TERRORISM AND THE FORCE THAT DEFEATS IT

BY TIMOTHY HEINEMANN

Ominous images of terrorism and its implications often seem to confront us at every turn. Many people fear extremists with destructive regional and global aims. Others confront terrorism daily in communities plagued by street gangs and organized crime. Still others feel terrorized by unethical people who make their money on the backs of the oppressed. Some speak of lives full of "emotional terrorism," threatened with depression, sickness, or addiction.

Terrorism of all types appears to thrive in such an atmosphere of fear. But it's also in this very atmosphere of terror's own creation that blessings actually abound. Christianity's high calling bids us to roll up our sleeves and prayerfully dig in. The divine Science of Christ, as explained in Science Science and Health, offers spiritual insight for this effort. Here Mary Baker Eddy wrote: "The sharp experiences of belief in the supposititious life of matter, as well as our disappointments and ceaseless woes, turn us like tired children to the arms of divine Love. Then we begin to learn Life in divine Science" (p. 322).

There is important ground to explore in the linkage between counter-terrorism, community, and church. Such a three-fold mission can spark the fires of heartfelt compassion for all men and women, and can guide creative expression and productive action. The Christly impulse to give of oneself for others' benefit, backed by the divine Science that informs and impels such an impulse, can defeat terror of all types.

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