Sunday, September 11, 2005

An Unorthodox 9/11 Perspective

Today is a day of worship for Christians throughout the nation in remembrance of 9/11 four years ago.

Through the horror of lives needlessly lost during the terrorist attacks of that late-summer morning, believers and non-believers alike asked in the aftermath if there was truly a just and merciful God, why did He allow this tragedy to befall us?

Just as people went to church to seek answers after 9/11, many went to church this morning, still seeking measure of the Lord.

At a tiny church approximately 43 miles outside the Pentagon in Catlett Virginia, an apposite biblical verse was heard throughout the pews. From the book of Matthews in the New Testament, the message came from Chapter 18:21-22 and spoke of forgiveness in a post-9/11 world.

A disciple asks Jesus how many times one should forgive before striking back.

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

In other words, always.

The Bible calls for us to forgive each and every time, even those responsible for the 9/11 tragedy; through Christ's spirit, we are to provide dispensation.

What a towering, mighty order, especially for those directly afflicted through the loss of loved ones.

But what of God….? Might the words of Jesus not also apply to our Heavenly Father for allowing it to happen…?

Totally outside Christian orthodoxy, thoughts of a bicameral Supreme Being needing forgiveness to fulfill our salvation for His glory come to mind.

Certainly, it would conform to spiritual battles we are called to fight in the war of hosts.

I will therefore pray for the passion of forgiveness and surrender my questioning through grace to the kingdom that enjoins chaos, joy and wonder in this world.

A poem for your prospects.

I never lost as much but twice,
And that was in the sod.
Twice have I stood a beggar
Before the door of God!

Angels -- twice descending
Reimbursed my store --
Burglar! Banker -- Father!
I am poor once more!

Emily dickinson

Comments:
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I like your writing style ... and your particular spiritual take. I guess the brand of Christianity I know best has kind of jaded me a bit. ;)
 
i understand forgiveness of those who did this to us, but do we have to forgive the administration that let it happen, and constantly puts us in harms way?
 
i understand forgiveness of those who did this to us, but do we have to forgive the administration that let it happen, and constantly puts us in harms way?
 
i understand forgiveness of those who did this to us, but do we have to forgive the administration that let it happen, and constantly puts us in harms way?
 
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