The politico-religious conflict once again came crashing onto our shores when two naturalized Americans from the Muslim Caucasus region of Russia allegedly set off bombs in the crowded homestretch of the Boston Marathon.

The mother of the brothers accused of the Boston bombings is adamant her sons are innocent and claims she is not a terrorist.

Zubeidat Tsarnaeva has been defensive of her sons one moment, and consumed with grief the next during interviews given in Dagestan, where she lives. “It’s all lies and hypocrisy,” she said “I’m sick and tired of all this nonsense that they make up about me and my children. People know me as a regular person, and I’ve never been mixed up in any criminal intentions, especially any linked to terrorism.”

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the older of the two brothers accused in the Boston Marathon bombings, was on terrorist watch lists in Russia and the United States since 2011. The 26-year-old was killed during a shootout with police April 19. The investigation into Tsarnaev’s activities has increased dramatically this week as officials try to figure out how he was able to travel in and out of the United States. 

It turns out, a simple misspelling shielded Tsarnaev from government agents on the watch for any attempt he might make to leave the country.

“For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34)

Back in my younger and unsaved years, I had little patience for the gospel or those sharing it. I wondered why there was no reference to degrees of sin. I’d either think or say something similar to the following:

“Being losers, hatred to those who were able to settle themselves.” This is the only reason the uncle of the two Boston Marathon bomber suspects, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, could imagine for the murderous plot for which his nephews stand accused.

WASHINGTON—The initial round of formal hearings over the newest immigration overhaul push occurred Friday, with the Boston Marathon bombings casting its large shadow over the congressional proceedings.

The ongoing situation in Massachusetts first led to an absence at the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing over the bipartisan 844-page immigration reform bill: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, expected to be the day’s key witness, canceled her appearance in light of Friday’s manhunt for the remaining suspect in the attacks.