9/11, the day that stopped the clock on American innocence and set us on a path of “righteous” retaliation. Sure, this Sunday, churches all over America will lower their flags, hum ‘God Bless America,’ and hold those signature moments of silence. It’s theatrical patriotism at its best, but let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t a Christian reaction, this is a political one.
Before we get lost in the ceremony, let’s remember that Christ was the guy who told us, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Not exactly a rallying cry for bomb-dropping, is it?
The Jesus Paradox: Turn the Other Cheek, Not Launch a Missile
The core message of Jesus had always been one of love, forgiveness, and yep—you guessed it—pacifism. While churches drape their altars with American flags, it’s almost like they forget the Sermon on the Mount wasn’t a warm-up act for war, but a playbook for peace. Christ calls us to love our enemies, not drone-strike them.
But hey, let’s be honest, turning the other cheek doesn’t build empires or stack cash. No wonder organized religion conveniently leaves pacifism on the back burner. Christianity’s call to peace isn’t just a line in a book; it’s a path we’ve been called to walk, not tiptoe around like it’s some form of religious hot lava.
The Glorious Exceptions: When Churches Got it Right
Yes, the history of Christianity isn’t exactly a highlight reel of peace and love. The Crusades? More like an unholy holiday. The Spanish Inquisition? Let’s not even go there. But hold on, not all of Christian history is marred by violence and colonial aspirations.
Remember the Quakers? Those guys were the poster children of Christian pacifism. They conscientiously objected to war and violence, rooted in their religious beliefs, even when it was unpopular. Or the Mennonites, who make the Amish look like warmongers. These groups understood the value of a Christ-centric nonviolent approach and have preserved it for centuries.
Don’t forget Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister who stood unwavering in his commitment to nonviolence during the Civil Rights Movement. The man had a dream, and that dream didn’t involve tear gas or rubber bullets.
Moving Forward: How to Stop Missing the Mark
We’ve got centuries of spiritual guidance that we could be leaning on, yet here we are, two decades post-9/11, wondering if we’ve learned anything at all. The answer is complicated, but the path isn’t. If churches really want to honor the Christian faith and the victims of 9/11, it’s high time to put down the swords—literal or metaphorical—and practice what was preached on the Mount.
And look, pacifism doesn’t mean you’re a pushover; it means you’re pushing forward towards a better world. It means advocacy, activism, and being a voice for the voiceless—without the sound of artillery in the background.
Parting Shots (Metaphorically Speaking)
9/11 is a solemn day of remembrance, but let’s not forget to remember what Christianity actually calls us to be—peacemakers, not war instigators. Maybe the best way to honor those who were lost is to commit ourselves to a path that ensures fewer are lost in the future.
As you sit in those pews this Sunday, amid the flags and the silence, maybe take a moment to question what Jesus would really do. Spoiler alert: He wouldn’t be chanting “USA! USA!” He’d be mourning the lost and urging us towards a path of peace. Let’s try not to miss that memo—again.
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