Terrorism, as a modern term, refers to the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "terrorism" as understood today, it addresses themes of violence, fear, and the moral decay that can lead to such acts. The Scriptures provide insight into the nature of evil, the sanctity of life, and the response of the faithful to violence and oppression.

Biblical Context of Violence and Fear

The Bible acknowledges the presence of violence and fear in the world, often as a result of human sinfulness. In Genesis 6:11, the earth is described as being "corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence." This corruption led to the judgment of the flood, illustrating God's intolerance of unchecked violence.

The Psalms frequently address the theme of fear and the believer's response to it. Psalm 27:1 declares, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?" This verse emphasizes reliance on God as a refuge in times of fear and uncertainty.

Moral Decay and the Heart of Man

The Bible teaches that acts of violence, including terrorism, stem from the sinful nature of humanity. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse highlights the inherent sinfulness that can lead individuals to commit acts of terror.

Jesus further expounds on the source of evil actions in Matthew 15:19: "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." The New Testament consistently points to the transformation of the heart through Christ as the solution to human wickedness.

The Sanctity of Life

The Bible upholds the sanctity of human life, which is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) underscores the value God places on life. Acts of terrorism, which often result in the loss of innocent lives, directly violate this divine principle.

Response to Violence and Oppression

Scripture provides guidance on how believers should respond to violence and oppression. Romans 12:19 instructs, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This passage encourages Christians to trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge.

Furthermore, Jesus calls His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This radical love and forgiveness stand in stark contrast to the motivations behind terrorism and serve as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Hope and Justice in Christ

The Bible assures believers that ultimate justice will be served through Christ. Revelation 21:4 promises a future where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This hope sustains Christians as they navigate a world marred by violence and terror.

In summary, while the Bible does not address terrorism directly, it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the roots of violence, the value of human life, and the appropriate response of the faithful. Through reliance on God, adherence to His commandments, and the transformative power of the Gospel, believers are equipped to confront the challenges posed by terrorism and to be agents of peace in a troubled world.Exodus 21:23-27
And if any mischief follow, then you shall give life for life,
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Deuteronomy 20:10-17
When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
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Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
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Matthew 10:34-35
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
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Numbers 31:17-18
Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that has known man by lying with him.
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For Eighteen Years, New Sects, Or, Rather, Posthumous Sects...
... have disputed for the soul of the People, under the names of Fourierism, of Pantheism,
of Communism, of Industrialism, of Economism, and, finally, of Terrorism ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/xiv for eighteen years new.htm

The Brandenburg Confessions.
... want only such servants as believe and confess in religion neither more nor less
than I myself believe and confess.' [1055] These times of terrorism over men's ...
/.../ 70 the brandenburg confessions.htm

St. Bernard
... at length Bernard accompanied the legate of Innocent to a conference at his court,
the saint had recourse to all the methods of ecclesiastical terrorism at his ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter vi st bernard.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... morals were corrupted, judgment perverted and the Shekhinah withdrawn from Israel.'
[1301] In illustration of this, we recall the terrorism which prevented ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

Letter Lxxxii. To Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria.
... But the monastic tribe does not succumb to terrorism: it prefers to expose its neck
to the impending sword rather than to allow its hands to be tied. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxxii to theophilus bishop.htm

Arrest and Trial of Jesus.
... But if it had had this law, how would it have become Christian? The Pentateuch has
thus been in the world the first code of religious terrorism. ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxiv arrest and trial.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... Yet the question had been most vehemently disputed.'[263] Throughout the Middle
Ages, religious terrorism in its barest and most material form was an universal ...
/.../chapter iv latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

The Northern Mountains
... It is easy to conceive the terrorism, and the exactions in the shape of fowls,
plantains, rum, and so forth, which are at the command of an Obeah practitioner ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is ...
Inspiration and Interpretation. <. ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/vii the essay which brings.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World. <. ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

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