Terrorism and anti-terrorism

The terrorists’ bombings in London on 7^th July have shocked our nation. Our hearts have gone out to the victims and their families; within four days a million pounds had been donated to a fund to help them.

People of all ages, race and religion have condemned the perpetrators, and the authorities are determined to hunt them down.

How are we to bring an end to terrorism? There is no short-term solution. The G8 summit, that was going on at the time of the attacks, and other international political groupings may be able to address some of the basic causes of injustice and suffering in the world, which in turn generate the pain and anger that may mould and motivate terrorists. Moves to end third world debt, and to establish fair trade may be vital, and many, locally, nationally and internationally, have supported the “Make Poverty History” and Live 8 campaigns and events. We need to continue these.

Other issues still need addressing: the production and sales of weapons; the provision of safe secure and sustainable homelands for Palestinians, and Israelis; the eradication of corruption and genocide. These and other factors that contribute to terrorism need to be constantly remembered, by us – the electorate. If we are vociferous and insistent about these matters the politicians we elect will be helped to act in a sustained and effective way. We must set the agenda.

There is more to it than that, however. Solving political and economic problems by changing political and financial systems alone, will not resolve the heart of the human problem, the problem of the human heart. Jesus said, “For from within, out of men’s hearts come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly” (see Mark 7).

As we address the external structures and practices that contribute to injustice, suffering and terrorism, I believe we should also address the violence, pain, anger and potential for destructiveness that we carry inside.

Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and have heavy burdens and I will refresh you”(Matthew 11.28). Saint Peter, who knew Jesus well, wrote “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5: 7), and Saint Paul wrote “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. Finding this peace can be a first step to dealing with the things inside us that we don’t like. There is then Jesus’ promise that God’s Holy Spirit will live in those who trust him (Jesus) and will begin to change us from inside, producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control (Galatians 5: 22,23). What an antidote to the things that lead to terrorism! This is one of the reasons why Christians believe in passing on their faith: they believe it deals in a real way with the heart of the human problem, the problem of the human heart.

Facing terrorism: it requires political action but also personal action - turning to God, learning to live his way, being changed from inside (see Romans 12: 1-3), learning to pray “for all, and especially for… all in authority… that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2: 2).

I close with a famous prayer:

“Lord, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” Amen.

With very best wishes

Jonathan Foster

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