In reading the history of the church, one is likely to come across the Battle of Tours in which Charles Martel (“The Hammer” [Can I get a manly nickname like that?]) saved the West from being overrun by Islam in the Middle Ages. Is it right and proper to thank God for men such as Charles Martel? Can you picture Muslim conquerors traversing the Pyrenees eager to convert by the sword, after successfully diminishing Christianity throughout North Africa and the Middle East? They would occupy Spain for 700 years before being expulsed in 1492 by that famous regent couple Ferdinand and Isabel. Can you feel the fear gripping the Iberians? Can you then thank God that they were stayed at Tours? First, a digression:

A fleeting thought arises that reminds me of the orientation of my worldview—the supremacy of Christianity across the globe and time—how does “thanking God for Charles Martel” sound to a Muslim? I would venture to say it’s tuned to the same pitch as claiming the resurrection (and crucifixion) of Christ. Perhaps the statement “thank God for Judas” can create a similar feeling in me as “thank God for The Hammer” does in some.

Does this attitude of thankfulness reinforce a stereotype of Western barbarians? (I don’t have a beard; nor do I say “bah bah” except, of course, when singing that ever-so catchy tune, Barbara Ann). In order words, am I aloud to feel thankful for Charles Martel and his stand against Islam? Do Christians permit me? Do Muslims permit me? Does that make me a militant evangelical, if I do? For, honestly I tell you, I felt grateful for Charles Martel today when I read of the Battle of Tours. However, it is cold to reduce a battle to a name detached from the reality of death, fatherless families and pain. People died: Christian and Muslim. Humans.

Christ died to win worshipers from every tribe, tongue and nation (ethne). People of all pedigree are seen worshiping around his throne in Revelation; that includes Western barbarians and Islamified Arabs alike won. Is it then right to thank God for The Hammer who protected with the sword? Yes, because evil was stayed. Is it right to feel sorrow at the death of Muslims who without Christ receive hell? Yes, because people died without Christ.

This is that for which I am grateful: that evil was stayed. That’s the principle.

A similar quandary arose with the assassination of the Taliban leader whose name escapes me. Is it right to thank God that this man was killed?