The War on Terrorism and the Terror of God

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable.

Uniquely relevant to a world shaken by recent acts of terror, this provocative analysis of our culture of violence calls people of faith back to the way of peace that has always been the proper Christian response to aggression.

With the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other, Lee Griffith takes a frank look at the historical events and modern forces contributing to terrorism. This is not a book about small guerrilla bands of terrorists or about so-called "Islamic terrorists" — it is a cogent, open-eyed analysis of a worldwide epidemic of violence.

In a discussion that will no doubt prove controversial, Griffith argues that terrorism and counterterrorism are identical phenomena when viewed at the spiritual level. To oppose terrorism with violence acknowledges the terrorist assumption that meaningful change is possible only through suffering and fear. Likewise, terrorism and counterterrorism both employ similar God language to justify horrendous acts of violence. This is true not only of "rogue states" but also of Western leaders who use religious language on the eve of battle.

In response to today's culture of terror, Griffith points the way to a theology of peace. He first looks at specific recent events that have contributed to terrorism. Next, he mines the history of the church to see how the tradition has responded to violence in the past. Finally, he probes the biblical texts for meaningful answers. The result is a stirring message for our day: rather than serving as an incitement to violence, the biblical concept of "the terror of God" stands as a renunciation of all violence — and of death itself.

Calling for a radical faith for radical times, The war on Terrorism and the Terror of God is sure to generate discussion from every quarter.