March 30, 2007

I just returned from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where I walked the fields where thousands sacrificed their lives almost 150 years ago. I don’t understand war. I understand hatred and fear and the desire to dominate. But I don’t understand war.

It doesn’t make sense that there are ‘rules of war’ that we follow. If we agree that we’re going to fight and someone’s going to die, then what use are rules? If my label has dehumanized you, then what’s the big deal with torture? If the goal is to win, then I’d prefer to have any means at my disposal.

This isn’t a polemic in favor of war. I am raising concerns with discussion I’ve read in the media that would have me believe that there’s a way to fight that is moral and right. From this vantage point it seems that war is necessary at times. But it is always ugly and brutal and a terrible undertaking.

I’m thankful that Lincoln resolved we would be one nation. I’m thankful that courageous action eventually led to freedom if not equality. Yet after today and after walking through the holocaust museum and the WWII memorial earlier this week, it seems that when my position demands your death (or vice versa) that something’s terribly wrong.

So if you have something against me, let’s talk it over and set things right.

“So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” Matthew 5:23,24

Rejoicing in hope,
Pastor Steve