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As a result, we now have hundreds of soldier-martyr stories from that era, like that of Sebastian of Gaul [Narbonne] , captain of the Praetorian Guard, and George of Beirut, a high-ranking officer of noble birth. But apart from the demands of politico-religious emperor worship, many Christians were able to function as leaders in the Roman army.

This is not the place to argue the fine points of ethics and history. Suffice it to say that early Christians did not conclude that “all killing is wrong” or assume that Jesus’ teaching regarding personal retaliation applied directly to larger political arrangements. In short, they seemed to have had a more nuanced view of violence than we seem capable of in our day.

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Following the September 11 attacks, Mark Galli wrote “Now What? A Christian response to terrorism” for Christianity Today.

While terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center, Miroslav Volf was only a few blocks away speaking on the importance of reconciling with our enemies. A week later, Christianity Today senior news writer Tony Carnes spoke to him about terrorism and forgiveness.

For more perspective on the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, see Christianity Today's previous essays and editorials:

I Was Just Wondering … Twenty questions that nag me after September 11. (Feb. 18, 2002)

Blame GameSeeking mercy is a better response to 9/11 than seeking meaning. (Nov. 8, 2001)

Blood, Sweat, and PrayersOne man's journal of ministry among New York City's firefighters and police officers at Ground Zero. (Nov. 8, 2001)

Rally Round the FlagAmerica may not be God's chosen nation, but it does have a mission that churches can support. (Nov. 7, 2001)

Wake-up CallIf September 11 was a divine warning, it's God's people who are being warned. (Nov. 5, 2001)

Prayer After 9.11.01The author of The Prayer of Jabez says now, more than ever, we need to seek God's power. (Sept. 28, 2001)

Judgment DayGod promised that calamity would follow disobedience. So why are we quick to dismiss it as a reason for the September 11 attacks? (Sept. 25, 2001)

Now What?A Christian response to religious terrorism. (Sept. 21, 2001)

To Embrace the EnemyIs reconciliation possible in the wake of such evil? (Sept. 21, 2001)

After the Grave in the AirTrue reconciliation comes not by ignoring justice nor by putting justice first, but by unconditional embrace. (Sept. 21, 2001)

Taking It PersonallyWhat do we do with all this anger? (Sept. 14, 2001)

A Wake-Up Call to Become Global ChristiansThe deadly attacks on America will provoke many responses, but Christians are commanded to love our neighbors. (Sept. 12, 2001)

God's Message in the Language of EventsIn the face of evil, we must focus on keeping our hearts right. (Sept. 11, 2001)above all else.

When Sin ReignsAn event like this shows us what humans are capable of becoming—both as children of darkness and of light. (Sept. 13, 2001)

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February 4 2002, Vol. 46, No. 2