Torturing the Least of These (by Jimmy McCarty)
Christians are people who follow a tortured and murdered God. This fact speaks clearly to what our values should be. One of those values should be a rejection of torture, violence in the name of "law" and the common good, and murder.
Currently, the U.S. government has been accused of torture at Guantanamo Bay and has refused to ban certain forms of torture (i.e., the waterboarding controversy) in their interrogation of accused terrorists. Fortunately, both of the presidential candidates speak out boldly against the use of torture. Christians around the nation are beginning to stand up and speak out against this grave sin, and those of us who have not yet joined the chorus should stand up and do so now.
Christians are a people shaped by the cross. We claim to worship a tortured God and follow a tortured Lord. One of the lessons humanity should learn from the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth is the depths to which humans can sink in their depravity. It should be a constant warning that we must never again resort to the methods of the cross. Much like the world responded to the Shoa (Holocaust) with the words "Never again," Christians should respond to the cross with those same words.
Jesus spoke of the last judgment in Matthew 25, saying that what we do for "the least of these" we do to him. The least of these includes the hungry, naked, and homeless. It also includes the imprisoned. How we treat those who are in prison is how we treat Jesus Christ, and it is part of the basis on which God will judge our lives. In torturing those imprisoned for crimes they have not yet been found guilty of, we torture, again, our Lord and Savior. For people who claim to follow the one who said we are no longer to function according to "eye for an eye" ideology, but to "turn the other cheek," to not speak out against those who would continue to use the methods of the cross is wrong.
In a few days, there will be a National Summit on Torture sponsored by Evangelicals for Human Rights and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Visit their Web sites, sign their petitions, and join the chorus of Christian voices around the country speaking out against this injustice.
For those of us shaped by what occurred to a political prisoner 2,000 years ago on a hill called Golgotha, what happens at Guantanamo Bay should pierce our souls.
Jimmy McCarty is a student at Claremont School of Theology studying Christian ethics, a minister serving cross-racially at a church in inner-city Los Angeles, and a servant at a homeless shelter five days a week.
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Comments
As you said, with both candidates anti-torture it is all but assured that this will not be an issue in the next administration.
Now that that is settled, how about an equally strong stand against the murder of abortion? As you said "One of those values should be a rejection of torture, violence in the name of "law" and the common good, and murder." Those are also great arguments against killing the unborn.
A small point of disagreement with your article is: Jesus freely gave his life as a sacrifice. This was his plan, thus he was not a "victim of torture".
Posted by: Peter S. | September 10, 2008 2:11 PM
How come unborn children do not qualify under the "Least of these" clause?
Posted by: Peter S. | September 10, 2008 2:14 PM
OK - the methods that the Geneva Convention say are acceptable I have no problem with at this point. I would rather be a prisoner at Gitmo than one with the other side. At Gitmo - they are allowed to practice their faith and supplied with what they need to celebrate. The other side - that right they don't supply anything to their captives - not even a body bag.
I am trying to remember how many enemy combatants we have murdered while in our custody - not sure? How many of our military and civilian personnal have they allowed to return to their family and friends since the begining of hostilities?
If what we do within the guidelines of the Geneva Convention brings one person home or stops one terrorist bombing - I think it is worth it. You may disagree but isn't wonderful that you have that ability - ?
Blessings to all!
.
Posted by: big guy | September 10, 2008 2:25 PM
Funny how whenever the topic of torture is brought up on this blog (or nearly anywhere), conservatives rush in to defend it or distract from it. This is just an example of what is so despicable about modern conservativism: the idolatry of patriotism. What is even more shameful is that Christian evangelical conservatives seem especially prone to it.
Posted by: I and I | September 10, 2008 2:45 PM
This is a thoughtful, well stated post. Thank you. I attend a church that puts a sign out every Sunday morning that states: "Torture is a moral issue." I could not conceive of gathering with a group of believers who are dismissive of this concept or who belittle those would present it as such.
Posted by: JamesM | September 10, 2008 4:41 PM
Many Christian evangelical conservatives would reconstruct the story of the Good Samaritan thusly:
Cross the road and immediately conclude that whatever happened to that guy lying there was deserved. Call 911 and have him transported to jail. If he doesn't confess to something within 24 hours, have him transported to a country where he will.
Shame on what Bush and Cheney have done to basic human rights!
Posted by: Sister Marie | September 10, 2008 5:16 PM
One's understanding of when life actually begins is part of the ongoing argument regarding abortion and "choice" and will most likely continue. I would like those who are against abortion to spend more time resolveing the problem of teen pregnancy, and also to take as much interest in protecting and ensuring a good life for those precious lives AFTER they are born as you are interested in defending them while unborn, such as ensuring adequate parenting, nutrition, education, childcare and healthcare.
