"Why do we keep having them? Every generation and for centuries.....?" that was the question asked me by a student as the first Gulf War began.
I was in seminary. I was scared. I was angry. I joined in the protests on campus. I shared my concerns with the congregation where I was a Student Assistant Pastor (which acronyms accurately to SAP).
As per the prophetic inquiry by the student, years later and the start of the second Gulf War. I was living and working in Washington, DC and again another round of protests and preaching, marches and meetings.
Today is the one year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. I remember one week after this war began, being at a gas station filling-up my car. Gas was shockingly expensive. As we were wailing over the hit to our wallets, I said to the gentleman in the pump next to me, "You know, I'll pay it if it keeps Ukraine standing and resisting."
Though the gas prices have receded somewhat, the sentiment remains....whatever it takes, Ukraine. Yet, as this war, begun by blatant aggression against a sovereign nation, enters year two, I remain horrified at the destruction, saddened by lives upended and lost, children displaced and the cost .....way over a billion dollars that is just our USA tab and continuing.....
How long?
Not just for this recent conflict, yet, how long the wars on bigger scales and small?
What is the faithful response?
My United Methodist team states in our Book of Discipline: As Christians “we believe war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. We therefore reject war as an instrument of national foreign policy.” (2016 Book of Discipline, Social Principles ¶165.C). We also know our God stands with the oppressed and calls on us to support them.
No surprise there, I'm certain other denominations and faith traditions each state something similar.
The photo at the beginning of this post is the statue "Beating Swords into Plowshares" that sits in front of the United Nations Building in New York City. Appropriate placement.
How do we go about turning swords and the money and power they cost and turn them into plowshares, instruments of food and harvest and sustenance?
I confess I am at a loss..... I do not know. I do know, however, that it frightens me greatly that in survey after survey the most trusted institution in America is the military.
Perhaps we start there. Ask what does that then say about us? Why is it? How do we be, bless, build and bear the call to be peacemakers?
Yes, we need to talk about it....even more, we need to take some action, make some effort....something...anything....
