September 11, 2001: Tragedy and Christian Non-Violence
On September 11, 2001, the world witnessed one of the most devastating acts of terrorism in modern history. Four passenger planes were hijacked by members of al-Qaeda, a militant extremist group, and used as weapons against targets in the United States. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, with thousands more injured.
The details of September 11 are seared into collective memory, but for Christians, the question remains: how should we think about such events? While many voices call for retribution and violent response, the teachings of Jesus point in a different direction—toward non-violence, love for enemies, and trust in God’s ultimate justice.
1. The Events of September 11, 2001
To reflect meaningfully, we first recall what happened.
The Hijackings: Nineteen terrorists hijacked four planes in the early morning hours.
Targets Struck:
American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.
American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, the U.S. military headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
United Airlines Flight 93, intended for another high-profile target (likely the White House or U.S. Capitol), crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers fought back.
Casualties: Nearly 3,000 people were killed, including passengers, first responders, and civilians working in the targeted buildings. Thousands more were injured, and long-term health effects plagued many survivors and rescue workers.
The horror of September 11 is not only in the scale of death but also in the shock of such deliberate, coordinated violence.
2. The Human Cost and Global Impact
September 11 was not only a U.S. tragedy—it was global.
Families destroyed: Children grew up without parents, and spouses grieved the sudden loss of loved ones.
Economic and cultural shock: The attacks destabilized economies, reshaped travel and security, and altered daily life for millions.
Wars and conflicts: In the years following, the attacks became the justification for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, costing hundreds of thousands of additional lives.
From a Christian perspective, both the original act of terrorism and the cycles of violence it unleashed remind us of the destructive spiral of vengeance when human beings choose violence over reconciliation.
3. How Christians Ought to Think About September 11
The Bible consistently calls Christians to view events like September 11 through the lens of faith, not fear or hatred.
The value of every life: Scripture affirms that all humans are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Both the victims of terrorism and even the perpetrators are human beings bearing God’s image, however marred by sin.
Jesus on retaliation: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil” (Matthew 5:38–39).
Love for enemies: Jesus went further: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This does not minimize evil but refuses to answer evil with more evil.
Trust in God’s justice: Paul writes, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God” (Romans 12:19). Christians are called to trust that God will ultimately judge rightly.
Thus, while grief and lament are appropriate responses to September 11, Christians are not called to vengeance. We are called to forgiveness, prayer, and peacemaking.
4. Christian Non-Violence in Practice
Taking a Christian non-violence position in the face of something as horrific as September 11 is not naïve—it is deeply biblical.
Lament before action: The psalms teach us to cry out to God in pain, not to lash out in hatred (Psalm 13; Psalm 62).
Forgiveness as resistance: Forgiving enemies does not excuse wrongdoing; it resists the cycle of violence by refusing to let hatred have the final word.
Peacemaking as witness: Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). When Christians seek reconciliation, even with those who hurt them, they bear witness to God’s kingdom.
Praying for leaders: Scripture calls believers to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2), asking God to give wisdom so that policies pursue peace, not perpetual war.
Non-violence is not passivity. It is the active choice to confront evil without becoming evil.
5. The Gospel’s Hope in the Face of Terror
Ultimately, Christians interpret September 11 in the light of the Gospel.
Christ suffered violence: Jesus himself was unjustly arrested, tortured, and executed by the powers of his day. He understands the pain of victims.
Christ conquered death: By his resurrection, he overcame death itself, promising that tragedy will not have the final word (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).
Christ’s kingdom is peace: The Christian hope is not in military might but in the reign of the Prince of Peace, who will one day end all violence and wipe every tear (Revelation 21:4).
Therefore, even as we remember September 11, Christians are called not to despair or hatred but to hope and love. The way of Christ is non-violence, forgiveness, and trust in God’s final justice.
Conclusion
September 11, 2001 remains one of the darkest days in recent memory, marked by horrific loss and deep sorrow. Yet even in the face of such tragedy, Christians are called to respond differently than the world expects. Instead of vengeance, we are called to lament. Instead of hatred, we are called to forgiveness. Instead of fear, we are called to hope.
The Gospel compels us to believe that violence does not have the last word—Christ does. His way of non-violence, love for enemies, and trust in God’s justice is the path Christians must walk as we remember September 11 and every act of violence that mars our world.
Bible Verses on Violence, Peace, and Hope
“So God created man in his own image.” (Genesis 1:27)
“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil.” (Matthew 5:38–39)
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” (Romans 12:19)
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.” (Revelation 21:4)
