The Church is the Alternative to War

Christians have long fought over the justness of war. Take a look around the world and you will be sure to find not only scores of armed conflicts, but also many Christian views on these battles.

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?

The Myth of Redemptive Violence

Does war bring peace? President Bush stated after 9-11 that America would, 'rid the world of evildoers,' which would bring safety to America. But will it? The Roman Empire had a saying 'Peace through victory.' I wonder if their mantra is now Americas? Can violence bring about peace? Walter Wink's provocative essay challenges the reader to reject the impulse to fight and instead urges a different path towards war and violence. Read it here and give me your thoughts...