There is a laser focus to the desired outcome. Nothing else appears to matter. It is the epitome of phrases, “At whatever cost” or “The end justifies the means.” And when questioned about such an approach there is always a rationalized response, “It’s unfortunate, but collateral damage is to be expected.”
Collateral damage:
• “is any death, injury, or other damage inflicted that is an incidental result of an activity” Wordnik
The concept of collateral damage which relates both to people and property has been around potentially since the dawn of humanity. It is a central tenet of the traditional ‘just war theory’, espousing that the alleged greater good takes priority over the casualties of the innocent.
Every day we see countless examples of collateral damage streaming across the headlines from Israel and Hamas, Ukraine and Russia, on our own city streets. It is a mentality at its core that manifests a complete disregard for the sanctity of humanity and for all of God’s creation. Ethically, morally, is there really a matrix that purports there is an actual greater value of certain humans over others? Some of us have great value, others are disposable? It is a mindset, a world view that is incredibly pervasive far beyond the horrific headlines we are presently witnessing.
And, the reality is, the concept of collateral damage is the antithesis of the core teachings of the Abrahamic faith traditions (and others), which clearly articulate the intrinsic value that each person possesses.
“Will you respect the dignity of EVERY human being?”
Theologian Thomas Keating offers this, “This is also marvelously exemplified in Gandhi’s life and work. He never tried to win anything. He just tried to show love; and that’s what ahimsa [the Hindu principle of nonviolence out of respect for all living things] really means. It’s not just a negative. Nonviolence doesn’t capture its meaning. It means to show love tirelessly, no matter what happens. That’s the meaning of turning the other cheek [Matthew 5:39]. Once in a while you have to defend somebody, but it means you’re always willing to suffer first for the cause—that is to say, for communion with your enemies. If you overcome your enemies [through force and violence], you’ve failed. If you make your enemies your partners, God has succeeded.”
BP,