A Christian Response to Terrorism
In a dozen parts of the world where Muslim fanatics confront Westerners and Christians with violence and persecution, Christians are left thinking of the best response. We know the way of retaliation and vengeance is not right, and only serves to escalate death. So what do we do?
If the evil men who thought that blowing up Londoners, or New Yorkers, or people living in the Moluccas or in Cairo or in the Sudan was a way of cowing a nation and changing its values, then those evil men picked the wrong communities. These attacks are the work of men who have no faith in humanity, no hope for the future and who hate mankind. They are people who have no faith, no hope and no love. We will not be diverted by such terrorist tactics.
Steely resolve, a refusal to seek revenge, and compassion for all concerned is the Christian attitude that overcomes. Jesus described it as love of God, love of others, and love of self. Christian love is a deep abiding concern for the ultimate welfare of those who persecute us, who injure us, and despitefully use us. It is not the natural response which is to seek revenge and hit out. But Christians turn the other cheek and seek the welfare of those who persecute us, knowing that love can change them. Love is one of the most powerful urges within us. Love of God, other people and self can drive people to incredible acts of heroism and self-sacrifice. Lack of love can twist and ruin a life. That is why terrorists act that way. But Love is the medicine for a sin-sick world. Love is the soy sauce on the chop suey of life. Love makes the world go round. Only love can beat terrorism.
It is hard when people lose loved ones, where every newspaper tells of some other horror, where biased Governments close a blind eye to terrorist activity, where persecution is sanctioned by the state, and where people suffer simply because they are Christian. In some areas of the world such atrocities have been continuing for hundreds of years.
Three things we have learnt over this time: Christians will not be wiped out by such attacks; that terrorism is evil and will never succeed, and that the way of Christian love is the only hope for the world. God is just, and his judgements will come. We trust Him, love our enemies, and continue to live bravely.
GORDON MOYES
