Hotline Asia -- Social Concern Notes

Parish Social Concern Groups - Church's Social Teachings
~ Terror ~
Lesson 29

Question || Church Teaching || "Doing Justice" || Facilitators' Notes
 

Introduction

On October 12, 2002 a terrorist bombing in the resort area of Bali, Indonesia killed more than 180 people. They included Asian, Australians, Europeans, Javanese tourists as well as local Balinese. One piece of the bombing was attributed to a suicide bomber.
 
Question

  1. What do you think was the aim of the perpetrators?
    _____________________________________

  2. Why did the perpetrators choose terrorist tactics?
    A. _________________________________
    B. _________________________________
    C. _________________________________

  3. Do you feel the terrorist attack in Bali was successful? Why or why not?
    _____________________________________

  4. What usual responses have been suggested?
    A. ___________ B. ___________ C. ___________
 

Social Teachings of the Church

"Pope John Paul II has urged the international community to address the 'underlying causes' of terrorism, saying inequalities and injustice can lead desperate people to turn to violence.

'The international community can no longer overlook the underlying causes that lead young people especially to despair of humanity, of life itself and of the future and to fall prey to the temptations of violence, hatred and a desire for revenge at any cost." Vatican (Agencies), Sunday Examiner Sept. 15, 02.
 

Doing Justice

  1. Give examples in which terrorism is and is not the result of desperation?
  2. What, if any, "underlying causes" do you detect that may have contributed to this act of terror in Bali? (Consult news media if possible.)
  3. Check your newspaper and make a list of inequalities and indicate what might be a practical Christian Response.
 
Facilitators' Notes
Terror:   "
  1. intense, sharp, overmastering fear. "
Terrorism:   "
  1. the use of violence and threats to intimdate or coerce, esp. for political purposes.
  2. the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism or terrorization.
  3. a terroristic method of governing or of resisting a government. "
Webster's New Universal Unbridged Dictionary, (New York: Barnes & Noble, 1996) p. 1960

CHALLENGE

Explain the difference between freedom fighters and terrorists.

What is the Church's teaching on "just war" and "pacifism?"

Give examples in daily life of "terrorism". School bullies. Work bullies.
Kicking one's dog. Scolding wife after a bad day at work.

QUESTIONS

  1. What do you think was the aim of the Bali perpetrators?
    Possible Responses:
    No aim.
    They just want to cause suffering
    Revenge, hatred, economic, cultural, religious or political.
    Which objective predominates?

  2. Why did perpetrators choose terrorist tactics? What were the alternatives?
    Possible Responses:
    Participation in political life
    Non-violent protests
    Civil disobedience

  3. Do you feel that the terrorist attack in Bali was successful?
    The answer will depend upon the aim of the terrorists:
    -- gain name recognition and gain publicity for their cause
    -- create solidarity among fence sitters
    -- discredit the perceived enemy and illustrate the enemy's vulnerability
    -- inspire economic or political powers to repress the rights of the ordinary people
    -- devils and/or insane

CHURCH'S SOCIAL TEACHINGS

The Holy Father challenges Catholics to address the "underlying causes" of terrorism. This can be unpopular when there is an intense desire for revenge and a demand to "do something now!"

It is important to listen to the responses of the local religious leaders giving us a in situ gospel analysis and response. There is need to allow their opinions to balance both the establishment and the advocacy media. Catholics who ignore the credible advocacy press are likely to still believe in the "tooth fairy."

DOING JUSTICE

Are there some inequalities in our society today that cause people to be desperate? Might this desperation one day take the form of suicide, crime, domestic violence or undirected rage? Are there such signs already present?
 

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