Pre-Election Considerations on A Christian response to Terrorism

In the past six months, I have had the distinct opportunity to meet both Senator Obama and Senator McCain – one of whom will likely be our next President. I was invited to a small gathering of 30-40 people with Senator Obama – and had the opportunity to talk with him one on one about his book and health care policy. I was impressed by his intellect, his authenticity, and the fact that he did not pander to the mostly democratic audience as he spoke freely even when his stance countered the expected answer. He was not overly charismatic, and I did not agree with everything he said; however, he projected a vision and ability to help Americans realize the common ground that unites us and can propel us to solve our biggest problems. Then, a few weeks ago, I saw John McCain speak to thousands, and then pushed my way to the front to shake his hand. Again, I did not agree with everything he said, but I was impressed by how motivational he is in person, his candor, his heroic past, and his promise to bring civility and discipline to Washington. And now, as we all watch the primaries and rediscover (from our high school civics classes) what a “super-delegate” is and how primaries differ from caucuses, I am enjoying the democratic process… but I am also reminded that we have serious problems that need to be addressed promptly… and that electing a new President, is not electing a savior. Our opportunity to cast our vote for a leader we can trust cannot be confused with our ultimate trust in God. Our allegiance to the kingdom of God cannot be diminished by our allegiance to our country.

Since September 11th, 2001, these conflicting themes have come into full view both in Washington and in our hearts. We have been living with a new level of fear – and God-fearing people across America and around the world are in disagreement about the right course of action. The rest of the world has known this fear, and on 9-11 American joined them. We realized that we can be attacked. We experience a level of vulnerability and unity like never before. Certainly this called for prudent strategic action, but also deep reflection – and a fresh review of what God has told us about our fears and how to handle them.

As I look at our nation’s response, I recall feeling and witnessing the following progression:
Shock & Mourning
Paranoia
Turn to God for peace in out-of-control situation
Reassurance from President Bush and government leaders
Realization of how vulnerable our borders and security are
Support for swift changes to create new Dept of Homeland Security
Support for responsive War/Military Action against Taliban in Afghanistan
Support, and building confidence for declaration of war against terrorism
Support for sanctions and US and UN pressure against Iraq
Turn to God for insight regarding “Just War”
Tentative support for preventative War/Military Action against Iraq
Relief that secondary target Saddam Hussein captured
Disappointment and concern that primary target Bin Laden still not captured
Dismay with failing military approach in Iraq, Optimism with “surge” approach
Frustration with media for not reporting progress in Iraq
Skepticism with Bush Administration regarding full motives for Iraq war and foreign policy approach
Comfort in President’s bravado of “You’re either with us or against us” mixed with concern about impact of international perspectives on our nation
Intrigue with presidential debates over foreign policy – What is the right approach?
Turn to God for insight for Christian response to fear and terrorism

As I look back over the events since 2001, I wonder if fear is winning or we are on the right course? If we all agree that we are not called to live in fear, what is the opposite of fear? Is it strength? Is it control? Is it love? Is it peace? And what are the weapons God has given us to use to defeat fear? Have we been good stewards of the events of 9-11, leveraging our fears alert us up to realities we have been ignoring… or, have we allowed our fears to push us into rationalizing decisions that violate our own Christian values?

While government leaders need to be help accountable for their decisions, I try to resist playing Monday morning quarterback as I am not privy to all the intelligence they are, nor can I fully appreciate the weight of the decisions they have been burdened with. Short of clear evidence of intentional wrongdoing, I turn my attention towards God, asking what a Christian response to terrorism should be. This is a harder question, because it is more complicated than our quick republican or democrat party-line answers, and also bigger than conservative or liberal labels. It is bigger than church denominations, and requires that we leave behind the extreme camps of anti-Bush conspiracy theories… as well as mindless flag-waving nationalism. We are called to look through the lens of God’s kingdom and his intentions for how we should live for his glory in a sinful, and un-safe world. If you read the words of Jesus, they will deeply challenge your domestic and foreign policy.

So, I admit I do not know the answers yet… but I invite you to struggle with the questions I have been asking. What does Scripture say about fear? What is the application of “perfect love casts out fear”? What is the interplay between trusting God and defending ourselves? Luke 21 says “You will hear of wars, insurrections, but do not be terrified… and vs. 13 “this will give you opportunity to testify” – so how does that fit into our foreign policy? How do we apply “Blessed are the Peacemakers” from Matthew 5? What does loving our enemies look like in this scenario? What does it mean to “turn the other cheek” in this scenario?

I recently revisited an excerpt from a volume entitle “God’s Politics” that outlined the following post 9-11 recommended lessons:
1. Treat the threat of terrorism as very real – and move to prevent further attacks.
2. This is not a time for “peace-loving”, but rather for “peace-making” – Jesus clearly instructed us to take this active path in the world. It is much harder than just passively being anti-way and peace-loving. It requires
2. Avoid bad theology – it is overly simplistic and unbiblical to present this as a struggle between “good and evil”, we are “good” and they are “evil” While the actions of the 9-11 attackers were certainly evil, we are not good – and also need to take the beam out of our own eye.
3. Attack not only the symptoms, but also the root causes of terrorism – Poverty is not the cause of terrorism, but impoverished and hopeless people groups are the best recruiting grounds for terrorism. Justice is the best path to peace , and in the modern world, there is no security but common security.
4. Move beyond debate over “just war” vs. “pacifism” – focus on preventative measures and conflict resolution.
5. Unilateral Approach won’t defeat terrorism – this is a global problem that will require international judicial, political, and financial collaboration.