Peace Sunday Worship

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Theme introduction:

What would we call a threat or act of violence used to intimidate or harm people someone hated or despised? Terrorism? Is "terrorism" an appropriate term to use to describe the intended actions of two followers of Jesus, James and John? They threatened to command fire to come down from heaven and kill the civilian inhabitants of a Samaritan village. I wonder what term we would use to describe the proposed acts of James and John if they lived today and made the same violent threats while on a plane flying over a country they considered "foreigners" and an "enemy"? I wonder.

Since 9/11 terrorism has brought insecurity and fear into the hearts of many people not only in the United States, but all over the world. Terrorism has been effective as a form of threat and intimidation through violent means. Whether effective or not, there are those who would justify terrorism or the use of violence simply because it has a "righteous" cause. The biblical text from Luke's gospel for this Peace Sunday challenges Christ's community to question terrorism or any form of violence as a means to some "just" or "righteous" end. Underlying Jesus' rebuke of his disciples are his convictions about nonviolence, his compassion for those labeled as "enemies," and his critique of vengeance.

Terrorism will be part of our national agenda for a long time to come. There is a need for Christians to move beyond an understanding of terrorism as only something that "others" do against "us." Terrorism, understood as the use of threat, intimidation, or violence against civilians, is not something limited to one particular people, religion, or so-called "righteous cause." Terrorism has many faces in many cultures. Jesus calls his followers to self-reflection amid cultures of blame. Jesus calls his followers to be peacemakers amid terrorist cultures. Jesus calls his followers to disarm their hearts of violence. Jesus' way stands as a rebuke to anyone who would justify their own brand of terrorism or violence based upon the "righteousness" of their cause.

Peace Sunday Worship materials for November 7, 2004 include an introduction to the biblical text (Luke 9:51-56), sermon starters, a sample worship service, children's time activities, action ideas. a guide for civic engagement, and suggested resources.