Christians After Paris

Christians have rightly responded to the Paris terror attacks with prayer and empathy. But there have not been enough voices responding with thoughtful reflection rooted in historic Christian thought about Godâ??s purposes for government and war, and perpetuating a just society. Some Christians have urged a quick attack on ISIS, which the French air force has now conducted. The French were correct to do so, but the few score bombs dropped over Syria will of course not destroy ISIS. The U.S. has already dropped many hundreds of bombs, with limited success. Defeating ISIS requires a long-term military, intelligence, political, and diplomatic campaign likely requiring years. There is no visceral quick fix. Reportedly some French bombs fell on civilian targets. Every war, even with the most careful intent, involves such tragedy.