named; though the title is questionable
urge: to try to convince
call off: to put an end to
recruiting tool: a means for convincing others to join
Pastor Cancels Quran Burning
An anti-Muslim leader in Florida his plans to burn copies of the Quran at his church, saying God told him not to do it. Rev. Terry Jones and his 50 member church had planned to burn the Quran on September 11th against an Islamic Centre slated to be built near Ground Zero. The story was hyped by the media and resulted in international protests against and the US. At least two people were killed in Afghanistan during a protest against the Quran burning even after it was cancelled. Barack Obama and the US military urged the so-called pastor to call off the event, that the burning of the Quran could act as a recruiting tool for al Qaeda.
Comprehension Questions:
What did the Florida man threaten to do?
What caused Terry Jones to make this threat?
What happened in Afghanistan as a result of this story hitting the news?
Discussion Question: How does a single man with a unique religious ideal cause such a world conflict? Is the media to blame?
An anti-Muslim leader in Florida cancelled his plans to burn copies of the Quran at his church, saying God told him not to do it. Rev. Terry Jones and his 50 member church had planned to burn the Quran on September 11th in protest against an Islamic Centre slated to be built near Ground Zero. The story was hyped by the media and resulted in international protests against Christians and the US. At least two people were killed in Afghanistan during a protest against the Quran burning even after it was cancelled. Barack Obama and the US military urged the so-called pastor to call off the event,fearing that the burning of the Quran could act as a recruiting tool for al Qaeda.
Comprehension Answers:
The Florida man threatened to burn copies of the Quran at his church.
Terry Jones was angered by a proposed Islamic Centre near Ground Zero.
Protests against the Quran burning resulted in the death of two people in Afghanistan.
pastor.mp3