My first impulse was, I must confess, less than Christian. I have other ideas about how to treat a terrorist. My inclination is to pray the prayer that David prayed in Psalm 109.
But, I read the site. And, I was impressed. I could not get around some of the logic used, since it was straight from the pages of Scripture. I thought of Peter, who tried to cut off the head of a servant of a terrorist, but who abandoned his sword and his hatred, and would later would help shake a world for Christ.
Bruce's proposal is a pretty tough one to get around. The concise argument is on the front page and is as follows:
Where is the Christian response to terrorism? If the struggle against violence done in the name of Islam is primarily spiritual, then defeating it requires a spiritual response.
This site features FBI and State Department identified terrorists and terrorism sponsors. Terrorism inspires fear. According to Jesus, the antidote to fear is love.
When we hate, we are reactive victims. When we love we seize the initiative. Love for country helps soldiers to risk their lives. Love for children enables parents to discipline them without being intimidated. Love for us took Jesus to the cross. Love for enemies will give courage to face, overcome, and transform them and the environment that breeds them.
Historically, Stephen was the first fatality in terrorism directed against Jesus' followers. As Stephen died from stoning, he prayed, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Later, Paul, who had supervised Stephen's stoning, met Jesus in a vision and repented.
Can we pray today like Stephen prayed then? Would Paul have repented if Stephen hadn't prayed?
Adopt a terrorist for prayer and register to be tabulated in this spiritual initiative against violence that is sponsored and perpetrated by people who think that they are following God.
Dr. Thomas Bruce
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