Throughout history, political violence has shaken nations and left deep wounds on societies. We think of Julius Ceasar stabbed on the Senate floor, Abraham Lincoln shot in a theatre, or Martin Luther King Jr. taken down by a sniper’s bullet. We think of John F Kennedy, the attempt on the life of President Reagan, President Trump and just recently the assassination of Charlie Kirk. These acts not only ended or attempted to end lives but also altered the course of human history.
When political violence strikes, it brings fear, anger, and division. It makes us ask, “Where s God in this?” How should we as Christians respond when politics turn violent? How do we as the people of God live faithfully in a world where the leaders are sometimes struck down by hatred and anger? What is the Christian response to political violence.
We turn to the scripture and hear what God has to say. We will see that political violence and assassinations are not just a crime against a person but against God’s sovereignty, against His image in humanity, and against His call to peace. I know this is a tough topic in tough times, but I believe your spirit will be lifted by what we learn.