Face of Evil

It’s not politically correct to say that anything, or especially that anyone is evil, but what word can you use for the act of a man who systematically walked through a youth camp, and shot to death, some execution style, 77 innocent teens and young adults? Anders Behring Breivik was that man, and now stands trial in Norway. He says he would do it again, and does not want to be considered as insane, or mentally diminished, he also repeated his reasons for his butchery. There is no remorse, only confirmation of his motives.

In the church we talk about sin and its consequences, but we are not often faced with such heinous sinful acts. How can it be anything else but evil actions, perpetrated by an evil man? Will the world try to lessen the horror and terror of these slain innocents, and call it something else? He is not saying he didn’t kill these young people. He says it is justified in the long term, and the truth will become clear in 10 or 15 years. What truth I wonder?

When we ‘do church’, sitting cosily in our pews, singing the hymns and songs of our faith, and looking towards our heavenly home, it will do us good to bear in mind that we are all engaged in a bitter, and much bigger struggle against evil which we cannot see with our earthly eyes. The Apostle Paul puts it like this:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV

Can God forgive? Certainly. Will God forgive? Yes certainly again, but only as a result of a repentant pray-er. Unfortunately, mortals do not forgive quite so easily.