Letters - 13 March 2015
From labels to Death Cafes
Labels
One of the most adult essays I have ever read was David Bone on terrorism and labels (27 February).
Keith Wedmore
It is hard not to agree with everything that David Bone says in his piece. However, I do have one concern. Surah 5:32, which, as David wrote, states that ‘the sin of killing a single innocent person is equal to that of destroying the whole of humanity’ is a very powerful verse in the context of the horrific violence to which his piece was a response.
Indeed, it has been well known to Quakers for some centuries. George Fox quoted it in writing to Muslims in his day (in ‘To The Great Turk’ [1680]). However, in context, the verse’s meaning is a little more problematic for Quakers than it might appear. The full verse qualifies this statement by spelling out that those guilty of murder or spreading corruption on the earth can legitimately be killed. Indeed, the subsequent verse makes it clear that that those who wage war upon Allah and his Messenger, or strive to spread corruption on the earth, merit, amongst other things, crucifixion. Conversely, Friends, historically, have a testimony against capital punishment and do not consider it legitimate under any circumstances.
I do not mean to detract from the force of what David says. However, just as Quakers are encouraged to reflect critically on the Bible, to make sure that we understand the context and implications of its contents, so we must likewise do this with other sacred texts too, even when we read such important and attractive words.
Justin Meggitt
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