As President Obama leads the United States into possible
military action with Syria, Christians seem to be divided in their support.
A recent National Association of Evangelical report shows 62% opposing war with Syria and 37% in favor.
While many can argue the tactical, diplomatic and strategic efficacy of bombing Syria; I wonder about the spiritual influence of this possible action. What is the role of the Church when it comes to war?
Stanley Hauerwas, long time advocate in the Christian Pacifism tradition, recently wrote:
'That is why Christian realism requires the disavowal of war. Christians do not disavow war because it is often so horrible, but because war, in spite of its horror - or perhaps because it is so horrible - can be so morally compelling. That is why the Church does not have an alternative to war. The Church is the alternative to war. When Christians lose that reality - that is, the reality of the Church as an alternative to the world's reality - we abandon the world to the unreality of war.'
Is the Church the alternative to war? Can it be? What prevents the Church from living this alternative?
2 comments:
There is such a thing as a just war. It all depends on the purpose. Are we really defending US interests by taking military action in Syria? Or is Obama just trying to punish Assad for a perceived injustice?
When you make the critical decision ti take military action you must have a plan. Three critical factors, why are we doing this and is it in our interest to do it? Second, exactly how will we achieve the desired end? Third, how do we exit the conflict? I don't think this action in Syria has been thought through.
Also regarding the quote, Christianity is not an alternative reality, it is reality!
The Church will never be the alternative to war. Countless wars have been with the Church at the front lines fighting. God has a plan for this world and it will play out accordingly. The best thing the Church can do is support those who have made the choice and willingly put their life in front of ours. Something pressed on the hearts of these young men and women to fight for this Nation Under GOD.
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