A recent poll indicates that the majority of people in the United States approve the use of torture as part of the so-called "War against Terrorism." I would assume that this includes many who call themselves Christian. Isn't it ironic that at the time we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, we also celebrate the use of violence and even torture? Where is the Religious Right on this issue? Who would their Jesus torture?

Jesus himself suffered torture as part of the mock trial before his execution. He had thorns pushed into his skull, was beaten with fists, spat upon, and even scourged with whips. He then was made to suffer what is often called the most terrible execution of all, namely crucifixion. Yet, he forgave those who tortured him rather than fighting in his own defense. He said to his followers, take up your cross and follow me. He was to be the model for how we react to violence. Oh, who would Jesus torture?

His followers were also tortured and executed by the cruel Roman emperors. Even the church took up torture and execution as part of its program of control. During the inquisition all kinds of exquisite torture methods were used to force heretics to recant their beliefs. Later, the Anabaptists were tortured and executed by the church/states in Switzerland and in Germany. Again, who would Jesus have tortured?

Down through the centuries, cruel dictators have used torture to control the populace. All dictators rely on the use of torture to maintain their control and stay in power. We are all familiar with the stories of torture from Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and the Soviet Union. We also know of the torture methods used by dictators of Banana Republics to control those who would rise up in rebellion. Many of these dictators also claim loyalty to the church. Yes, but who would Jesus torture?

We have always assumed that in a free society, torture is not part of the program. Most of us never dreamed that the United States of American would use methods of torture. We were supposed to be the Shining City on a Hill. Well, now we know differently. Oh, the president claims we do not use torture, but that is only a matter of semantics. George W. Bush lost his credibility a long time ago. Of course we use torture. After the revelations of Abu Ghraib, there is no longer any question of that. Ah, but who would Jesus torture?

Many say that we must reserve the right to torture detainees to extract intelligence in extreme cases. Intelligence experts tell us that good intelligence is rarely gotten through the use of torture. Most of what is gotten is bad intelligence. People will say anything to make the pain stop. Then why is it necessary to use torture? The only reason to use torture is to control the people through intimidation. Perhaps now that we are an empire, Pax Americana can only be maintained through the use of torture. How did we get to this point? How can followers of Jesus take up their cross and at the same time torture their enemies? And so the question still stands before us; who would Jesus torture?