Can violence bring peace?

The War On Terrorism and the Terror of God Lee Griffith. Grand Rapids, Michigan/Cambridge, UK: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002.

It seems as though our world is caught in an irresolvable struggle between war, terrorism, peace and economic stability. With the rise of violence through terrorism comes the desire of those being victimized to retaliate so as to preserve their own ideals – or, at least, to try to destroy those of their adversary. Throughout history Christians have been challenged to search the Scriptures and come up with a biblical position on how to combat this form of evil.

Although The War On Terrorism was written before the events of September 11, 2001, it still provides us with a look at how terrorism affects our lives. Lee Griffith, a teacher and social activist in the state of New York, examines events that have contributed to terrorism. He also investigates historical church responses to violence and searches the Bible for answers to the ever-present and ever-growing problem of violent intimidation.

Griffith argues that even as violence begets violence, so terrorism begets counter-terrorism with the result being a malicious blend of hatred and fear. He points out that international arms trading and dependence on military intervention are two key items that need to be stopped if terrorism is to be curtailed. But, at times, The War On Terrorism does, unfortunately, move from the practical to the impossible.

As one example, the book chastises the Central Intelligence Agency for withholding facts and truth from the public, but it does not consider that in many instances this is for the public’s protection. It suggests that in order to surpass the dreaded cycle of terrorism and counter-terrorism there needs to be a complete abolition of the CIA and military training centres. Regardless of whether or not this approach is correct, the very thought of the CIA disbanding is beyond reasonable.

Griffith makes his best case against terror when he says “that when terrorists and counter-terrorists exchange brutalities, it is primarily the innocent who suffer and die.” He goes on to explain that the greatest challenge facing humanity is not the problem of evil; it is the problem of our relationship with God. “Violence is inevitably a renunciation rather than an affirmation of the will and freedom of God.” This is why it is ironic that political leaders are so prone to wielding the name of God during times of war.

Mennonites have traditionally been a non-violent people. This attitude was possibly best exemplified by the events in Russia of 1917, which, arguably, were the darkest and brightest moments of the Mennonite tradition in the last century. Perhaps today we still have those same ideals – and the courage to stand by them. Of course, it’s easier to be a pacifist when there is no war. But in a world that is increasingly being swept into a vortex of violent solutions, a well-thought-through position on pacifism might be what is needed most.

Paul Boge is a writer and an engineer. He lives in Winnipeg and attends North Kildonan MB Church.