CELEBRATING OUR DEFENDERS

CELEBRATING OUR DEFENDERS

Following World War I, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as ARMISTICE DAY.  On June 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower officially changed Armistice Day to VETERANS DAY in order to celebrate EVERY AMERICAN SOLDIER, whether on active duty, discharged, retired, living or deceased.  Currently, Americans commemorate this day with official ceremonies, the laying of memorial wreaths, speeches, parades and religious services.

As a veteran of the United States Army, it certainly pleases me that our nation reserves special tributes and ascribes high honors to those who have served in our armed forces, many of whom have surrendered their very lives in the process, the ultimate sacrifice.

Nevertheless, even though I am an Army veteran, I remain profoundly ambivalent regarding my feelings about our national involvements in WARFARE, itself.

With respect to the believer’s mandated response to violence, the teachings of JESUS CHRIST are somewhat challenging, to say the least. Carefully consider His words:

Matthew 5:38-39

38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

An important question is begged, in connection with this scripture:

DOES THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE EITHER PROMOTE OR MANDATE ABSOLUTE PACIFISM?

According to Dictionary.com, PACIFISM is 1) opposition to war or violence of any kind; 2) refusal to engage in military activity because of one’s principles or beliefs; or, 3) the principle or policy that all differences among nations should be adjusted without recourse to war.

Consider this.  If Christianity mandates PACIFISM, ‘What should be our personal response to any form of violence, for instance, how we should respond to HOME INVADERS who threaten the security and safety of our families?’  One logical extension of that same line of reasoning is this: ‘What should be our nation’s response to INVADING ENEMIES who threaten the security and safety of our government and citizens?

Please note that my ambivalence concerning warfare is directly related to the underlying REASONS and MOTIVES that result in certain military actions.  Recent history reveals a global tendency to resort to warfare for economic or political reasons, i.e. for the acquisition of or the defense of non-renewable commodities (such as oil) OR for ideological expectations that other nations must adhere to our own governmental standards and norms.

I AM NOT NAÏVE.  Clearly, warfare will persist on Planet Earth until the return of the PRINCE OF PEACE who “shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)  The second coming of Jesus Christ will radically transform our world and world system.

In the present age, however, there are times when EVIL MUST BE DIRECTLY CONFRONTED.  Augustine and Aquinas fostered the concept of a JUST WAR.  Augustine’s scriptural basis was the writings of the Apostle Paul, which suggest that it is entirely ‘Christian’ to enforce law and security via “the sword.”  The Apostle Paul describes such a person as “the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” (Romans 13:4)  Augustine held that failure to defend one’s nation or one’s self in the face of any attack that could only be stopped by violence would be a reckless sin, in and of itself.

Thomas Aquinas taught that a JUST WAR can only be waged by proper authorities, such as state or nation.  Secondly, it must occur for good and just purposes, as opposed to the demonstration of sheer power or for the acquisition of material gain.  Thirdly, its ultimate goal must be a return to peace for all parties.  Israel’s right to defend itself from any nation that overtly threatens its extinction would be an example of a just war in our time.

Throughout human history, colonial empires had, as their primary motivation, the acquisition of land, human resources, and/or precious gems, minerals and metals.  These empirical quests for global domination were fueled mostly by ambition, power, or greed.  Most contemporary nations are not nearly as transparent in their imperial pursuits.  Question: Are we now acting in just ways as proper citizens of the world community (or) are our actions merely extensions of nation-building and empire-building?

It is not the intent of this devotional to deflate or elevate any political party or any nation.  However, it is the responsibility of every American (and certainly every Christian) to critically evaluate our politics and our policies to assure that they are in alignment with the global good, and ultimately with the sovereign will of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

With all of that in mind, I wish to express a very heartfelt “HAPPY VETERANS DAY” to every current and former service member who sacrificially serves/served on behalf of our national security, safety and freedom.  We salute your sacrifice and thank you for your service.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!