Sisters and Brothers in Christ

We have all been extended an invitation by Osama bin Laden to join in a dance of hatred and violence. In the aftermath of the devastation of the attacks on September 11 I was just about ready to accept that invitation. Such is the power of emotions that lack the clarity of reason. That power can replace the quest for justice with the urge for revenge. We all must take care to avoid being recruited by the agents of hatred and negativism.

Let’s be very clear about the role of religion in terrorism. Fanaticism often charades in the clothing of religion. Christian fanatics blew up the federal building in Oklahoma City and we know that they are far from representing the Way Jesus calls us to follow. Likewise, Islamic fanatics are responsible for the tradgedy of September 11 but neither do they represent the way the Prophet Muhammad taught his followers. In the Hadith (the sayings of the Prophet) he said, "Do not kill women or children or non-combatants and do not kill old people or religious people."

Clearly, the acts of fanatic criminals are outside the bounds of the ethics and morality of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammed. Therefore, I applaud President Bush’s go slow approach which allows him and his administration to gather as many facts as possible about this crime. I have no doubt that Osama bin Laden would have prefered a knee jerk response.

The real challenge that these criminals have left us to face is living beyond September 11. This is a sobering moment as we sift through the rubble and hold memorials for co-workers and friends even as we struggle to understand how our lives will be in this new day.

Someone else, in this new day, invites us to dance – Jesus. The dance of Jesus runs counter to the way our baser nature might like to respond. Instead of a dance of hate it is one of love and peace: Blessed are the peacemakers; love your enemies, do good to those that hate you; do to others as you would have them do to you; love your neighbor as yourself…

How shall we live past this sobering moment? Shall we dance the cycle of hatred and violence? Or shall we accept the invitation of the One who challenges us to grow beyond cycles of violence to the stability of love, justice, and peace? Before you and me are two invitations, two ways. May God give us the strength and courage to live beyond our fears and choose the Way of Love.

Joel t