By Michael E. Brooks

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” (Matthew 24:6)

I have received two letters recently from friends in Nepal telling of the resumption of violence and the breakdown of peace talks in that troubled country. Newspapers report clashes between rebels and the army and several bombing incidents. Here in Bangladesh, just in the one city of Khulna near where I am staying, there have been 34 assassinations of political leaders and other prominent persons within the past 2 months. And of course we read of car bombs and other attacks in Iraq, suicide bombers in Israel, and other acts of violence worldwide every day. As I make plans to travel within and near these countries the issue of safety becomes pertinent.

This week marks the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington; those events Americans at least consider the most horrific of all such incidents. American rage launched the “War on Terrorism” that so far has lead to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Yet in those two years violence has increased, even as worldwide indignation and effort has been raised against it. Questions arise. Can we do nothing to achieve peace? Must the violent and rebellious win? Is the only answer to force, more force?

Jesus predicted the continuance of war and violence. It is not certain in this context that he is proclaiming these to be universal conditions that will never cease, but at least he affirms that some violence will happen in the future of this earth. Noting this does not suggest that we adopt a fatalistic resignation. It does not mean that there is nothing that can be done so we must merely accept it as inevitable. It does suggest a realistic approach however; not an idealistic “wishful thinking” kind of approach such as was taken during the “age of enlightenment” at the beginning of the twentieth century. At that time Europeans and Americans believed that society had “outgrown” war; that it had become wise enough and technologically advanced enough that war would no longer occur. Subsequent events proved such hopes false.

I would suggest that the answer to terrorism and war is an individual approach. There is little that we can do to stamp out violence on a universal scale. Experience is proving that. We can however reach and teach our neighbors individually. We can seek to counter the motives and causes of violence through love and compassion, one person at a time. James says war happens when we have irresponsible or unmet desires (James 4:1-3). Every time one person is given new hope there is one less potential terrorist in this world. Each person who learns proper priorities and comes to realize that happiness is God’s gift, not something he must wrest from others becomes one who is less likely to resort to violence.

The birth of Jesus was proclaimed as God’s message of “peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 3:14). It is evident that this did not mean that war would cease, but rather that those who receive Jesus in faith can know peace. Peace as eternal security guaranteed by God’s forgiveness. Peace as hope based on Jesus’ promises. Peace as reconciliation with God through the blood of Christ. Neither terrorist, despot, or Satan himself can deny us that peace.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.” (Matthew 10:28)