Christian Response to Terrorism in Kenya: A Case of The Gospel of Luke 6:27-31

Abstract

Terrorism is an Anxiety inspiring Method of repeated violent action, employed by (Semi-) clandestine individual, group, or state actors, for idiosyncratic, criminal or political reasons, whereby – in contrast to assassination – the direct targets of violence are not the main targets. The immediate human victims of violence are generally chosen randomly (targets of opportunity) or selectively (representative or symbolic targets) from a target population, and serve as message generators. This paper explores if non-resistance, Christian pacifism or non-violence on the part of the victim should be or is a viable option in the face of terror. The immediate human victims of violence are generally chosen at random and include Christians who are ostensibly guided by the teachings found in the biblical Sermon on the Plain. In this teaching found in the Gospel of Luke (6:27-31), as part of his command to “love your enemies”’ Jesus Says:… but I say to unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them who hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them who despitefully use you. And unto him that smitteth thee on one cheek offer also the other…The Gospel of Mathew 5: 39 is more descriptive of the expected Christian response…but I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek turn to them the other check also… To respond to the challenges highlighted by the listed options, the paper has largely applied the use of desk research methodologies comprising of the examination of available literature on terrorism as well as existing, potential Christian responses to help situate this current study within the context of existing evidence. It is hoped that the discussions generated by this paper will benefit practitioners in the areas of governance, public policy formulators and comparative religion.