God and the TSA Screening

November 29, 2010 by J. E. Dyer

Continued from Page 1

This does not mean, of course, that modern nation-states ought to be on the prowl for opportunities to make war. It does mean that our posture with evil, as individuals or as the church, is not to be defensive or wearily accepting. We can remember that we "wrestle not against flesh and blood," -- that misguided or imperfect humans are not our enemy -- and still oppose consequences, like the sick or elderly being robbed of their dignity, that are undoubtedly evil.

We can insist on airport screening procedures that are not just more respectful but more sensible, and that hold a greater promise of effectiveness. We can also keep in mind that mere symmetrical defensiveness -- a narrow countermeasure for each method of attack -- is not something the Word of God consigns us to. Taking up arms isn't the all-purpose answer, nor should we channel all our efforts through the tools of the state. Thinking exclusively in those terms stymies us. But Christians, of all people, should want to change the hearts of terrorists and the conditions that produce them. It is a false form of large-mindedness, to imagine that someone whose central purpose is blowing up the innocent is not living in a spiritual prison, with gates that need breaking down.

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About J. E. Dyer

J.E. Dyer is a retired Naval intelligence officer and evangelical Christian. She retired in 2004 and blogs from the Inland Empire of southern California. She writes for Commentary's CONTENTIONS blog, Hot Air's Green Room, and her own blog, The Optimistic Conservative. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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