On the Right - reflections on World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks - Column

National Review, Oct 15, 2001 by William F. Buckley, Jr.

Christian teaching is not irrelevant, simply because we dismiss as preposterous the notion that, on September 11, God was the hijackers' co-pilot. God does not shield his creatures from the malevolent exercise of free will. "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?"

"I tell you no," said Jesus, "but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

As it is true that the acts of terrorists befall everyone, it is no less true that there are reasons for everyone to repent, in this context most notably Osama bin Laden, but also Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, and yes, even members of the Supreme Court.

-Universal Press Syndicate