‘War on Terror’ is perversion of Christian ideas says theologian

-03/11/05

A theolog


‘War on Terror’ is perversion of Christian ideas says theologian

-03/11/05

A theologian is to suggest that the ëWar on Terrorí is the product of a perversion of Christian ideas.

On Saturday 19 November, Edinburgh theologian Michael Northcott will be in London to lead a workshop entitled ‘Apocalyptic Religion and American Empire’ during which he will unpack the ideas.

In his latest book, An Angel Directs the Storm, Northcott strongly critiqued the view of God that lies behind George Bushís expansion of American empire. In this seminar he will further explore the exploitation of Christianity by the American and British governments.
ìThe British government has condoned information gained through torture to the British courts and is curtailing freedom of speech by making it a crime to utter words which may be interpreted as glorifying terrorism.î says Northcott. ìThe war on terror is the outgrowth of a deeply problematic theology of imperial violence which is a terrible perversion of true Christianity and which is adding to a global cycle of violence.î

Michael Northcott has been described as the thinking manís Michael Moore. He uncovers the way American political agendas are driving world events. However, unlike Moore, Northcottís critique comes from a faith perspective that is based on love of the enemy. His focus on the politics of Jesus, and his stand against violent conflict, follow the lead of an American theologian, John Howard Yoder.

ìChrist shows Christians another and better way which involves both renouncing violence while actively working to build peace and reconciliation between warring groups.î Says Northcott. ìOnly such costly peace making can bring real peace in a world of war.î

Northcott has received support from American Christians. According to Stanley Hauerwas, his writing is ìa mature, historically-informed and passionate analysis of the current American psyche, that tells Americans things about America of which they urgently need to take heed.î

The workshop is on 19th November at the London Mennonite Centre in Highgate, and lasts from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The fee (£20, or £10 for unwaged) includes VAT and a meal. Full details at www.menno.org.uk or by calling 0845 4500 214


‘War on Terror’ is perversion of Christian ideas says theologian

-03/11/05

A theologian is to suggest that the ëWar on Terror’ is the product of a perversion of Christian ideas.

On Saturday 19 November, Edinburgh theologian Michael Northcott will be in London to lead a workshop entitled ‘Apocalyptic Religion and American Empire’ during which he will unpack the ideas.

In his latest book, An Angel Directs the Storm, Northcott strongly critiqued the view of God that lies behind George Bush’s expansion of American empire. In this seminar he will further explore the exploitation of Christianity by the American and British governments.
‘The British government has condoned information gained through torture to the British courts and is curtailing freedom of speech by making it a crime to utter words which may be interpreted as glorifying terrorism.’ says Northcott. ‘The war on terror is the outgrowth of a deeply problematic theology of imperial violence which is a terrible perversion of true Christianity and which is adding to a global cycle of violence.’

Michael Northcott has been described as the thinking man’s Michael Moore. He uncovers the way American political agendas are driving world events. However, unlike Moore, Northcott’s critique comes from a faith perspective that is based on love of the enemy. His focus on the politics of Jesus, and his stand against violent conflict, follow the lead of an American theologian, John Howard Yoder.

‘Christ shows Christians another and better way which involves both renouncing violence while actively working to build peace and reconciliation between warring groups.’ Says Northcott. ‘Only such costly peace making can bring real peace in a world of war.’

Northcott has received support from American Christians. According to Stanley Hauerwas, his writing is ‘a mature, historically-informed and passionate analysis of the current American psyche, that tells Americans things about America of which they urgently need to take heed.’

The workshop is on 19th November at the London Mennonite Centre in Highgate, and lasts from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The fee (£20, or £10 for unwaged) includes VAT and a meal. Full details at www.menno.org.uk or by calling 0845 4500 214