FAITH: The Christian message in the face of terrorism

Terrorism in America is achieving incredible success. Terrorism is a special kind of assault against society. The goal of terrorism is not control of buildings or territory. It is not the killing of particular people. Terrorists do not want my house or my car. Terrorists are not seeking money or things that money can buy. They do not seek protection for their own lives. They commit acts of terrorism with total disregard for their own safety. They typically know that they will not “get by” with their mayhem. They know they will lose their lives by death or long years of imprisonment. What is the goal of the terrorist?

I have begun asking that question of my friends as a discussion starter. Today when I asked that question of a friend, he was quick with an answer. “They are trying to make all of us afraid.” It is all so non-rational. If creating fear in all of us is the goal of the terrorist, they are being very successful. The growth of fear appears to be rampant. However, I suspect the proposals to make our society feel safe and free of fear are as misguided as the actions of the terrorist.

Fear is actually a friendly and helpful emotion. A person without fear is very vulnerable. Healthy fear is a warning signal that danger is immanent. To live without fear is dangerous. The dangers that are presented by terrorists are real and cannot be ignored. However, the greater danger is for America to become a fear based society, grasping at proposed solutions that will leave us somehow safe and emotionally healthy. How are Americans to be appropriately fearful of the growing menace of terrorists without being fear obsessed?

Over and over I find myself looking at the treasure of writings in the Bible. As I have pondered the threat of terrorism, I have returned to the simple writings of the letter labeled I John and to its fourth chapter. This letter was not written by John the disciple of Jesus. John was a very common name, and the language and subject of the letter indicates that the letter was written significantly after the death of John, the disciple. The letter is concerned about the life of the Christ followers in a time of stress. The advice is clearly “stick together.” They were a small group living in unfriendly, ever hostile, surroundings. It is easy to understand that they were in danger and vulnerable to becoming fear based. John speaks basic Christian belief. John’s advice was simple. Christian life is love based, not fear based. God is love. We love because God first loved us. Love one another. There is no fear in love. Love casts out fear.

In their circumstance, the worst thing Christians could do is submit to fear. The threat to believers was real. Christians faced choices. They could submit to those whom they believed were a threat to them. They could do battle with their oppressors. Or they had a third alternative. They could bathe themselves in the love of God and live God’s love in the midst of the chaos of their persecutors. For John, there was not a choice. They were love based, not fear based. Love casts out fear.

Here in America we have always been a nation with a high level of violence. We are a nation that was born in revolution, slavery and untamed frontiers. As we expanded our borders, we did not show respect for indigenous people or immigrants. Football, a game of violence that I loved to play (and now watch), is our national sport. We have a love affair with guns. Our military budgets indicate that we love wars. With this national profile we should not be surprised at gang violence and drug wars.

We are a nation of law. At the present time with terrorism in our schools from San Bernardino to Parkland, It is understandable that we are turning to demands for laws to control guns and enhance police departments. If our nation passes gun control laws, places police in every school, arms every teacher, and expands our police forces, our national addiction to violence will not be impacted. Fear will continue to be our national emotional base.

The context in which John wrote his letter and the context of life in 2018 are very different. However, there is a common denominator. The advice of John is still good. Christians need to vigorously voice our perspective. There is no fear in love. Love casts out fear. The gospel of Jesus does not shy from being a minority. Jesus taught us that we should be like salt, leaven and light. Small forces can make huge impacts. Love casts out fear. Christian voices need to be heard. We do not need to live in fear. Love is our alternative.

The End

The Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister, who live in Palmer, Alaska. His email address is hdbss@mtaonline.net.