Berita NECF Newletters

Dousing the Fire of Hatred

Description: Editorial

Terrorism is the response to a build-up of grievances, whether real or imagined. Therefore, one cannot hope to purge terrorism without first dealing with the grievances that lead to it.

The recent national conference on terrorism organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) concluded that the main root causes of terrorism were:

  • The continuous conflict between Israel and Palestine.
  • America’s foreign policy on the sanctions against, and occasional bombings of, Iraq 10 years after the Gulf War.
  • Muslims’ feelings of humiliation and fear as a result of the many conflicts between Muslim countries and the West.
  • Painful memories of the past religious crusades.

The Muslims’ natural reaction to this oppression – often viewed as rational and justified – is retaliation. But does the principle of retaliation based on ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’ maxim resolve these ongoing international feuds?

If we examine Scripture carefully, Jesus clearly says this method is not a licence for revenge. But often, an offended person will over-react to the offence and hit back.

How then shall we Christians respond to atrocities against others and us? In what way shall our faith in Christ make a difference?

First, we should not be provoked and retaliate, but practise Christian conduct of patience so that evil will be overcome by good. We should continue to emulate the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 6:38-42: "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you."

Christians need to trust God to bring some good out of the evil of current events according to Romans 8:28: "In everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." We have already seen how the tragedies of Sept 11 have turned the "me now" generation in America to turn to God and to each other. Also, the arrest of Christian relief and development workers "for preaching Christianity" in Afghanistan has shown the world, including the Muslim World, the extent of Christian involvement in social works among Muslims.

Next, the Church needs to prepare for the increased human need among the Afghans resulting from the military invasion on Afghanistan. We should continue to provide relief and assistance to rebuild the shattered innocent lives.

We have the advantage since most Christian organisations have offices all over the world. However, the organisations may require more non-Western Christians if anti -American and -Western feelings develop in Afghanistan because of the military assaults.

Christians need also to become more knowledgeable about Islam and Islamic history to help moderate Muslims reason with extremists. We must share with governing Muslim authority that their Prophet Muhammad allowed the presence of churches, even in the most orthodox situations, so long as the Christians remained loyal to their inhabited countries.

Ultimately, it is moderate Muslims who can best deal with extremism in our midst, and therefore ensure the continuance of religious liberty.

In the Luke verses quoted earlier, Jesus challenges His followers to grace and integrity. Imagine the effect we Christians will cast if we always overcome evil with good; overcome vengeance with grace; and overcome hatred with love. This is our Lord’s principle. Will we take it up?



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