Marginal Christianity

What might it mean to follow Jesus"put your sword away" in a world where groups like ISIS exist? Richard Beck reflects, controversially to be sure, but in a solid Christian way. Of course, I don't have the answers to these questions. But what follows is a bit of my answer to Mike. First, I said, we are creatures that live within history and we have to appreciate the tragic nature of history. If, for example, we bomb ISIS that's not something to cheer about. It's horribly tragic. Plus, that bombing will simply create more violence as those affected by the bombing will most likely become radicalized and come to hate the US. Bombing, even if you think it's "the right thing to do," is tragic and just leads to the next round of violence within history. And if we don't bomb and ISIS goes into a village, beheading and raping, that's also tragic. It's tragic all the way around. Use the sword and it's tragic. Put your sword away, e...

Last Friday, the world witnessed the way of Jesus Christ in Charleston, South Carolina. The family members of the victims in the horrific shooting at an historic AME Church in Charleston, SC spoke to the racist young man that perpetrated the crime of killing nine people during a Bible study. Their words were nothing less than moving; and to a world that so often believes violence is the answer to violence, they were almost shocking. Those who spoke to Dylann Roof did not speak in anger telling them they hoped he would burn in hell for his crimes. Instead they spoke through tears of grief and pain, not only telling this young racist how he had devastated their lives, but they did something that their faith demanded they do-- they forgave him. A daughter of one of the victims said, "I will never be able to hold her again. But I forgive you and have mercy on your soul," she said. "It hurts me, it hurts a lot of people, but God forgive you and I forgive you." A siste...