Note to world: this is <i>not</i> Christian

"A Christian fundamentalist with right-wing views."

This is how police described Anders Behring Breivik, the bomber and gunman responsible for the appalling tragedy in Norway this last weekend.

I suspect I am not alone in shuddering at the way this title links an act of cold-blooded murder with the Prince of Peace. Perhaps the confusion comes from the fact that political parties described as "Christian" in continental Europe, often now have a very tenuous connection with living faith and belief. The Christian Democratic party in Norway for example (the KrF) is supported by some muslims and secularists because of its stance on headline issues such as abortion and gay marriage. But the rule that party officers must sign a declaration of their Christian faith has come under increasing pressure to be removed in recent years. Sadly, the word "Christian" has become synonymous with "right wing" in many parts of European politics.

So just to get it straight. There is no-one who is a follower of Jesus Christ who could claim that these acts of terrorism are in any way consistent with the teaching and example of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus calls us to lay down our own lives, not those of others (1 John 3:16). He calls us to live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). He calls us to let God be the judge, not us (Luke 6:37). He calls us to love not hate (Galatians 6:10).

Join me in praying for the distressed and bereaved in Norway at this time. Join me in trying to live out His life of love and self giving. Join me in trying to change the world with the word of the gospel, not with bullets and bombs.