[B-Chan]

The sight of a string of rosary beads and the Crucifix hung about the barrel of a machine gun is shocking — but let us not confuse transient emotional responses with the realities of a properly formed Christian conscience. A gun is a tool of war, yes, but war is not an inherently unchristian thing; a just war — which this conflct certainly is — is an act of charity, and as such should be fought with a solemn, optimistic good spirit, not with distaste.

“War is a dreadful thing, and I can respect an honest pacifist, though I think he is entirely mistaken. What I cannot understand is this sort of semi-pacifism you get nowadays which gives the people the idea that though you have to fight, you ought to do it with a long face as if you were ashamed of it.”

— C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

A Christian soldier should no more feel gloomy or ashamed while doing his job than a Christian surgeon feels while doing his: both men shed blood, and both are doing good.

Discussion on this topic:
Catholic perspective
Evangelical pespective

[ArrogantBustard]

The sight of a string of rosary beads and the Crucifix hung about the barrel of a machine gun is shocking

Speak for yourself ;')

I don't find it shocking at all, though I suspect that the AP photog wants me to.

[redgolum]

For later.