From the reign of terror to the reign of peace: The role of state, religions and church in God’s mission amidst terror

Abstract

Terrorism in the name of religion continues to occur in various places around the world. Religious motives are often used as the basis for acts of terrorism. This article studies whether the roots of violence in religions tend to encourage terrorism and how religions, especially, Christianity can take part to overcome terrorism. In the first part, it examined the roots of violence, specifically in three world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The second part discusses the role of the state and religions in combating terrorism. In the third part, this article offers a theology of mission amidst terror and how the church participates in this calling. Religion cannot be used to justify terrorism; therefore, there is a need for theology of mission to give a theological basis towards peace. Religions together with the state take part to combat terrorism. This research is limited to the three religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This article utilised literature research. It also specifically included the context of Indonesia. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article considers political and socio-economic factors besides religious motives that cause terrorism. This article challenges theology of mission amidst the terror and contributes to practical theology such as the role of the state and religions, specifically Christianity on the role of the church towards peace.

Keywords

• terror
• holy war
• religion
• state
• church
• mission
• peace