By now you’ve seen the news reports of the bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel. This has of course thrown the Middle East into a crisis. This part of the world has been in conflict for over 75 years. In tracking much of the exported terrorism, it has been fomented and supported by agitators who are against Western ideology and culture. To be sure, this is not the majority of those who live in the region. There is always someone willing to stir up others to bring chaos and conflict to highlight their grievances.
As thinking people, we know that conflict is the least acceptable means to settle disputes. As people of faith, we may look for ways to understand war from a biblical perspective. “The Bible, however, presents a complex and multi-faceted view of war. It acknowledges it as a tragic consequence of sin. It depicts it as sometimes necessary in a fallen world.”
The Old Testament often views war as a reality of life, with God sometimes initiating, commanding, or fighting on behalf of Israel to combat injustice or fulfill judgement.” We read in Ecclesiastes 3:8 “there is a time for war and a time for peace.” In the New Testament Jesus teaches non-retaliation. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus tells his followers to “love your enemies.” And in Matthew 26:52, when Jesus is facing arrest, he tells Peter to put away the sword.
There are those who hold with a “Just War” ideology. This is acknowledging war is never good, but sometimes necessary to defend the innocent or to oppose evil. This concept is traditionally limited to legitimate authorities.
American author, John Steinbeck said “All war is a symptom of [man’s] failure as a thinking animal.” During the Vietnam conflict, Walter Cronkite once said, “War is, of course, a form of madness. It’s hardly a civilized pursuit. It’s amazing how we spend so much time inventing devices to kill each other and so little time working on how to achieve peace.”
You’ve no doubt seen the news reports of the bombing of an elementary school where at least 153 were reported dead. Another bombing incident on a gym, killing 20 women volleyball players. These are horrific atrocities, civilians and children as collateral damage should be anathema to those who wage war. They are never legitimate military targets.
Our United Methodist bishops have called for prayer and peace in this conflict. “We urge leaders on every side to turn from the escalation of violence and seek paths toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace. We implore them to place the protection of innocent lives at the center of every decision.”
There are multitudes of reasons for engaging in war. After every avenue has been pursued to settle differences has been exhausted, it can appear as if war is the only reasonable next step. I don’t pretend to have the answers when situations spiral out of control. I only know and believe the brutality of war should be the absolute last resort. Otherwise, we will never have peace. There will always be someone willing to sacrifice innocent lives. There will always be someone who believes “might makes right.” There will always be someone who is way too cavalier with threats and bluster, and then will employ a violent action to back up their rhetoric.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to a different standard. We are called to be people of peace. If in fact we believe in, and follow Jesus, we must advocate for the innocent, the vulnerable, the marginalized. These are who Jesus advocated for. Like Isaiah, we must advocate for the “beating of swords into plowshares.” I believe people of faith have a duty to seek peace in every situation. It may indeed be necessary to employ force to achieve peace, but it should be the most dreaded last resort.
I want to urge us to engage in heart-felt prayer for those being affected by this current conflict. Pray for the protection of the innocents who are in harm’s way. Pray for the wounded, that they may be tended to. Pray for the authorities on all sides to seek a peaceful and lasting solution beyond the bullets and bombs.
Your companion on the Way,
Pastor Tom