Adopt a Terrorist for Jesus?
That's what a new web-based ministry, Adopt a Terrorist for Prayer (ATFP) is urging Christians to do.
Though ATFP believes that the government must fight terrorism militarily, it contends that the real war will be won in the spiritual realm.
“You and I can resist the debilitating effects of terrorism by identifying with this prayer movement, encouraging each other, and challenging others to join,” said ATFP founder Dr. Thomas Bruce.
My initial reaction to this ministry was a little cynical. At first blush the whole notion of “adopting a terrorist” sounded gimmicky, even dangerously naive.
But as I thought about it, I began to see the genius of this audacious approach. The idea of actively petitioning God on behalf of the most hated enemies has potential to change——not only terrorists——but our own hearts as well.
On the topic of enemies Jesus is unequivocal: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)
But how often do we read these words and completely miss their radical meaning? If any group of people qualifies as our enemies, it would be terrorists. Yet when terrorists are mentioned “love” is usually last word we ever hear, even from Christians.
I’m not saying that terrorists don’t have to be brought to justice. They do. They are evil men and loving them certainly doesn't mean condoning their evil acts. But I’ve grown tired of hearing gruff calls for their blood from people claiming to follow Christ. Terrorists are deluded and dangerous. They are also made in the image of God. He loves them and so must we. We should pray fervently that God will convict them and bring them into His family.
Terrorism is a huge political problem and perhaps even an existential threat. Politicians have called it the “transcendent challenge” of our time. But for the church I see it as a test. Will we love our enemies or succumb to their hate? The world is watching——and so is the One who extended love and forgiveness to His tormentors from a wooden cross.
Though ATFP believes that the government must fight terrorism militarily, it contends that the real war will be won in the spiritual realm.
“You and I can resist the debilitating effects of terrorism by identifying with this prayer movement, encouraging each other, and challenging others to join,” said ATFP founder Dr. Thomas Bruce.
My initial reaction to this ministry was a little cynical. At first blush the whole notion of “adopting a terrorist” sounded gimmicky, even dangerously naive.
But as I thought about it, I began to see the genius of this audacious approach. The idea of actively petitioning God on behalf of the most hated enemies has potential to change——not only terrorists——but our own hearts as well.
On the topic of enemies Jesus is unequivocal: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)
But how often do we read these words and completely miss their radical meaning? If any group of people qualifies as our enemies, it would be terrorists. Yet when terrorists are mentioned “love” is usually last word we ever hear, even from Christians.
I’m not saying that terrorists don’t have to be brought to justice. They do. They are evil men and loving them certainly doesn't mean condoning their evil acts. But I’ve grown tired of hearing gruff calls for their blood from people claiming to follow Christ. Terrorists are deluded and dangerous. They are also made in the image of God. He loves them and so must we. We should pray fervently that God will convict them and bring them into His family.
Terrorism is a huge political problem and perhaps even an existential threat. Politicians have called it the “transcendent challenge” of our time. But for the church I see it as a test. Will we love our enemies or succumb to their hate? The world is watching——and so is the One who extended love and forgiveness to His tormentors from a wooden cross.
posted by Drew Dyck at 4:25 PM
12 Comments:
The silence is deafening and damning. Jesus already told us what to do in
Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
This is some really heavy stuff. This is where the leather hits the road.
I can't come up with a loving comment. I reach down inside and try to bring up some love but I can't find it. That makes me feel sad but angry at the same time. How do you love such terrible people? All I can come up with is "OK, GUYS, LET'S ROLL..."
Help me, Lord. It's hard to feel love. I'm trying.
I appreciate your honesty! And I understand your feelings. Fortunately, I don't think loving terrorists requires drumming up warm feelings for them. It's more important that we pray for them, regardless of our feelings. I think once you start acting in love for your enemies the feelings will follow.
Drew Dyck
I would agree with Drew. The love will not be the gushy warm type you feel when you see a cute puppy and you aren't going to feel that.
Myself I'm a retired Army Infantry officer (retired in '99) and I have to think how I'd have love for my enemy while brandishing a loaded M16 with a nervous finger on the trigger. Thank God that I'm not in the situation in Iraq. I'd really like to hear from a brother in Christ that is in that situation and what goes through his mind.
But none of this is anything that Jesus didn't fully understand. He was hanging by nails on a piece of wood and still had love for those who were ridiculing and torturing him to death. Is it a lot to ask, it sure is. Is it too much. NO
The discomfort this article stirs in me tells me Mr. Dyck is seriously on to something!
Peace be with the reader.
The time has come, the harvest is ripe.
The Faithful Witness
While it is proper to pray for all sinners and each other. It does not mean that we do not defend ourselves or strive to defete the enemy. Christ, our example, built a weapon and beat the money changers out of the temple. That did not mean that He hated them nor did He just pray for them. There is also such a thing as Imprecatory Prayer. We need to pray for all sinners and we could pray an imprecatory prayer against those who were behind the attacks on us.
Chaplain Hart,
I disagree with you. I do not believe Christians should pray imprecatory prayers for the demise of their enemies. Yes, I know King David did. But I think Jesus provided an example more worthy of following: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Help me out here. I am unclear as to exactly who we are referring to as "Us" and "Them". This is not and argumentative question. I'm truly not getting the "Us/Them" within our Christian world view and is it valid.
Materially, terrorists are one of the weakest enemies civilization has ever faced, but they are wielding a most powerful weapon – fear.
Jesus' instruction to love enemies and pray for persecutors offers a brilliant symmetrical counter offensive.
The antidote to fear is love. Love for country helps soldiers risk their lives. Love for children enables parents to discipline them without being intimidated. Love for us took Jesus to the cross. Love for terrorists will give courage to face, overcome, and transform them. When we hate, we are victims. When we love, we have the initiative."
The apostle Paul was going around killing and accusing Christians and then he got saved and wrote half of the New Testament.
Sometimes those who are the most evil and fight the hardest against Christianity can become it's most powerful witnesses.
I am ashamed to say that this is a new idea for me. But what an idea. Anything that takes us to the throne of God is a good one.
By our standards these are terrible people. By God's standard we are all in the same boat. "We all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." We deserve hell. God offers heaven.
In this country we have adopted everything from puppies to highways. Why not adopt a terrorist?
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