Terrorism in London

I wrote this last night but was too tired to post it.

Well, terrorism has struck again, and yet again it was unarmed civilians who became casualties. Casualties of a "holy war". London was woken abruptly this morning as blasts resounded throughout the city as three trains erupted into flames, and a double decker bus exploded -- ironically it was in the process of being rerouted away from the closest train wreckage. Nobody saw it coming. How it happened is unknown...the only thing for certain is the death toll will continue to rise. Throughout the day it has stayed at 37 dead, 700 wounded, but that will soon change. With so many wounded, it's only inevitable that many more will perish. And why? Why should so many lose their lives for such a senseless act? I suppose it's only senseless in the eyes of the beholder. To terrorists in their radical Islamic mindset, their actions merit great reward. The more they slay in the eyes of Allah, the grander their eternity shall be.

I took a Comparative Religions class last year as a senior in my last semester of high school. The class was taught by a man who had spent the early part of his life attempting to disprove the existence of Christ and claim Christianity as a false religion. Through his vast research he discovered more of himself and his religion than he ever thought possible, and the results changed him profoundly. Through this his life altered directions, beginning with his change of study in college from Marine Biology to a Comparative study of Religion. He has studied the Bible, along with the Koran and Torah - there are many more but I cannot think tonight -- will add in the morning. Through these studies he is able to present his class curriculum through a historical perspective, allowing a richer understanding of not only religion, but of humanity itself. As you can see, I enjoyed this class immensely for it was definitely an eye opener.

The relevant aspect of my story to terrorism is a comment he made which I found very intriguing. Though simplistic, I had never fully thought of the depth of its consequences. He brought to our attention the many wars fought between sides who believed their god deemed their actions valid. Think of the intensity of such conflicts when the assailants believed their actions were graced by god; and even further, think of the intensity of those inspired by glorious death, for in death they would be awarded tenfold what they received in life. With an army possessed by such knowledge, how could such be defeated? The confidence of knowing your sacrifice is honorable is something which eradicates the fear of death. With a lack of fear, one is highly dangerous.

Applied to today's zealous terrorists, the impact of a "holy war" is incredible. One who will blindly fight for their beliefs is unfortunately unstoppable. The fear of death has been replaced by the fear of unfulfilling their commitment to their god. Unless fulfilled, their entry into and award within "heaven" will not be granted. It is truly shocking to think that individuals who share this thought are ones which support the killing of innocent civilians. To them this is their entry into the next world, whether we like it or not. Unfortunately, these civilians are us.

God help us all, and especially those tonight in London. Unfortunately many will not be returning from work tonight to their loved ones. God bless those souls and their mourning families.