Just what is terror, and what should our response to it be? After September 11, 2001, we might think we truly know what terror is. The essays in this compilation, however, will remind us that terror reaches so much further than individual violent organizations perpetrating individual violent acts. Editors Virginia Lee Erickson and Michelle Lim Jones have compiled a truly insightful look at the history of terror in our world, and the Christian response to it in Surviving Terror: Hope and Justice in a World of Violence.
What is the goal of this book? To expose terror and to engender a true Christian response to it. In the words of the editors, 'The terror that we have sought to tell the truth about in these pages entails more than actual or threatened violence, although both are integral to its purposes. Keeping the level of stress and intimidation high, terror aims at inducing emotional reactions that will tear the fabric of social life apart. It is a practice intended to destroy the humanity of its victims, and is thus a spiritual practice...Whether it be in culture, politics, or religion, terror seeks to establish a new regime of truth.' By exposing terror for what it truly is, we can begin the task of addressing both the oppressor (by standing up to them) and the victim (by offering words of hope and comfort).
This book looks at the history of terror, the politics and sociology of terror, theological responses to terror, and the gospel as life in the face of terror. It also includes a Jewish response to Christian actions against terror. The contributors represent a broad spectrum in Christianity and come from a wide range of geographical locations, including Latin America, Asia, Africa, North America and Europe. To view the list of contributors click here. This important book should not be ignored. Its call to end terror at all levels of society needs to be heeded and put into action.
