Show Them No Mercy: An Examination of Old Testament Holy War and Islamic Jihad

Originally Taught: Summer 2008

289k  27pages

On September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial jets with the intent to crash them into multiple targets on American soil. There are no known survivors from any of the flights and 2,974 people died in the four attacks. Around the world, the terrorist activity was roundly criticized and denounced. At the same time, the terrorists believed they were acting in pious obedience to the command of Allah. Terrorism continues today and Americans and others around the world continue to denounce such activity. However, when we who are Christians do so, can we avoid charges of hypocrisy? After all, individuals who reject Christianity often take glee in reminding Christians of the blood that stains history because of the followers (alleged and real) of Jesus Christ. How do we reconcile the bloody events of the Old Testament with our revulsion of terrorism and jihad?