Speaking of Good and Evil

How should we speak of God? Theologians have struggled for years with this question, wondering whether God should be described metaphorically, literally or, perhaps, some other way altogether. In recent weeks, we have been faced with a more urgent and ugly task: What language should be used to describe the events of September 11? And what can be said about the response being taken by America and Britain, with wide support elsewhere?

The questions may be related, as well as the answers. As theologians turn to the Bible to find words for discussing God, so should we turn to it regarding issues of violence, murder, justice and retaliation.