Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

III. When Difference Becomes Toxic: War and Violence

A. The peculiar modern problem: violent reaction to difference

1. The 20th century is the bloodiest century in human civilization.

a. A mad race to arms and weapons

b. Unmatched monies being spent on arms

c. More nations arming themselves with nuclear weapons (some suggest that nearly 20-25 nations either have them, or are on the “threshold” of joining the “nuclear club” of nations).

2. Millions of dead, maimed, and tortured human beings, with countless others left orphaned, neglected, and as refugees

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3. Humankind shows a nearly inexhaustible ability to malign, harm, and even kill those who differ from them.

4. With the rise of nuclear weapons, this violence and hatred can reach levels where the very existence of humankind is threatened.

a. We are one madman away from significant nuclear destruction.

b. There is no way to deter this except the fear of greater annihilation .