Posted by: Sara | September 10, 2008 5:21 PM
Posted by: Sara | September 10, 2008 5:21 PM
You know a lot of what you talk about comes with age and education. But as long as there are people out there that are bent on making sure that 12 year olds know how to but a condom on a banana more than how to plan a balanced meal for a family we will have a problem. If we will continue to underwrite being a single parent rather than showing them that waiting and delaying you gradification will allow you to make a life for you and your children - we will have the problem. As long as we are going to help children to have children - we will be perpetuating the problem. Stupidity is doing the same thing and hoping to a different result.
You have to get a lic. to drive a car. You need to get a permit to hunt. You are required to register to vote. But we will make it easy to children to be sexually active and not have all the info to protect them. Could this be part of what the Bible was saying when it talked about 'what was good is bad and what was bad is good'?
Blessings to all
.
Posted by: big guy | September 10, 2008 5:39 PM
"Blessing to all". Hey Big Guy, do you say that to all the detainees, held years without charge, who get water poured down their throats in an attempt to get them to talk. It is a good thing that they do not know you (I assume). If they did, in their agony, they might just give up your name as a terrorist. Who knows, you might find yourself in a cell somewhere waiting to be interrogated. And I bet you would be praying that your interrogators had taken a position against torture. I know, you are going to say that that would never happen because you are not a terrorist and have not done anything. Well you never know. As I understand it, most detainees at GITMO have now been released and few of them ever charged with any crime.
Posted by: Sam | September 10, 2008 5:49 PM
"12 year olds know how to but a condom on a banana more than how to plan a balanced meal for a family"
Good heavens, I do hope they're not feeding their families bananas with condoms on them. The latex might contain that awful chemical everyone is talking about.
Posted by: I and I | September 10, 2008 5:57 PM
Posted by: Sam | September 10, 2008 5:49 PM
Lame reply - nto worth commenting.
Blessings to you and all!
.
Posted by: big guy | September 10, 2008 6:07 PM
You know a lot of what you talk about comes with age and education. But as long as there are people out there that are bent on making sure that 12 year olds know how to but a condom on a banana more than how to plan a balanced meal for a family we will have a problem. If we will continue to underwrite being a single parent rather than showing them that waiting and delaying you gradification will allow you to make a life for you and your children - we will have the problem. As long as we are going to help children to have children - we will be perpetuating the problem. Stupidity is doing the same thing and hoping to a different result.
You have to get a lic. to drive a car. You need to get a permit to hunt. You are required to register to vote. But we will make it easy to children to be sexually active and not have all the info to protect them. Could this be part of what the Bible was saying when it talked about 'what was good is bad and what was bad is good'? Moderatelad
I thing that these are questions that should be addressed Sarah Palin. She should know a lot about these issues and maybe she can provide some fresh insight.
Posted by: JamesM | September 10, 2008 6:17 PM
Posted by: JamesM | September 10, 2008 6:17 PM
I believe that she has answered a lot of these questions without saying a word - they are not above her pay-grade.
The name is big guy - period. As far as the other guy - I believe he is dead - never to be heard from again.
Posted by: big guy | September 10, 2008 6:24 PM
"This was his plan, thus he was not a "victim of torture"."
So much for man's free will to choose between right and wrong. Was it also God's plan that Eve ate the apple?
Posted by: ando | September 10, 2008 6:42 PM
"How come unborn children do not qualify under the "Least of these" clause?"
Since when have they not?
"A small point of disagreement with your article is: Jesus freely gave his life as a sacrifice. This was his plan, thus he was not a "victim of torture"."
So much for man's free will. So, was it also part of the plan that Eve ate the apple?
Posted by: ando | September 10, 2008 6:46 PM
"I believe that she has answered a lot of these questions without saying a word - they are not above her pay-grade." Big Guy
Yeah, the silence is deafening and the inadequacy of the "answers" is astounding.
Well, then again, maybe one of these days the McCain campaign will allow to speak off script-- a very dangerous thing for a person that just two days ago didn't realize that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were PRIVATE institutions and not government entities. I can hardly wait for her to articulate her profound knowledge of the issues. But hey, I am sure that by moving in the Spirit, she'll be able to compensate for her utter lack of knowledge.
"The name is big guy - period. As far as the other guy - I believe he is dead - never to be heard from again." big guy
As you wish, Moderatelad.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 10, 2008 7:04 PM
My, you theists certainly do go on. Here's a thoughtful post on the use of torture in violation of the zgreneva Convention common Western morality, and some of you pick up your condom, abortion, and "when does life begin" mantra. How bizarre.
