battle ready

It has been pointed out that my topics have been rather shallow lately. (Okay, it was actually ME who said that, but the person I was talking to, confirmed it by stating in a shocked tone of voice that I resorted to talking about the weather…GASP.)

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There are reasonably decent people who believe it is always wrong for a Christian to go to war or serve as a soldier/combatant, or support a war effort. I was reading a blog discussion between a couple of fine gentlemen and I wanted to say more than a normal comment would allow. I told them I would link back there only if we remain civil over here. I am not against them, per se; I simply wish to speak to a different position.

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May I respectfully challenge the absolute anti-war position?

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Here is my position. We must not love violence, but would zealously defend the Bible in that we do not add or take away from what God says. With those qualifiers, I would say that I do not find a clear, solid instruction from God on whether a good Christian can be a soldier. Ultimately, it is God who has appointed our earthly kings, and if they tell us to go to war, we should obey. We who live in a democracy, have a wonderful , but let’s not take that for granted. . In a comment, one gentleman cited his baptismal covenant.

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Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

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It appears to me that there is balance in the Episcopalian Baptismal Covenant, in that one is not only making a commitment to peace, but also to justice. As I understand it, respecting the dignity of every human being is protecting the innocent, and punishing evildoers. But I would not anchor my position in a covenant of another denomination, or even my own. Let God be our authority, as we listen to His Word, which He revealed to us in the Bible.

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That one about seeking Christ 'in all persons' reminds me of the passage from Paul that stated God 'revealed Christ in me' (Galatians 1.15-17). If we really believe that Christ has redeemed the world, then how can we support violence of any kind, including war? Again, history shows us that before Constantine Christians did not partake in the military. They believed that they were part of a different kingdom. - On that note, Jesus himself stated that if his kingdom was like the kingdoms the 'world' produces, his followers would fight for his release. The implication is that his kingdom and his followers are not like the kingdoms of the world. They should not be using violence to accomplish anything. That is not the way of our King. - If Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, then we get our instruction and very life from the vine. And the Vine is not violent. Therefore, neither should we be violent. On any level. We must come up with creative ways of discipline, sure. But violence should never be an option for us.

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We must be careful when we speak of kingdom, because we will not and cannot have a theocracy on earth until Jesus returns. It has been accepted by some, that before Constantine, Christians did not partake in the military. Is there a biblical mandate for this? Where does God say (in the Bible) that if we want to follow Him, we can no longer be a soldier? I don’t see it. There is a much clearer biblical position on divorce or whether a woman can be called to serve as a shepherd. We tread carefully in those areas, shall we be any less careful about an area that the Bible does not address as directly? I cannot agree that violence is not the way of our King, or that the Vine (Jesus) is not violent. Or at least, I would say, maybe not “the” way of our King, but certainly “a” way. He is sometimes gentle, and sometimes violent, but always holy, and always righteous.

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I realize this is a controversial subject, so I have made an effort to season my words with grace. Did it work? Do I need to improve?

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Enough of my rambling. Any thoughts?

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For another perspective on Christians & War, visit Ted Gossard's blog.

i'm no andy taylor

Mrs. Craver brought home a DVD of the Andy Griffith Show. It’s good clean fun, and I thoroughly enjoy the shows. Sheriff Andy Taylor’s skills of diplomacy are absolutely stellar! He is able to peacefully negotiate every jam people get themselves into and they all come out playing fair with each other by the end of the show. It is especially amusing to see how the sheriff guards his deputy’s self-esteem, even when Deputy Fife’s character and goals are in conflict with the good sheriff.

We could learn from this fictional character. He’s a good role model. As for me, I don’t always have that pacifying effect on folks. (I must admit that my own sinfulness is chiefly to blame.) But as we compare, let’s remember that we are talking about a fictitious story versus real life. Furthermore, the great TV sheriff’s primary goal is to keep the peace, whereas mine (my primary goal) is not. As an ambassador for Jesus Christ, I must strive for grace AND truth. That makes it more complicated than simply going for the path of least resistance.

There are allowances that the sheriff makes when people do not do right, because it is not his way to stir up contention. As I try (imperfectly) to point people to Jesus Christ, I will sometimes shine a light on things that we find hiding in the darkness. Sometimes, I don’t even do that on purpose.

Today, my mind is drawn to the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior. I can easily find more flaws in MLK than in Sheriff Andy Taylor, but it would serve mankind and our Lord better to emulate MLK. Unfortunately, Doctor King was not rewarded on this side of the grave for his efforts. His wife and children paid a heavy price for MLK’s dedication to righteousness.

That’s a difficult call for a husband and father, putting his family at risk, but what did the heroes of the Bible do? How could I please God best when faced with the tension between peace and righteousness? I truly desire to avoid unnecessary conflict, but ultimately, I hope to make choices for the pleasure of the Lord and primarily act as His ambassador rather than a politician.

We’ll see how it goes. Meanwhile, I’ll continue enjoying the illusion of Mayberry. (whistling Andy Griffith theme song...)