A reflection offered by the clergy of Old South Church in Boston
As controversy roils and anger erupts around the disposition of a terrorist’s body, we offer these reflections.
The duty the living owe to the dead is a subjective and circumstantial matter. Even so, there is an ethical, moral standard we do well to consider: Over the centuries, civilizations have abided by a minimum standard of “respect” for the bodies of the dead ... particularly those of the enemy, the despised and the immoral.
This standard has evolved for good reasons.
First and foremost, showing a basic respect for the body of the enemy is an act of forbearance and discipline, a concrete demonstration of moral principles. By treating this terrorist’s body with a minimum of respect, we demonstrate that we will not devolve to the lowness of the monster who turned sunshine into carnage and innocence into terror.
In addition, a minimum standard of respectful treatment deprives his body of power and symbolic import. By turning away from his body (rather than gathering around it in outrage and protest), we signal that this body does not control us, it is not worthy of our time and trouble. Instead, we free ourselves to focus on the good, holy work of grieving, healing and building up.
We face choices as individuals, as a Commonwealth and as a nation. How shall we respond to the murderous violence of the Boston Marathon bombings? With more hate or redoubled efforts at healing? With cries of vengeance or by tender ministrations to those struggling to regain their lives? By investing a mangled body with symbolic power or by supporting the institutions of Democracy, including our criminal justice system?
It is our hope that the disposition of a terrorist’s body does not distract us from our ministries of mercy, justice and beauty, not even for one moment.
Revs. John M. Edgerton, Anthony T. Livolsi, Nancy S. Taylor
Old South Church in Boston