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A Declaration of Amnesty and Peace (repost from Dr. Paul N. Anderson)

[This post has been reproduced with permission granted by Dr. Paul N. Anderson, the Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies at George Fox University. Share your thoughts in the comments section below. He is aware of this post and he may be able to interact.]

Paul N. Anderson

A Declaration of Amnesty and Peace—

An Open Letter to President Obama and the US Congress

(Thanks for the responses; this is a revised letter as of 05/09/2011.)

Given that all wars must finally come to an end by means of a political solution, I encourage President Barack Obama and the United States Congress to issue a Declaration of Amnesty and Peace to all self-identified enemies of the United States willing to renounce violence and to agree to address grievances and concerns through conventional and political means. This would accomplish three things: it would acknowledge success in the declared war on terror; it would show graciousness to all who are willing to live at peace with others; and it would forge a division between extremists and persons of conscience, given the final failure of terrorism and violence to achieve their goals. As the final resolution of ten years of conflict is likely to involve a call for peaceable means to peaceable ends and the constructive addressing of legitimate concerns, why not begin that process now?

America is not at war with those who are not at war with America, so a unilateral declaration of amnesty and peace invites a realignment of concerns and loyalties. It also should be accompanied by an American pledge to work for justice, grace, and liberty for all—lending support for the oppressed and the downtrodden in the name of democracy and freedom. This declaration also should invite all organizations and nations to join with the United States of America in renouncing violent means to political ends, instead advocating diplomacy and democracy, so that communication between states and between the governed and their leaders can be open and full. Such has always been the stance of the United States, and all who stand for freedom, justice, grace, truth, and compassion are welcomed to join us in this sacred vocation.

The following points suggest how such an offer might be extended and accepted:

  • The invitation could be ushered within a 30-day window, inviting all who would like to do so to visit sites designated by American Embassies around the world and to sign a statement of non-aggression and the willingness to address noted concerns in non-violent ways.
  • In exchange, neither the United States nor its allies would target such persons as long as they uphold their agreements, and the United States would thereby commit to taking seriously noted concerns as a reliable partner in working for justice, grace, transparency, and freedom in the world.
  • If such an offer is not made, however, my fear is that many lives will be lost unnecessarily. Therefore, whatever number the positive responses to such an offer might be, each will constitute a real success for those individuals and our endeavors. More significantly, posing an honorable alternative to violence is itself an advance over the escalation of misery and the bankruptcy of force.

This offer is made in good faith, as America has no interest in prolonging conflict or in exacting revenge. My hope is that we would thus walk away from the present conflict, inviting all combatants to lay down their arms in exchange for our doing the same. As the vast information recovered from the headquarters of Osama Bin Laden in recent days means that the identities and whereabouts of many of America’s self-declared enemies will be known, America should invite a renunciation of violence before taking action against its enemies, professed or perceived. This would be an honorable and merciful way forward, envisioning an end to our present conflict. We invite all persons everywhere to join us in a renewed and sustained commitment to nonviolent and peaceable means to addressing legitimate concerns. As is the case for all peoples and nations of the earth, we exist not for ourselves but for the world’s healing.

Paul N. Anderson

Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies

George Fox University, Newberg, OR 97132

(505) 554-2651


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Reacting to the death of Osama bin Laden

I did not discover the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed in a raid by US Navy SEALS through CNN.com, MSNBC.com, Foxnews.com, or any other major news source. I read it on Facebook. This was an interesting experience since I didn’t begin thinking about the subject by reading the details, but rather by observing the reactions of others.

It was odd.

First, I must echo these words that I read on Twitter from @Homelessheretic: “Sorry friends. I’m just not holy/spiritual enough to feel anything other than relief that they put 2 in that SOB’s head. Not gonna lie.” There was a brief moment when I felt some odd mixture of joy and relief. It was like when you watch a movie (e.g. Taken) where “redemptive violence” seems to taste so good.

Second, I began reading the Facebook comments and Tweets by those like Chad Presley who Tweeted (from @OptimisticChad): “The death of a vile person, no matter how evil, should cause us to lament their wasted lives, not celebrate as if they bore not God’s image.” Others noted Ezekiel 18:23 where God asks, ”Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord GOD, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?” (NASB) YHWH God answers, “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.” Also Proverbs 24:17, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles”.

I realized that Jesus’ messianic campaign here only showed that death produces more death. Yes, bin Laden will no longer terrorize, but this is not the end of terrorism. In fact, the CIA and other security agencies have warned that supporters of bin Laden may seek revenge. There could be more death due to more retaliation. This is the cycle of violence.

Third, I remembered that the eternal destiny of every human matters. As much as I affirm with Rob Bell that Love Wins, I don’t think this dismisses eternal judgment/wrath. This means every life has value and it is never, ever “good”, in the true sense of the word, when someone dies as odds with the true God.

Fourth, this made it even more obvious that Jesus’ words, while being ignored, remain true: “He who lives by the sword dies by it.” Osama bin Laden lived a life of violence and such was his ending. Oddly enough, it was May 1st, 1945, that the world heard the announcement that Adolf Hitler was dead (read TIME article here). Evil men who use violent means to gain control in this world must often take their own medicine at the end.

Fifth, I watched the reactions of those at Ground Zero in New York City and outside the White House in Washington, D.C. There were celebrations reminiscent of a World Series or Stanley Cup championship. On one side, I judged them for their excessive response to the death of another human. It seemed to me that this reaction was no better than those of some Muslims when they heard our World Trade Center towers had fallen to the ground killing a few thousand. On the other side, I realized that for many this was closure to a decade of bad memories and fearful emotions. I remembered the words of the Psalmist (137.8-9) writing about the Babylonians toward the end of their exile, “O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us—he who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.” Also, John of Patmos whose writings envision a Jesus who does use redemptive violence, like Joshua, son of Nun, who was used by YHWH God to purge the land of evil people. It seems to be a basic human reaction to breath a sigh of relief, even to let forth a shout of joy, when someone who was an oppressor has been driven into the grave.

Now I jot these notes and I know only that there is a tension. Yes, I feel a sense of relief that an evil man has been killed and that he will no longer torment others. Yet I am challenged by the Apostle Paul who wrote, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;  if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12.17-21)
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Other reactions: 

- Bobby Grow, “A Christian Reflection on the Killing of Usama bin Laden”

- Joe Carter, “Anthropos, Enemy, and Bin Laden”

- Rodney Thomas, “Enemy Love and Usama bin Laden’s Death”

- Christopher Morgan, “Grieving, Rejoicing that Osama bin Laden is Dead”

- Brandon Johnson, “Grieving  for Bin Laden: Why the Death of a Terrorist is a Cosmic Tragedy”

- Sarah Bessy, “In Which Osama bin Laden is Dead”

- Kurt Willems, “Mourning the Death of Osama bin Laden…and the Loss of Every Other Life”

- Nathan Black, “Osama bin Laden Dead; Christians Debate Response”

- Doug Chaplin, “Some Initial Musings on the Death of Bin Laden”

- Michael J. Gorman, “Some Thoughts on the Death of Osama bin Laden”

- Katie of WIT, “Was It Worth It?” and “Does God Bless the USA?”

For more links go here.