The Dual Realities of September 11, 2001

By: Bill Thomas

A few miles from our office, an event so incredible, so insidious, and so desperate took place. Friends, neighbors and family members got up, prepared themselves and traveled to their offices in New York City - to spend another day earning their pay. Some came home after hours of seeking an exit, others discovered that they were in hospital rooms, others tried to find ways to cling to life, and some found the very end of life. Yet thousands of miles away, one or more people felt a deep sense of satisfaction with the results of a well executed plan. For only a desire for revenge fueled by unfathomable hatred could implement and motivate others to carry out such a horrible series of actions.

On one hand, we can discuss the differences in theology and philosophy between people of different nationalities. There are arguments to be made for the diversity of political stances. We could take those statements of self-interest [after all politics is only the promulgation of someone's self-interests] and mix them with religious doctrine. History is filled with plenty of examples of that explosive combination - to name more recent instances, look at Northern Ireland, Sudan, The Philippines, etc.

Then there is the racial issue - look at the number of atrocities committed in the quest to maintain racial purity. Economics has been a compelling reason for taking violent action in the past, too. If I believe that my work entitles me to ownership in my place of employment, and if you believe that your capital gives you exclusive rights of ownership, our differences may lead to violence. Social upheavals based on distinctions in class or caste are infamous for producing conflict.

But we must look again at the enormity of violence that has been perpetrated against innocents - what is called, "acts of terrorism". Could there be something else besides politics, religion or philosophy that motivates a terrorist? Is it hate, or revenge, or a feeling of being slighted or wronged by another? Sometimes I think that our world has gotten a little too used to the 'packaging' of our news stories. If I say that I disagree with you politically or socially, or economically, and so on, you think that I mean that I disagree with your stance on a narrow range of topics.

Terrorists do not discuss or want to discuss their position with you - they believe that there is nothing more that can be said on the subject with you. They only see you and I as victims and statistics for their violence. The real problem with our view on terrorism is this: we think that they have some valid, civilized or other redeeming objective for their actions. What we have forgotten is this: this is good or there is evil, and there is no in-between.

Good tries to care, to reach out in hope of making contact and establish a relationship. Good hopes for the best for all concerned, good desires a world where everyone wants and obtains the best out of life. Good sees patience as a virtue, it values the fruits that come from that patience. Good is eager to shine in the light of its actions, good has no fear of the light.

Evil is afraid to care and reach out in the hope of being in contact - fear drives evil and makes the evil person avoid deep, loving relationships. Evil is selfish and self-centered in the extreme. Evil has no hope but it has as its hope, feelings of greed, jealousy, anger and hate. Evil sees patience as a horrible necessity, like an endurance of hell itself. Evil cowers in the light of its actions, evil's greatest fear is the light.

It is as simple as that, there is good in the world and there is evil. The acts that were taken on September 11, 2001, and caused such heartache and suffering, were committed and inspired by evil people. God does not care about our politics, religion, or economics - He does care about good and evil. So evil has won another battle, but good has already won the war.