Terrorism

Dear Victorious,

Does the Bible have anything to say about terrorism? How should Christians regard terrorists?

Ignacio G. - San Clemente, CA

Dear Ignacio,

No, the Bible doesn't specifically mention the term "terrorism." However, there is quite a bit that the Bible says which instructs Christians in how to regard terrorism.

Almost every book in the Bible - both Old and New Testaments - contains verses that tell us not to fear. We are simply not to fear anything. God asks us to put our trust in Him.

Many, many books in the Bible - both Old and New Testaments - contain verses that tell us God is in charge. He is in charge of everything that exists and everything that happens in this world. Not one single thing happens then ... unless God allows it to happen. Even the devil had to get God's permission to afflict Job. Evil today still operates under God's authority.

There is an organization that I follow called Stratfor (http://www.stratfor.com/). It's a global, political intelligence group. it's president, George Friedman has said, "The purpose of terrorism in its purest form is to create a sense of insecurity among a public. It succeeds when fear moves a system to the point where it can no longer function." I believe he's got that right. Terrorists win when God-fearing people fear the terrorists more (than they fear God).