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Is this a Time for Peacemaking or a Time for War?

by Ken Sande

The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 against targets in the United States caused many people around the world to reconsider fundamental questions of right and wrong. Ken Sande writes about those attacks from his perspectives as a Christian and as the president of an organization focused on principles and practices of conciliation and peacemaking.

The dreadful terrorist attacks on September 11 have left millions of people around the world wrestling with crushing grief and profound questions. Chief among these questions is, "How should we respond to these evil acts?" 

This question is especially challenging for those who follow Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He commanded that we love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. He also said, "Blessed are the peacemakers."

These are hard teachings in the aftermath of an attack that has killed thousands of people. Our President and many others have declared this to be a war, and warned us that more people will die before it is over. So, is this a time for peacemaking or a time for war? The answer may be both. 

But how can both paths be right, especially when they seem to go in opposite directions? Both can be right, because God himself has assigned different paths to different people. 

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