« How to be an Acolyte (And live to tell others about it)
Pope Benedict XVI and Parts of the Muslim Community »

What is the Christian response to terrorism?

Posted in Uncategorized on September 10th, 2006 by His Holiness

This Monday, the 11th, marks the 5th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. In the last 5 years, much has been said and done in response to that act of terrorism, some of it in the name of God, some of it not in the name of God.

Keeping in mind:

The commandment: “Thou shall not kill,”
The admonishment from Christ: “Be not afraid;”
The Lord’s statement that: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
And Christ’s direction: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.”

In view of the above statements, and considering the rest of scripture and theology of the church what do you think is the appropriate Christian response to terrorism, both as individuals, and as a nation?

4 Responses to “What is the Christian response to terrorism?”

  1. Jessica Says:
    September 14th, 2006 at 7:48 am

    I think that it is a good thing that the things that thet now do to prevent another terrorist attack. I also am glad that I finally know how to be an actual acolyte. This is what I was thinking when I read the blog.

  2. Ashley Says:
    September 14th, 2006 at 8:56 pm

    I dont think that they should of done this to the towers. But, also I do like how they are looking out for people,and now they wont get hurt. I’m happy that I know how to do acolyte right instead of the wrong way. That what I was thinking when I read the blog.

  3. Michael Says:
    September 15th, 2006 at 11:42 am

    Sure, the Lord said to turn the other cheek and resist not evil (Mt. 5:39), but this same Jesus made a whip and drove the money changers out of the temple. He didn’t do it politely, either. He didn’t say, “I’m sorry. I hope you aren’t offended, but I have to do this.” No! He was angry, and He violently fought against them.-not because of their personal attacks on Him, but in defense of His Father.

    On an individual level, we need to forgive others and not seek vengeance; but on a national level, the government has a God-given responsibility to defend its citizens. The scripture says, “he beareth not the sword in vain: for he [the government] is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Rom. 13:4).

    These terrorist attacks were pure evil, and the American government has the God-given responsibility to do whatever it takes to punish the perpetrators.I found this and I thought it went along with “What is the Christian response to Terrorism?”

  4. His Holiness Says:
    September 15th, 2006 at 6:35 pm

    Thank you for engaging the question Michael. It is clear that you put some thought into your answer.

    I don’t think that anyone would deny that one role government plays is to protect its citizens. Though many have suggested that what the United States has done in the name of preventing terrorism has actually made Americans, and others, less safe.

    At the end of the day, what terrorists hope to accomplish is to make people afraid, to control world events, and people, through fear. They want us to change our lives and to react to them. If we were to follow Christ’s direction to not be afraid – what would that response look like?

    I am wondering if maybe there isn’t greater wisdom in “turn the other cheek.” Consider this:

    If someone were to become angry with you and hit you, the natural human reaction is to hit him back. This invariably leads to an all out brawl. Once one has been struck, is there a way to prevent that from escalating into a brawl, with all of it’s ensuing suffering and pain? What do you think would happen if the person who got hit did not return the punch?

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.