Violence solves no problems

Lebanon, the home of the Near East School of Theology, has seen some earth shattering events during the course of 2005. Assassinations of prominent Muslim and Christian leaders alike have shaken the reality of many Lebanese people. Dr Mary Mikhael describes these events very poignantly by saying, “Somehow as sad as all of these events were they have shown a certain high maturity among the Lebanese people of all religious communities. It seems all have learned a lesson the hard way. All seemed convinced that violence solves no problems. All have been persuaded that violence must be rejected at all times and by all people. Despite the disruption to lives, the recent events are something to be observed with a depth of thought. Liberty, independence and the sovereignty of a people are values to be protected by all and enjoyed by all.”

Lebanon, the home of the Near East School of Theology, has seen some earth shattering events during the course of 2005. Assassinations of prominent Muslim and Christian leaders alike have shaken the reality of many Lebanese people. Dr Mary Mikhael describes these events very poignantly by saying, “Somehow as sad as all of these events were they have shown a certain high maturity among the Lebanese people of all religious communities. It seems all have learned a lesson the hard way. All seemed convinced that violence solves no problems. All have been persuaded that violence must be rejected at all times and by all people. Despite the disruption to lives, the recent events are something to be observed with a depth of thought. Liberty, independence and the sovereignty of a people are values to be protected by all and enjoyed by all.”

Alison Stendahl

Alison Stendahl serves as a missionary with the Near East Mission, Istanbul, Turkey.  She is Academic Dean of and a math teacher at Uskudar American Academy in Istanbul Turkey.