Thought for the week (we 2nd June 2013)

The shocking sight of a young man holding knives in his bloodstain hands has left the nation reeling in revulsion and horror.

There’s no doubt that evil visited the streets of Woolwich last week in an attack upon a defenceless young soldier who was brutally murdered in full sight of those who passed by. The condemnation and abhorrence which has followed from all sections of the community, both religious and political can leave the attackers in no doubt that their intentions of causing as one said ‘to start a war in London tonight’’ has come to nothing.

Indeed there is more of a resolve than ever that such manifest evil cannot be allowed to succeed. Our prayers and sympathies are with the family and friends of Lee Rigby as they come to terms with the loss of a husband, father, son and brother. A young soldier serving his country well and in wearing a ‘Help for Heroes’ ‘T’ shirt showed his depths of compassion and support towards his wounded comrades.

The radicalisation of those who carried out this horrendous attack took these young men to a point of zealous hatred. They were filled with hate to the point of self destruction through the indoctrination of teachers and preachers who call for the anihilation of all they see as enemies of their ideologies. Blinded by such hate they had failed to see the central truth of religious faith that life is precious and that the taking of life, especially in hatred and recrimination brings them and all who encourage and condone such actions under the judgement and condemnation of God.

The suspects in the Woolwich killing were violating the doctrine of their own holy book which teaches that to kill one person is ‘as if he has killed all mankind’.

True faith will never turn men to terror and loving God means nothing unless we love our neighbour and never to seek his harm. The terrorists wanted a war now all they have is our disgust.