Zachary Bailes

(ABP) -- No words, no labels and no blame can provide solace for the lives lost and families tragically affected by the bombing and shooting in Norway. For Norway there remain only prayers to be sent up and hopes of justice. In the wake of this event we would be remiss not to acknowledge the power of words and ideas -- especially when they incite murderous acts.

Many conservative Christians felt compelled to defend themselves when seemingly lumped in with Anders Behring Breivik. Breivik seemingly did not “walk the aisle” professing faith in Jesus. Instead, he viewed Christianity as a worldview or a platform for social change and cultural influence. Christianity does not seem to be a matter of faith for Breivik, but a means to an end.

Breivik viewed Christianity as a means to control, manipulate and ultimately kill. Some observed that his views of religion are similar to those of Timothy McVeigh, Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. Religion, yet again, is on display as that which injures, not fosters; as that which incites pain, not healing.

Conservative Christians should not be lumped in with Breivik any more than all Muslims should be lumped in with Islamist extremists. Unfortunately many conservatives have been ready to “lump” all Muslims together, and not stand up for their Abrahamic siblings. For conservatives this has become a matter of politics, not humanity. Conservatives fail to see their own double standard, and in so doing miss an opportunity to be the love of Christ.

If conservatives want to escape the “lumping” that has occurred, then first they must realize that Islamophobic sentiment and language of superiority fueled Breivik’s onslaught. Our world faces monumental challenges that require conversation and unity. Pointing fingers and blaming others will not help our global community. Instead we need conservatives that will reach to liberals, and liberals to reach to conservatives and work together. If conservatives want to distance themselves from Breivik then they must act like it.

Across the globe lives are lost everyday to religious extremism. Engaging this reality will occur only with committed work between religions and worldviews. Let us work toward a world where religion is not a contributing factor in terrorist acts. Let us work toward a world where building up humanity, not tearing it down, is valued. For Norway we mourn; for Norway we act.

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Zachary Bailes is an M.Div. student at Wake Forest University Divinity School. He is editor of Those Crazy Liberals … and Conservatives and a contributor for Progressive Christian Alliance .

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Previous commentary by Zachary Bailes:

A letter to fellow Baptist Michele Bachmann

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