Can people wage war in name of peace?
Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 20:1-4. Text: “They devoted the city (that is Jericho that was just occupied by the Israelites) to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it – men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.” Joshua 6:21. Every concerned citizen of our country is unhappy (saying the least) about the situation in Iraq. How much we wish that fighting would stop and peace secured. Now, we cannot do more than praying that hostilities and bloodshed will end. Not claiming that we know more on this subject than others do, only wish to see the whole issue of war from another viewpoint with Bible in our hands and looking at the Prince of Peace.
THE BACKGROUND THAT OFFERS SOME EXPLANATION.
We must see WAR and PEACE together. In the Bible, peace receives more attention than war, battles, hostilities and bloodshed. According to Will and Arial Durant, “In the last 3,421 years of recorded history only 268 have seen no war.” C. S. Simcox: 3000 Quotations on Christian Themes. Baker Book House. 1975. Page 111.
When we read the OLD TESTAMENT we should keep in mind the history of the chosen people. Our Scripture reading and text reflect on the theory and ruthlessness of the wars the Jewish people had waged against their enemies. In the NEW TESTAMENT war, struggle, weapons are mentioned symbolically. Please read, Romans 7:23, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Ephesians 6:10-17, 1 Timothy 1:18 and 6:12, 2 Timothy 2:4, and Revelation 12:7.
With the progress of technology, both the offensive and defensive weapons became more efficient. Is the atomic bomb a bane or blessing? No doubt, atomic bombs are weapons of mass destruction, however, who would dare to start to use them when the other nation has it also and can retaliate with the same fury.
NOT FROM POLITICAL OR MILITARY BUT FROM SPIRITUAL VIEWPOINT, WHAT CAN WE SAY? Nothing proves better the reality of the ORIGINAL SIN than the cruelty of war.
After Adam and Eve disobeyed God and received their punishment, not much later their son Cain killed his brother Abel. Genesis 3 and 4 chapters. It started with fratricide and ended up with genocide. From Cain-istic to sadistic.
War is a road that leads us: from life is sacred to life is worthless – from our divine image to animalistic behavior – from a dictator’s over-inflated ego to the mass grave of young soldiers – from securing peace to vicious revenge – from hope of easy victory to survival of total devastation – from civil rights of the individuals to general hatred against the other nation – from solving one problem to starting others.
What do we say about those who refuse to take arms because they are conscientious objectors? If we accept the “collective protection” provided by our government are not we also obliged to take part in “collective defense” of our nation? If nobody would resist evil, where would we end up? If a conscientious objector is not willing to kill anyone, he or she can serve in the medical corps and save lives.
Unfortunately, the churches have lost their influence. When there are so many small denominations (and they have their own “war” among themselves) that can speak in the name of all of the believers? It is very hard to separate the worldly and religious issues since they interwoven. During the World War II on both sides, the military chaplains blessed the weapons and encouraged the soldiers to fight for the right cause. (Would any military chaplain dare to pray for the victory of the enemy?) In Iraq, the clergy is rather part of the problem than of the solution. As we know, there are two major branches of the Muslim faith and their relationship is not so friendly.
As we look into our hearts, we find these Christian obligations concerning war:
– SEEK GOD’S WILL in crucial situations: “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:15.
– LET CHRIST BE OUR GUIDE: “For he (Jesus) himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Ephesians 2:14.
– PROMOTE RECONCILIATION: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18.
– WE SHOULD DO OUR BEST TO PRESERVE PEACE: “If it is possible, as far as it depends you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18.
– SHOW COMPASSION toward the victims: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,” Colossians 3:12.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.