The September 11, 2001, attacks, driven by radical jihad ideology and political grievances, resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. The Bible provides a framework for understanding and responding to such evil with truth and love.
A Biblical Perspective on Tragedy and Terror
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Evil in the World: All have sinned (Romans 3:23). Sin leads to hatred, violence, and destruction (James 4:1-2).
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God’s Sovereignty: God remains in control (Psalm 46:1-2) and works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
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Responding to Evil: Do not repay evil for evil; overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
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Attitude Toward Enemies: Love your enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:43-44).
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Urgency of Repentance: Tragedies remind us all to repent and turn to God (Luke 13:1-5).
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Hope Beyond Terror: Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Radical Jihad vs. Biblical Worldview
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Topic
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Radical Jihad
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Biblical Worldview
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View of God
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Allah is primarily a distant judge; emphasis is on submission to Islamic law.
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God is holy and just but also loving, seeking a personal relationship through Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8).
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View of Humanity
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Humanity is divided into Muslims and non-Muslims; worth is based on loyalty to Islam.
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All people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and are equal in value, all in need of salvation (Romans 3:23).
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Cause of Conflict
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The presence of unbelievers in Muslim lands is perceived as an insult to Islam.
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The root cause is sin—rebellion against God —that corrupts human hearts (James 4:1-2).
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Solution to Evil
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Violent jihad to remove unbelievers and establish Islamic rule.
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Transformation through the Gospel; overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 5:9).
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Martyrdom
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Dying in jihad guarantees paradise and honor in the eyes of Allah.
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Dying for faith means faithful witness to Christ, not killing others; eternal life is God’s gift (Philippians 1:21; Ephesians 2:8-9).
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View of Enemies
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Enemies are to be fought and subdued.
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Enemies are to be loved and prayed for (Matthew 5:43-44).
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Eternal Hope
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Paradise for martyrs and devout Muslims.
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Eternal life with God through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Revelation 21:4).
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Justice
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Shari’a – Islamic law and retribution. Muslims believe Allah has called them to get revenge for not following Islam.
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God’s perfect justice, with ultimate judgment in His hands (Romans 13:4; Revelation 20:11–15). Christ is the end of the law (Romans 10:1-4; 12:9; Deuteronomy 32:35; Matthew 5:17).
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Message to the World
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Submit to Islam or face consequences.
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God offers salvation to all who repent and believe in Christ (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:20-21).
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The Good News
The Bible says we are all sinners in need of forgiveness (Romans 3:23), but God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and rise again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Through repentance and faith in Jesus, we can receive eternal life (John 3:16). In a world marked by violence and fear, the Gospel offers genuine peace, forgiveness, and hope.