Jimmy, a couple of comments on topic:
1)I wouldn't be too confident on McCain's anti-waterboarding position. In Feb. he voted against the measure that would have outloawed waterboarding, and also voted to support Bush's VETO of that measure. His position changes with the political winds, as do many of his positions.
He is a "maverick" and man of integrity like I am Jesus Christ.
2) I concur that jesus, if he existed, knowingly gave his life. Infact, since "god gave his only son" it was predetermined, pre-ordained if you like. Thus, as a willing participant it was more akin to voluntary abuse and suicide by cop, than it would be torture and murder.
And yes, since theists claim their God to be omnicient, he would indeed have known that adam and eve would be backsliders. To go further, since God created them in his image (aka "character") he would have known their actions in advance and they were simply fulfilling god's expected outcome.
3) Finally, one needs to be careful when using scripture such as "What we do to the least of these" we do to him. The intent was to encourage charity, empathy. To apply it to any and all situations would be an absurdity. I.e.: would imprisoning for life a murderer be wrong, since what we do to that murderer we are in effect doing to jesus? I think that there are indeed people who deserve punishment that one would not impose on an innocent like jesus. I proffer you need tobe more selective when trying to cut and paste verse to fit ones ethical, social or political perspective.
Thanks.
Dromedaryhump
http://atheistcamel.blogspot.com/
Posted by: dromedaryhump | September 10, 2008 7:28 PM
Big Guy
Did your mother never tell you it is not what others do to you, but how you respond. Is America the shining city on the hill? I know the typical ignorant conservative (stupid & wrong name, later) would say "Of course! America is the world's last, best hope." And when did you see the good guys in the movies do the things the evil ones do? Well, in The Dark Knight, I believe the message was that we become the evil one if we do evil things. Means matter! And as stated, most of God's children (that's right) imprisoned at Gitmo were guilty of nothing - were not terrorist, were not Taliban. Consider & think what THE BIG GUY requires of us.
As for the author saying both candidates are against torture - WELL - John McCain was against it before he voted to allow the CIA to use 'enhanced interrogation' this year. Both candidates are not equally good to me. That was the FINAL STRAW for me as far as McSame. He deserves that moniquer now. He has become Bush, destroyer of faith.
Radical Moderate
Posted by: Radical Moderate | September 10, 2008 7:39 PM
The second paragraph starts out noting that there has been an accusation of "torture."
The author quickly in the ensuing paragraphs, turns that accusation into a "grave sin." Wow, talk about taking the role of judge.
Are you aware that our soldiers are trained in SEARS military school to endure this technique? Are we torturing our own military, or training them to endure and persevere through interrogation techniques that have proven results?
Two comments: Regurgitation without research is disgusting; "accusation" to "grave sin" in the space of a couple sentences reveals your agenda driven article. This is officially a very common error in the logical debate process termed as a "scarecrow" fallacy.
Intellectual honesty is a must, even if it is "Christian" site.
Posted by: J | September 10, 2008 7:50 PM
Are you aware that our soldiers are trained in SEARS military school to endure this technique? Are we torturing our own military, or training them to endure and persevere through interrogation techniques that have proven results? Posted by: J | September 10, 2008 7:50 PM
J,
I've never heard of the SEARS military school that you mentioned. Could that possibly be the one operated by Sears Roebuck? Or were you referring to Search and Rescue (SAR) training?
Posted by: Sister Marie | September 10, 2008 8:08 PM
dromedaryhump:
Would that be one hump or two humps?
Posted by: Sister Marie | September 10, 2008 9:13 PM
Heheh...dromedary's are ONE hump. It's those disgusting bactrian camels that have two humps.
Please do not confuse us. ;)
Posted by: dromedaryhump | September 10, 2008 9:23 PM
Posted by: | September 10, 2008 7:04 PM
As you wish, Moderatelad.
You don't even have the guts to put your handle to your post - woosie. Typical liberal - out the person using any means you wish - the end always justifies the means. Enough of you and your lack of respect and guts.
whatever
.
Posted by: big guy | September 10, 2008 10:58 PM
Posted by: Radical Moderate | September 10, 2008 7:39 PM
'...at Gitmo were guilty of nothing - were not terrorist, were not Taliban.'
But more than likely caught in the company of such and therefore were guilty by association. Yes - they were intorgated and they have been let go - they are alive to return to their family and friends. Not so for the people - military - media or civilians. I have a friend whose daughter in the service was spared along with a few of her group because of info gained from detainees. Detainees that are still alive and some who have been released.
If I could I would take the people that gained that info out for a drink.
