Christine Smith's Blog

Rebuttal to Pastor Preaching False Message About Freedom & 9/11

In one of the Colorado newspapers I read, a pastor wrote an article which I responded to through the letters to the editor section.  Since the paper’s articles are not online, I am sharing here the letter to the editor I wrote in rebuttal and which was published in the newspaper. My rebuttal also includes quotes from his original article, so I think you’ll get an idea of the type of assertions he made as well as the awful linkage he suggested between those who died on 9/11 and Jesus’ death, suggesting both died as a sacrifice: one for political freedom, the other for spiritual freedom, and then criticizing other people for not being willing to sacrifice or think about the “price” for those freedoms.

Because I find it particularly offensive when someone in the clergy uses their position to spread what I regard as both false and harmful political messages, and even more so when they try to illogically intertwine Christian belief with it, I had to respond.

Here’s a copy of my letter as it was published in the newspaper:

Dear Editor:

I found Pastor ————-’s  article extremely objectionable.

Using the church page to perpetuate the myth and government lie we are hated for our freedom is bad enough, but to make an analogy between 9/11 deaths and the willing gift of the Son of God was worse.

Americans murdered on 9/11 tragically died, victims of spiritually insane individuals who believed vindicating the wrongs suffered at the hands of the U.S. would be achieved by attacking civilians.

The 9/11 attack and other examples (past, present, and those which may be planned) are a result of our federal government intruding upon the Muslim world for the past 50 years. The attack had nothing to do with resenting our freedoms, but vengeance for not being left alone.

We suffered blowback for the suffering and death our government has inflicted upon innocents for decades.

It is an example, as the Bible says, “… they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.” Job 4:8 (King James Version)

In no way are terrorist attacks upon civilians justified – one evil does not justify another – but there’s a big lesson in it which Americans must understand.

The unjust immoral meddling in the affairs and conflicts of other nations by the U.S. government is responsible for fueling hatred, anger, and violence against us. Our government arrogantly goes worldwide to take and destroy.

A more peaceful, prosperous and safe nation would be achieved by ending cruelty resulting from government sanctions, embargoes, foreign aid, delivery of taxpayer-financed military weaponry to other nations, interventions in the government and elections of other nations, involvement in international conflicts and by closing the hundreds of unnecessary military bases in parts of the world we’ve no business being.

America must influence by example, not force, as John Quincy Adams said, “Wherever the standard of freedom and independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be.

“But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all,” but the “champion and vindicator only of her own.”

Victims of 9/11 died unnecessarily because of retribution against the U.S. government for its crimes. Their “blood” was not a “price” paid because of “people from around the globe” envying us “for our liberties” nor was it “required to maintain” our freedom as the pastor wrote.

His suggestion of this is, ironically, woefully disrespectful and void of understanding of their deaths and the death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

During this season of Lent, we focus upon the willing sacrifice Jesus chose to be. The crucifixion compels us to teach and live love.

It was the ultimate example of returning love for hate. In its acceptance, brings a peace the world can never give.

To suggest “a parallel” between the deaths of 9/11, “our relationship with Jesus,” and the cross he bore for us, misses the gravity of both.