I'll never forget watching

Ted Koppel's interview of General Norman Schwarzkopf shortly after the

conclusion of the first Gulf War. Schwarzkopf described his abhorrence

of military conflict. His voice cracked. "I would never want to serve

under a general who enjoyed war."

I agree. I wouldn't want to

serve a God who enjoyed war, either.

God hates war. I'm certain

of it. Children lose parents. Parents lose children. Husbands and wives

lose their mates. People suffer when nation rises against nation. My loving

God simply couldn't, by His nature, enjoy such devastation.

Yet the Bible is filled with

instances of God not only sanctioning but actually commanding His people

to wage war. God established human authorities to maintain order and administer

justice, and they "do not bear the sword for nothing" (Romans

13:1-5). As much as God hates the suffering and pain caused by war, certain

occasions require governments to bear the sword.

What circumstances render war

necessary? It's not an easy question. Sixteen hundred years ago the theologian

Augustine considered the matter. His study and teaching led to "The

Just War Theory." Christian leaders across the world accept Augustine's

views as the standard on this topic.

Augustine ruled out such motivations

as revenge, revolt, or "the lust for dominating" as acceptable

reasons for military aggression. Instead, he taught, there are only three

just causes for war: defense against wrongful attack, retaking something

that was wrongly taken, or the punishment of evil.

Our President and his advisors,

when making the case for war with Iraq, have consistently cited the first

of these three justificationsdefense against wrongful attack (with some

reference to the third, as well, referring to Hussein as an evil man with

evil intentions). Based on his history and his connections with terrorists

our leaders believe that a Saddam Hussein who possesses weapons of mass

destruction poses a serious threat to the United States, and to others

around the globe.

Some agree with our leaders.

Others disagree. Some protest. Others support.

As a Christian, particularly

as a Christian leader, what should I do?

First, I should submit to the

leadership of our nation unless and until this requires me to compromise

my Biblical integrity. The Bible teaches, "Everyone must submit himself

to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which

God has established" (Romans 13:1). (Lest we think this applies only

in situations where we agree with our leaders, keep in mind these words

originally instructed Christians in ancient Rome to submit to an emperor

whose track record would make Saddam Hussein blush.) I won't protest,

I won't question, I won't doubt motives. I will trust our governing leaders

unless I am Biblically compelled to do otherwise.

Second, I should pray. "I

urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving

be made for everyonefor kings and all those in authority" (1 Timothy

2:1-2). I will pray for our President and his advisors. I will pray for

the protection of military personnel and their families. I will pray for

peace.

I pray God will bless America.

I also pray God will bless

Iraq. God's love expands beyond American borders and American citizens.

Ours should too. "For God so loved the world"

Therefore I pray for minimal

loss of lifeon both sides of the battle lines. I pray for a quick resolution

to the conflict. I pray that as Iraqi citizens embrace political freedom,

they'll also embrace spiritual freedom. I pray that post-war Iraq will

provide a ripe harvest for Christian missionaries.

Ultimately I pray the words

of Alcuin of York, who lived in the eight century AD: "Christ, why

do you allow wars and massacres on earth? By what mysterious judgment

do you allow innocent people to be cruelly slaughtered? I cannot know.

I can only find assurance in the promise that your people will find peace

in heaven, where no one makes war. As gold is purified by fire, so you

purify souls by these bodily tribulations, making them ready to be received

above the stars in your heavenly home."

[Daniel Overdorf is the Sr.

Minister of Fayetteville Christian Church, located at New Hope and Hickory

Roads in Fayetteville. He may be heard each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as a

part of the church's weekly worship. Daniel may be contacted at the church

office770-461-8763, or at [email protected]]

Back

to News Home Page |