Christian hostages murdered by Somali Pirates

[Michael The Disciple]

If indeed the missionaries were true Christians the response should be they were laboring for the name of Jesus and obviously knew the danger they faced. If they were killed doing this it is certainly a glorious thing and they should be held in high esteem by Christians.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Blood, war and revenge. Totally sounds like Mt 5-7 ethics -- not!!

Note: Somolia is a nation, not sure where you got your facts on that one. Also, did you read Sec Clinton's statement posted?

"Blood" and "war" need not necessarily involve "revenge." Making war against the pirates could be argued as a means of preventing future bloodshed. These pirates have shown themselves to be willing to kill their hostages in the past.

Of course, effectively wiping out the murderers without resorting to carpet bombing of the coast is going to be dicey. Somalia is a "nation" in name only. It's not a state and has no government outside of the warring tribes. Which tribes are more friendly toward Western and International interests and which are more prone to violence and bloodshed?

It's a mess where no warlord has been powerful enough to get the others to bow - so it remains a mess. Add to it, there is really little short term interest for anyone over there to change things. At least as things stand now. The people need hope. They need to see that civilized behavior can be at least as rewarding as piracy and their eternal feuds.

[Jermyn Davidson]

From a Christian point of view, God clearly allows for war.

The actions of these pirates warrant a response from our military if for no other reason than for the fact that our military was peacefully negotiating with them when they killed our citizens.


A military response would be vain if it was not significant and if it did not secure the area so that law and order is restored to that region.


We have the wherewithal to accomplish this.

We have how many Americans who have been victimized by their actions?

It it time for our government to respond, with speed and strength.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Yes.


How is the discussion about a Christian response vs. our tension of a political response insensitive?

In the same way that a discussion about faith in God's deliverance vs. God's choice to not deliver is insensitive!

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

If indeed the missionaries were true Christians the response should be they were laboring for the name of Jesus and obviously knew the danger they faced. If they were killed doing this it is certainly a glorious thing and they should be held in high esteem by Christians.

And that, MTD, is how the Christian views suffering & death. Thanks for chiming in.

Of course your use of the word "real" Christians would have you and I disagreeing, but I'll take what I can

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

Is this sarcasm?

I'm typing behind a keyboard.

The real patriots are still fighting.

I support the patriots now.

No sarcasm, maybe a little exaggeration though since our soldiers truly deserve our utmost respect!

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by jfrog

In the same way that a discussion about faith in God's deliverance vs. God's choice to not deliver is insensitive!

I see where you're going with that.

The deal is, suggesting that the victims didn't have enough faith (even in a philosophical way) to deliver themselves from death, is beyond "how should a Christian respond?" Surely you see the difference?

And are you suggesting what you said wasn't insensitive, or just the thread itself is insensitive?

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

From a Christian point of view, God clearly allows for war.

The actions of these pirates warrant a response from our military if for no other reason than for the fact that our military was peacefully negotiating with them when they killed our citizens.


A military response would be vain if it was not significant and if it did not secure the area so that law and order is restored to that region.


We have the wherewithal to accomplish this.

We have how many Americans who have been victimized by their actions?

It it time for our government to respond, with speed and strength.

Sure. And whose army is God captain of, Jermyn?

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Hail America...

These are pirates stealing from merchants, taking hostages to get ransom money, not sovereign nations declaring war or attacking other sovereign nations. You're starting to sound like the Bush Doctrine on crack.

If you think that a military response is not warranted then that is your right.

In America, we don't have pirates violating your right to lack a spine in your thought processes as you decide what should be the response to senseless, repeated, and preventable violence.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by Socialite

I see where you're going with that.

The deal is, suggesting that the victims didn't have enough faith (even in a philosophical way) to deliver themselves from death, is beyond "how should a Christian respond?" Surely you see the difference?

And are you suggesting what you said wasn't insensitive, or just the thread itself is insensitive?

I'm suggesting that what I said wasn't in the least bit insensitive.