What would be a Christian response to terrorism? Is it to exert the might and power of the United States of America’s military against terrorist targets around the world? Is it to bomb targets and cities in Afghanistan into rubble until they finally (if ever) turn over the arch-enemy?
The first Christian response always ought to be, “What would Jesus say or do?” To do that, we can look at some passages in the scripture, where he disclosed to us his kingdom principles to guide us in our dealings with others.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other, also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:38- 42).
Jesus also told us how we are to treat those who are our enemies and who persecute us:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43).
That last scripture squarely hits on the head the fundamental Muslim attitude toward America, doesn’t it? They HATE America. They call it the great Satan. Perhaps America and Americans (and the entire group of nations now gathering in a coalition against terrorism) should stand back and ask why the fundamental Muslims hate America. Why do they call it the great Satan? And, we might ask, how justified are they in their criticisms? Coming to New Zealand greatly surprised us when viewing America from this distance. We saw what a huge influence America exerted on much of the world, but not always for good. We saw the pervasive effect of sex and violence presented in the U.S. movies and were surprised to learn that many Kiwis thought that is the way Americans really were. Some countries will allow no U.S. programming into their country because they consider it so morally corrupt. Have Americans (and American Christians) been like the frog in the pot, which didn’t notice the water becoming warmer and warmer until it was too late to get out? The fundamental Muslims are reputed to have little concern for life. This has been repeated often with the loss of over 5,000 lives in the tragedy in New York and the Pentagon. But can America claim the moral high ground here? Have there not been over 40 MILLION abortions in America, the greatest genocide in the history of mankind, including the murders of almost completely born children – the par
