War and Christianity

After 9/11 there was an abundance of Muslims on the news explaining their religion and condemning the actions of Osama Bin Ladin. As everyone knows Bin Ladin attacked America using his faith in God and Islamic moral superiority as his reasons. Muslims from all over the world reminded us that Bin Ladin is an extremist. Muslims told us that their religious text, the Koran, specifically condemns violence and killing. They assured Americans that using the Koran to support violence is against their religion. Anyone who follows the teachings of the Islamic faith is required to be peaceful.

In the wake of an election that was reportedly decided by moral issues, I am forced to ask “Where are the Christians?”. Christians, too, are called to be peacemakers, not aggressors. Jesus Christ specifically tells us to turn the other cheek, to forgive, to be the peacemakers. Repeatedly, through parables and directly, Jesus Christ tells Christians to love others no matter what they have done and regardless of what we think of them personally. It is only through scriptural distortion that extremist Christians justify war and vengeance. Each time the press wants a Christian perspective they interview these extremists on television. Their views have become the voice of Christians whether it represents true Christian beliefs or not. So where are the mainstream Christians who follow the teachings of the Bible and of Jesus Christ? Is the media not covering this point of view because the thirst for vengeance in America is so great?

I would like to explain the following to people of all faiths in America and around the world. Do not judge Christianity by the actions of the extremists. Our Christian beliefs do not allow for war and the actions of the few do not reflect the true teachings of our faith. Using a belief in God to justify violent acts is a direct violation of God’s second commandment. Exodus 20:7 states, “Do not use my name for evil purposes, because I, the Lord our God, will punish anyone who misuses my name.” Anyone who follows the teaching of Jesus Christ is called to look not at the sins of others but at their own sin. We are told to love one another and be a neighbor to everyone.