After Paris: A Christian View on Protecting the Innocent

By Published on November 20, 2015

Christians have rightly responded to the Paris terror attacks with prayer and empathy. But there have not been enough voices responding with thoughtful reflection rooted in historic Christian thought about God’s purposes for government and war, and perpetuating a just society.

Some Christians have urged a quick attack on ISIS, which the French air force has now conducted. The French were correct to do so, but the few score bombs dropped over Syria will of course not destroy ISIS. The U.S. has already dropped many hundreds of bombs, with limited success. Defeating ISIS requires a long-term military, intelligence, political, and diplomatic campaign likely requiring years. There is no visceral quick fix. Reportedly some French bombs fell on civilian targets. Every war, even with the most careful intent, involves such tragedy.

Other Christians have reacted to the Paris attack by insisting that the way of Jesus is the way of non-violence. They implore that Christians are called to love enemies, not kill them. Such thoughts carry some truths but ignore important others. Every major branch of historic Christianity teaches that God has ordained government, in every society. Its first duty is to wield the sword, through the police and military, in order to uphold order. This is the calling for every rightful government, not just states with a Christian majority.

Read the article “After Paris: A Christian View on Protecting the Innocent” on nationalreview.com.

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