Swords of Truth and Righteousness?

In the Name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

It with the greatest sadness that I report - if you do not already know - that American aid worker Tom Fox of Clearbrook, VA was found dead in Iraq. He - along with three other aid workers - was first kidnapped late last year, and he appeared on an initial videotape made by a group called “The Swords of Righteousness.” I have also heard that this group calls itself “The Swords of Truth.” What a funny name for a group that murders innocent human beings.

This same group issued another videotape without Mr. Fox, and I had feared the worst. Now, my fear has been confirmed. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family, who must be devastated at this moment. May the Lord be with them.

What sort of people would do something like this? What sort of “holy warriors” would kidnap unarmed, innocent peace workers who strived on behalf of Iraqi detainees? Do these people seriously think that they are doing God’s work? Do these people think they are among the Party of God?

They are not. They are among the party of Satan, and evil is what they work each and every day. Their swords are not of truth and righteousness, but lies and corruption.

Now, before you scream it out to the computer screen, let me say this: My heart aches in pain with the death of each and every innocent Muslim in the “war on terror.” In fact, whenever any innocent human being is killed, my heart aches. My God has told me that all life is sacred, and when that life is brutally taken away - especially in His name - my heart aches in pain.

That fact does not - and should not - prevent me from condemning the murder of Mr. Fox, a fellow American who was more brave, more noble, and more honorable than me, for he was willing to put his life on the line to help my brothers and sisters in Iraq. In fact, he ultimately gave his life for that mission. His murder pains and angers me deeply.

I pray that God puts an end to this murderous cancer in the Muslim world. Amen.