Should Christians always oppose war?

Cape Cod Times | 3/9/03 | Rev. Edward Voosen

[Wasichu]

bump

[My2Cents]

I believe Clinton's reign as President was a judgment on the nation. Bush's election was a sign of mercy.

[Charles Henrickson]

The question we are facing is this: does an attack on a sovereign nation that has not attacked us constitute a "just war"?

You raise a critical question. Which leads to two other questions:

Has Iraq already attacked us? IOW, has Iraq in any way been involved with past terrorist attacks on America--not just 9-11, but the 1993 WTC bombing, the USS Cole, etc.? Has Iraq sponsored, sheltered, or in any way supported the perpetrators of those dastardly deeds? If so, then for us to strike back at Iraq would not be a "preemptive" "first" strike.

The other question is this: Does Iraq pose an imminent serious threat to America? The analogy would be of a dangerous madman who hates your guts and has a gun pointed at you and your family. You do not have to wait until he pulls the trigger for it to be self-defense.

I think it likely that the answer to one or both of these questions is "yes." But I do not yet have definitive proof either way to give an answer. I hope that before any attack on Iraq, President Bush would present such evidence to Congress and gain a declaration of war.

[My2Cents]

Your question is a good one. But answer me this: While Iraq may be a sovereign nation, is Saddam's authority there legitimate? Also, this is movement toward war with Iraq is the first of Bush's doctrine of preemption, where we hit first before we're hit. After 9/11, is it justified to now wait until another nation or faction has hit us, before we do anything?

[oldcodger]

Thanks for the ping.

Our pastor preached on Romans 13 after the September 11 attacks. One of the responsibilities of government is to protect its citizens from evildoers.

That reminds me, it is hard for me to believe that government is a "necessary evil." Anything ordained by God is not evil.

[LivFREEordie]

Thanks for your posts - didn't have much time to participate in the discussion today. Some interesting thoughts here. I was so relieved to read this and to read Dr. Stanley's message on the topic - most of what we tend to hear in church and in public is the pacifist view of the world, they're so much more vocal (I'm trying to be charitable here)than most.

[F16Fighter]

Ecclesiastes: "There is a time for everything...A time to kill and a time to heal...a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

[xzins]

Nebuchadnezzar came to testify to the God of Israel.

I have no idea if that story is preserved in any way in the Koran. I don't think it is.

Therefore, the most thorough insight into the mind and life of Nebu is our book of Daniel. Saddam would be well advised to take heed.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the information!

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Question: "Should Christians always oppose war?"

Answer: It depends upon what period of Western Civilization one looks at. Today a respectable argument could be made that Western Christians are physiologically incapable of fighting. In 1200 A.D. it was a different story.

[what's up]

God's character never changes.

There was evil in the Old Testament, and there's evil today.

There will always be evil on earth, therefore, war will always be necessary.

[GretchenEE]

No.

It's difficult to understand how anyone can: 1) serve a God who will overthrow the wicked on the earth in the final battle, Armageddon, and 2) believe, as a servant of that God, that they should oppose war.

God gave us the right to self-defense. He gives that right to nations as well. The Old Testament is packed with the wars of Israel defending herself.

Jesus came to earth the first time as the Lamb of God. He is also the Lion of Judah and He is coming again to conquer and subdue the nations. In the meantime, He said, "Occupy till I come." It's impossible to occupy if you are all dead because you roll over in front of the tanks and bombs of evil men. The important thing is to know that your nation's leaders are going into battle for just and right causes.

[anniegetyourgun]

It is my hope that he will 'come to his senses', but it doesn't look like it. Appears Saddam will go the way of his earlier predecessor - Nimrod.

[Boxsford]

Very good comment. Excellent observation.

[sheltonmac]

You raise good points. As far having proof of Iraq's direct involvement in terrorist attacks against the U.S., I would prefer to see that evidence presented before Congress and an official declaration of war made before we attack.

As far as Saddam's authority being legitimate, we actively supported Saddam in his early years in power, and recognized him as the legitimate leader of Iraq. Granted, the mistreatment of his own people would suggest that he has given up any rightful claim to a position of authority, but I do think that it is ultimately up to the people of Iraq to rise up against him--much like our nation's founders rose up against King George.

When we start getting into the area of questioning government authority, we cannot avoid wondering whether or not the government of the United States is legitimate. Sure, it was lawfully established under the Articles of Confederation and refined by the Constitution, but we can see throughout history that our government has moved further and further away from its intended role. The Constitution no longer has any meaning to those who govern.

I think a much bigger issue we need to address is determining the legitimacy of our own government. Can a government wage a "just war" against another nation while ignoring the more immediate threats it poses to its own citizens (e.g., over-regulation, over-taxation)?

I'm not saying that we should take up arms against the government. I'm merely pointing out that our government is hardly a "moral authority."

[sinkspur]

I think a much bigger issue we need to address is determining the legitimacy of our own government.

More evidence of the uselessness of the libertarians in the war on terror.

[sheltonmac]

Thanks for at least remembering to spell "libertarian" with a small "l" in your insult, you adorable little government apologist, you!

[RnMomof7]

Anything ordained by God is not evil.

Agreed

[RnMomof7]

I too struggle with this Shel..I do know thast all authority is ordained of God..and the nothing happens outside Gods will and plan..so I rest in Him

Is this a just war?? IF they are planning to sell biological weapons to those that would harm us..yes it is just..If it is not GWB will have to answer to God for it..

[sheltonmac]

"If it is not GWB will have to answer to God for it."

Agreed. But in that case he should also have to answer to the American people. That's one of the issues I have been struggling with over the years. How culpable are we as a people for the actions of our leaders? If we elect them, then aren't we at least somewhat responsible for what they do while in office? That is one of the dilemmas we face if we choose to vote for the "lesser of two evils" in an election.