The case in point is the war in Afghanistan, and previously in Iraq, and the part our military played in them. Somehow we have fudged the lines of reason and faith a little in our thinking.
When our soldiers are sent there, they take it as part of the job they signed up to do, to defend our free nations from tyranny, and at whatever cost it takes. Even death, and yes possibly torture. When interviewed before deployment, their bravery already shows through in their words, because they are not driven by feelings or emotion, but by the deep belief in their mission, and the part they will play in the overthrow of terrorism.
We, on the other hand, seem to react differently, and very differently when (not if!) deaths occur in the ranks of these enlisted men and women. Our emotions seem to be taken to yet another level if we think torture has taken place, or it has been reported. There is something terrible about the torture of those who take our freedom and liberty so seriously, that they will endure it bravely, even though they know it is a distinct possibility if they are captured. We already have instances of reported torture on both sides. It seems to be a case of, if you can't beat them, join them! Does that make it right?
In this country, we are supposed to be different, more moral, and with our laws based on Biblical/Christian values, not on extremist Koran/Islamic beliefs. So, that begs the question, 'are we right to behave in the same way when faced with extremism and terrorism'? Why is it that some get very 'involved' and angry, to the point of seeking revenge, when the atrocity is conducted a long way away, and against those who have already dealt with the risk when they signed up? I can't help but think we place ourselves in the gladiator arena and cheer and shout when one of the enemy 'gets it' because they deserve it anyway!
This takes me back to my initial question. What's the difference between justice and revenge? Maybe the answer is that justice is clean, clear and rational, and we have courts and a legal system to deal with it, but revenge is not ours to take. This is one area where the Koran and the Bible are very different. The Koran can be used by terrorists to justify their atrocities, but the Bible teaches that 'we should not return evil for evil', and that we must 'do good to those who persecute us'. Why is turning the other cheek so hard to do? Because it runs counter to the basic human instinct of getting our own back, and that's why it is wrong. To finish with another word from the Bible, 'Vengeance (revenge) is mine says the Lord'. Apparently, God trusts us with justice, but not revenge.... I wonder why?
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