Apples, Oranges, and the Trap of False Equivalence
In a world filled with headlines and heated debates, it is easy to get swept up in the noise. However, one of the most important skills we can develop is the ability to deconstruct a narrative and see if it actually holds weight. Lately, there has been a disturbing trend in communication known as “false equivalence”—essentially trying to compare two things that have absolutely nothing in common to justify something unjustifiable.
One of the most jarring examples of this is the attempt to compare the biblical story of the Prodigal Son to modern-day terrorists. While some use this comparison to push for quick reintegration or to soften the public’s view of violent extremists, a closer look reveals that these two figures are worlds apart. Let’s break down why this comparison doesn’t just fail—it collapses under the weight of common sense.
1. Personal Identity vs. Violent Ideology
The Prodigal Son, as told in the famous parable, was essentially a young man going through a massive identity crisis. He was rebellious, perhaps a bit spoiled, and definitely wasteful. He wanted his inheritance early so he could live a life without rules. While his actions were disrespectful to his family, they weren’t a threat to the state. In today’s terms, he’s the guy spending too much at the club—obnoxious, maybe, but not a criminal mastermind.
A terrorist, however, isn’t just “acting out.” They are driven by a specific, calculated ideology designed to dismantle culture and civilization. Here is how they differ:
- The Goal: The Prodigal Son wanted to enjoy himself; a terrorist wants to force a culture change through fear.
- The Impact: When terrorists attack schools or places of worship, they aren’t just breaking laws—they are destroying the very fabric of how people live, learn, and gather.
- The Designation: One is a wayward family member; the other is a designated threat to national security.
2. The Element of Choice vs. Brutal Coercion
One of the most significant differences lies in the concept of consent. In the story of the Prodigal Son, every person he interacted with chose to be there. He didn’t force his father to give him the money at gunpoint, and he didn’t kidnap people to party with him. Even when he hit rock bottom, he chose to work for a living rather than steal from others.
Terrorism is the exact opposite of choice. It is the ultimate form of coercion. Victims of terrorism—whether they are students kidnapped from classrooms or communities driven from their homes—never gave their consent. You cannot compare a young man’s bad personal choices with a group that uses violence to strip others of their basic human rights and liberties.
3. True Repentance vs. Complex De-radicalization
The word “repentance” comes from the Greek word metanoia, which means a total change of mind. The Prodigal Son reached a point of self-awareness where he took full responsibility for his actions, acknowledged his sins, and sought to make amends. His return was based on a genuine internal shift.
Radicalization, on the other hand, is a long-term process of indoctrination. Reversing that process isn’t as simple as saying “I’m sorry.” It requires a deep, sustained effort to “unlearn” extremism, and even then, justice for the victims must remain at the forefront of the conversation. Even in the Bible, when the Apostle Paul (formerly a persecutor of Christians) changed his ways, he required “handlers” and a long period of vetting before the community felt safe enough to trust him. Trust isn’t a right; it’s earned over time through consistent action.
The Bottom Line
We must be careful not to let “whataboutism” cloud our judgment. Using sacred stories to normalize or excuse modern atrocities is a dangerous game. Logic, justice, and common sense tell us that a wayward son looking for a home is not the same as a radicalized individual looking to destroy one. As we navigate these complex conversations, let’s keep our guard up and our thinking clear. Selah.
Summary for Image Generation: A conceptual split-screen illustration showing a weary young man returning home to a sunset on one side, and a dark, shadowy figure representing an ideological threat on the other, highlighting the contrast between personal redemption and national security.
IMAGE_URL: https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Mfonobong-Inyang-portrait.jpg