You may not like it and I may not like it but they are alive and well not dead and disfigured like our people end up being. I wish this war had not happened but with 8 years of inactivity and dismantling our military. Not collecting the intel that we needed to know what was going on. Letting Saddam and others attack our barricks and other buildings used by our military and deploymatic core. I believe it was inevitable. I wish a Scud Missle had taken out UBL and his merry men 3 months prior to 9-11. But I believe that you are one of those who believe that we have to bleed first before anything can be done. I think that there are thousands on the east coast of our country and elsewhere that would disagree with you.
See well tonight -
.
Posted by: big guy | September 10, 2008 11:10 PM
"You don't even have the guts to put your handle to your post - woosie. Posted by: big guy f/k/a moderatelad|
Sorry, Moderatelad. Much to my chagrin I had failed to put my name down.
"Typical liberal - out the person using any means you wish - the end always justifies the means. Enough of you and your lack of respect and guts.whatever" Postd by big guy f/k/a Moderatelad
Now you don't need to take an inadvertent omission on my part and turn it into a full-blown tirade against liberals. You could get kicked out of here for something like that. Uh, er...I forgot. You already have been kicked out.
"Whatever..."
"Blessings"
Posted by: JamesM | September 10, 2008 11:36 PM
Wow!
What a bunch of WHINERS!!
Step AWAY from the COMPUTER and go outside! Go talk to your neighbor.
Be useful...
Posted by: Peteyk | September 11, 2008 12:43 AM
"Letting Saddam and others attack our barricks and other buildings used by our military and deploymatic core.
Posted by: big guy | September 10, 2008 11:10 PM"
Hey Big Guy,
Where are you getting all this information? Saddam did not attack our barracks. The attack on the Marine Barracks in Lebanon occurred during the 1980s when Reagan was president. (That also was the period during which the United States was actually assisting Hussein in his war with Iran and also the period during which we supplied Stinger missiles to the Afghan rebels so that they could overthrow the Soviets and you can see what the consequences of those actions are.)
You might want to acquaint yourself with the facts before you write future posts.
Posted by: Sister Marie | September 11, 2008 8:42 AM
WWJT
Who Would Jesus Torture...
Posted by: dlowen | September 11, 2008 9:01 AM
"OH - and make sure that our tires are inflated correctly. Blessings to all" -Posted by: big guy
Uh, and make sure that they tighten those loose screws, right Big Guy?
Posted by: JamesM | September 11, 2008 10:46 AM
big guy
You are wrong that none of our prisoners have been killed and that according to US military documents, the red cross and the human rights groups. Quite a few have died in our custody, many violently mistreated according to military medical examiners. As far as returning home well after their mistreatment this is a cruel lie. The main purpose of the questionable current interrogation techniques is to destroy the persona and render the prisoner fearful, broken and compliant. You need to do honest research into this topic before making more misstatements based on wishful thinking. Many of the US military's prisoners have reported lasting psychological damage which severely impairs their normal functioning. You are also ignoring the widespread practice of extraordinary rendition, in which prisoners are secretly and without judicial process turned over to authorities in other countries which are known to practice torture and in which many prisoners die without accountability.
Have you read the Geneva conventions? They are very simple and clear.
McCain could have been a potent force to restore this standard of military ethics, but instead he buckled to the pressure of the White House. He was willing to allow innocent people to be tortured for political support. Obama needs to make a more clear and emphatic stand on this, including renouncing the extraordinary rendition program begun by Clinton.
Our current bad example has emboldened repression around the globe.
Many tyrants are pointing to our practices as a way to justify theirs.
Posted by: jonabark | September 12, 2008 12:35 AM
Posted by: jonabark | September 12, 2008 12:35 AM
I will see what I can find -
Blessings to all -
.
Posted by: big guy | September 12, 2008 9:11 AM
FREE OMAR KHADR FROM GITMO!!
Posted by: canucklehead | September 12, 2008 2:09 PM
"I will see what I can find - Blessings to all -"
Posted by: big guy
Yeah, maybe you can try to find some "facts".
Posted by: JamesM | September 12, 2008 4:43 PM
Posted by: JamesM | September 12, 2008 4:43 PM
Yeah, maybe you can try to find some "facts".
And I am the one who gets labeled as the snarkie - sarcastic guy.
Whatever -
.
Posted by: big guy | September 12, 2008 5:42 PM
A few weeks ago there was this interview on CNN with both candidates.A question was asked about EVIL. In response to this question McCain only mentioned Muslim countries. I am not a Muslim but his response scared me and i think a lot of other people worldwide. His response was not about removing or alleviating the underlying problem but just simply 'DESTROY THEM'. His thoughts are clearly hatefilled and simplistic.
Posted by: Jamaican | September 13, 2008 5:42 PM
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