On this anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, I first want to remember that nearly 3,000 people were killed and 6,000 more injured in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania on that day. Their families and friends will not forget. Neither will their cities, states and nations. More than 90 countries lost citizens in the attacks that day. The world will never forget the horror.

I also want to reflect on the responses to that day from a handful of my acquaintances. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, there was hope that the world would be unified.

John, a middle aged man, joined a group that took up a two-fold mission. First, they moved temporarily to the Middle East in an attempt to evangelize Muslims. Then, when they returned to the United States, they organized speaking opportunities to tell Christians what they knew about Islam. This high-risk mission made John feel that he was doing his part to promote his religion.

Sarah, who was in her 20s, felt called to do something and was completely surprised by her own decision. With many graduate school options in front of her, she decided to forego pursuit of some lucrative professions and enrolled, instead, in a United Methodist seminary. It did not take long for her to conclude that she had made the right decision and that her work in ministry could help make the world a more peaceful place.

Jane, a middle-aged woman, was able to act on her impulse almost immediately by mounting two U.S. flags on the back of her truck. Then she added a “God Bless America” sign to the back panel. Jane experienced a profound sense of solidarity when others acknowledged her flags – which they did often in the weeks and months immediately after 9/11. She took particular delight in saluting other drivers who also were flying the flag.

On the evening of Sept. 12, Mel, a Baptist pastor nearing retirement, went to an Afghan restaurant to show solidarity with the Muslim family that ran the business. He had no greater mission than to simply help demonstrate that the town had not deserted them. When Mel spoke to one of the owners, he was assured that his presence was deeply appreciated by a Muslim community now living in fear.

Arthur, a young man recently graduated from high school, decided that he needed to respond to Sept. 11 in dramatic fashion. He joined the U.S. Army. Arthur had virtually no previous thoughts along these lines, but he believed there was one clear course of action after 9/11. He soon found himself deployed to the Middle East, just as he hoped.

These were all heart-felt responses to the tragedy. And each of these five people would say that she or he felt God’s presence helped shape their response.

It’s natural that we would make judgments about which of these responses were the wisest. But it is a hard lesson to learn that your neighbor – the person sitting next to you right now – may have completely different views. And still be an honorable person. But that is a lesson that Jesus teaches us. And that’s my major takeaway from thinking about 9/11 on the 15th anniversary. Jesus teaches us not to demonize those with whom we disagree. Jesus teaches us not to demonize even our enemies. Jesus teaches us to remember that all are children of God.

I believe that in trying to right the wrongs of 9/11, we often have allowed our own hearts to be hardened against those with whom we simply disagree. In defending our ideas, we have become intolerant of our friends. In selecting a course of action, we have defined ourselves more by who we oppose than by whom we hope to be. And by judging others, we have forgotten that we all require God’s grace. That grace is available to us at all times. I hope and pray we will remember that the healing power of God is available to us right now. 

David Reid

Director of Adult Faith Formation

Director of Northern Colorado Faith Library