Un-Christian Sentimentality

One of the more discouraging features of the hostage crisis of 1985 is how little has been learned since the hostage crisis of 1979. Now that the hostages have been released, the temptation will once again be to stop thinking seriously about the implications of terrorism—until next time. But even more discouraging than this is how much sentimentality is still dressed up as religious caring.

Why do terrorists seize whole airplanes full of hostages? American television crews will fan out into scores of homes. The anguish of families will freeze the public mind. One impulse will rise in consciousness and drown out every other: Save the lives of the hostages.

About the Author

Michael Novak

Michael Novak was a Catholic philosopher, journalist, novelist, and diplomat.

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One of the more discouraging features of the hostage crisis of 1985 is how little has been learned since the hostage crisis of 1979. Now that the hostages have been released, the temptation will once again be to stop thinking seriously about the implications of terrorism—until next time. But even more discouraging than this is how much sentimentality is still dressed up as religious caring.

Why do terrorists seize whole airplanes full of hostages? American television crews will fan out into scores of homes. The anguish of families will freeze the public mind. One impulse will rise in consciousness and drown out every other: Save the lives of the hostages.