HERE IS A COMMENT FROM THE PERSON IN MY SMALL GROUP WHO INITIATED THIS INTERESTING TOPIC.
This is interesting—still a hot topic in my mind.
Remember the war-time position—”Never negotiate with terrorists?’ Is it denouncing faith or using the brain God gave us to realize we are dealing with an idiot of the devil and “nothing good can come from this.” God knows our true heart, and he equipped us with a brain. When we are saved, it is when we accept Jesus into our hearts—not by uttering words. Of course faith without works is dead. But is our witness and conviction honoring God here—does evil have the right to coerce us?
I am sure I would try to explain/challenge the terrorist—”What would it matter to you, Mr. Terrorist, what I say? It is what is in my heart that matters, and words are nothing without action (change of heart). How is it that your actions here are pleasing to your God?”
You are right, I would end up dead either way—and hope that God was glorified in my life in many ways before then.
This is still an interesting topic. I would gladly die for Christ or allow my children to die for Christ. But not sure this is what God would want or it would really be for Christ. I am not really convinced anything terrorists say or ask for matter.
It’s kind of like “What-ever.” That is where I struggle. Who put them in a position of divine rule or judgment? Are we empowering evil at that point by succumbing to their pressure and duress?
Roger
