Recently, it has come to light that brutal and inhumane tactics were used to coerce confessions on the part of alleged and suspected terrorists. Issues of waterboarding and other forms of torture were reported to have been used. Subsequently, we have been placed on "high alert" for fear that these revelations will result in either intense domestic uprisings and intensification of "terrorism" by foreign elements.
It is amazing that some would justify these brutal actions on the grounds that they "saved lives," and averted further "terrorism." History repeats itself in that we see once and again that justification will be offered for inhumanity and animalistic treatment of other human beings.
What does the Church of Jesus Christ have to say about this? Quite frankly, the Church is in a difficult position because it has its own history of justifying genocide and torture in the "name of Christ." The Church as at times justified witch hunts, the genocide of indigenous people, the institution of chattel slavery, and even the colonization of certain lands, so that the inhabitants of those lands can be "gained for Christ."
My question is as a Christian minister and theologian, how is it that in an age of "advanced civilization and knowledge" that we supposedly have today, we can even think of rationalizing and justifying such brutal acts, and then on top of that, justify these immoral actions theologically speaking? Are we as a church a bipolar entity?
As a member of the Church of Jesus the Christ, I submit that it is our role to prophetically denounce these tactics. We cannot subscribe to the notion of "the end justifies the means" as a manner of dismissing the immorality of these actions. It is also our call to denounce any attempt to justify these actions on whatever grounds social and political institutions want to make their arguments.
As we continue the Advent Season in preparation for the coming of our Lord, I would invite you to consider ways in which we as the Body of Christ can exercise our prophetic role in opposing inhumanity and injustice in all its forms. Please respond to this by giving your opinion on the subject, and what an appropriate Christians response would be from your perspective.
The King is coming. Peace, Shalom Aleichem, Asalaam-alaikum
Dr. Juan A. Ayala-Carmona
I agree with you; I believe we Christians should denounce the use of torture to gain intelligence. Many of us are reticent to speak out publicly in the political arena; unfortunately, I feel that is where this subject must be addressed. Speaking in hushed tones among ourselves will not be effective.
ReplyDeleteOne means of speaking out is to submit a "letter to the editor" to the local newspaper. Use of social media is another possibility. But be prepared for negative feedback. When I spoke out on this subject, I received arguments that the use of torture was a decade ago in a different time, that torture was only used in extreme situations, that the enemy does much worse things, and that I would want torture used if my family was at risk. Speaking out isn't an easy thing and isn't without risk.
Gary Dudley
Bro. Gary: Thank you for your insightful response. Yes, indeed, we are living in a time when Christians are reticent to speak out publicly in the political arena. They fear repercussions such as loss of popularity, fame, economic standing, and so many other things, including possibly death itself. And yes, there are many who believe that this type of brutality is a thing of the past and are in blatant denial that is still going on. It is just like some people, including some who call themselves "Christian," believe in shooting unarmed people as a means of "self-defense." I am very happy to see people like you speaking out, even when it involves risk. This blog site itself is a risk, but cowing down is not a moral alternative. Thanks so much for your input.
DeleteGrace and peace,
Juan Ayala-Carmona