This is a delicate subject, and difficult to address. I intend to articulate what our role as spiritual people should be in the face of terrorist attacks. Specifically as Americans, specifically the attacks of September 11th, 2001.
It's difficult because, not everyone in the world has the same perspective. Several years after the events, many nations see the United States as the terrorists. I believe their perception is due to our response as individuals and as a nation.
After the events of September 11th, many of America's political and religious leaders spoke angrily of the Muslim community and about Islam in general. Many of them took on a mentality of "Let's round them up and ship them out of here," or "Let's go over there and bomb them all."
This is the opposite of how Jesus would have us respond as spiritual leaders. He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Scripture outlines that God expects society to defend justice, equality, and safety of its citizens. There is a scriptural basis for the military and armed forces. This is not an article denouncing the military.
This is an article denouncing the spirit of revenge and murder that penetrated the hearts and minds of the nation, from our pulpits to our nation's capitol. We forgot about justice and focused on revenge. Which allowed Osama bin Laden to remain free and resulted in the occupation of Iraq.
Justice is separate from revenge. Justice wants equal protection for all people. Revenge says, "You hurt me, so I will hurt you." Murder says, "I will hurt you because I was hurt by someone else."
I am disheartened by the perennial posters of crying eagles that say "We Will Never Forget." Forget what exactly? The fear and terror of that day? Or the anger we felt when we saw the Twin Towers collapse and the thirst for revenge that captured the nation's leadership. My assumption is the latter.
"Never forget" is not a spiritual response. A spiritual response would say, "We will always pray for our enemies." "We will always comfort those who mourn." "We will always feed and clothe the poor around the world and help deliver them from poverty."
We are called to love and pray for those who wish to harm us. Pray that they will experience God's love. Pray that they would be so blessed that they no longer have a desire to harm others. Pray for justice and not revenge.
Click HERE to read Every Good and Perfect Gift Comes from Above which explains how God is not to blame for calamity.
Scripture references: 1, 2, 3
Comments? Add me on Facebook or Twitter.
