Sunday
Nov132005
Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 6:38PM Death in Jordan
One of the victims of last week's Al-quaeda bombing in Jordan was a Hollywood producer whose wish was "to bring the peaceful message of Islam to the Western world," according to his ex-wife. Her conclusion: "That was his point and it hasn't been well-made yet, has it?"
Reader Comments (4)
Christ too was murdered by those he wanted to redeem. Instead of fueling hate against non-Christians (my "Crossroads" friend, your words are full of anger!!), remember and practice Jesus's words: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God".
It is tuff to be a peacemaker, and it is even harder to love your enemies, but who said that Christianity was easy?
JB
(my "Crossroads" friend, your words are full of anger!!),
No they're not. One simple declarative sentence with a quotation, followed by another quotation. Anyway, there is such a thing as righteous anger, which would certainly be a reasonable response to the slaughter of innocent people. As would a proportional yet violent response against the perpetrators.
XC
Everyday the news reports the murder of innocent people in the Middle East. And yet, it appears that all the responses to this situation have failed so far. Please tell me, is there still any "reasonable response" to this war without end? The enforcement of international law is necessary, I agree, but not sufficient. Perhaps it is more urgent and helpful to bring mercy, peace and understanding, just like the Hollywood producer was (unsuccessfully) trying to do.
A final comment: "there is such a thing as righteous anger, which would certainly be a reasonable response to the slaughter of innocent people. As would a proportional yet violent response against the perpetrators." OK, great. Three more questions: 1) Who measures the legality and proportionality of the violent response? (remember the violations of human rights in Irak and Guantanamo); 2) How is it possible to distinguish terrorism from lawful war and legitimate defense?; and 3) To what extent is your position different from that of the Muslims who justify the violent avenge of crimes comitted by Western armies? To make things easier, the problem is that they are still humans and children of God, just as you are; they also feel anger and resentment, and they also have your desire for justice, truth and happiness. Who will bring justice to us all?
Let's pray and think together about John Paul II's words: "There is no peace without justice, no justice without forgiveness."
Peace,
JB
The West must come to terms that there is a violent element to Islam. It does not mean that we must respond with violence, but it means not being naive. It might even mean accepting martyrdom, as it has for many Christians living in the Middle East.
- DB