The terrorist attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical publisher is just that – a terrorist attack. Whether Islam calls for killing those who demean an Islamic prophet (Koran), or not, highly planned attacks are not the solution. Then when a Muslim cleric defends the slaughter in Paris, there are obvious problems with the religion of “peace.”¹ That would be like an evangelical pastor who believed someone on death row was innocent and the pastor openly declared an assault on the prison and killing of the guards would be appropriate. Fortunately masses in France are rising up against the attacks, but will the government have the “will” to stand up to the terrorists to not just capture them, but to remove them from being a threat?

We as individuals do not take the law into our own hands, but the government is responsible to remove those who do evil. Yes, the government carries the “sword” to remove threats to peace in a community,

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. ⁴ For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. (Rom. 13:1-4 NKJ)

Let the trial be just and fair. Let peace be maintained by a sword when necessary. Trust the Lord Jesus and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7).

¹http://www.cnsnews.com/blog/curtis-kalin/muslim-cleric-defends-paris-terrorist-attack accessed on January 8, 2015.