As I begin my thoughts on war I found myself needing to venture another disclaimer before beginning the discussion.
I SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
Not only did I have one of those yellow ribbon magnets on the back of my car (until the winter weather disintegrated it, I guess most folks have a garage), but I actually do love and care about the folks in uniform. I don’t feel like I’m more holy than thou when I say that I disagree with war, I’m simply sharing what I’ve come to see in the scriptures and through my thoughts about this topic.
Are those who fight in the war no longer Christians? By no means. As we discuss this I don’t want anyone to get the idea that I think those in the military have some how fallen away or anything. I don’t claim to have the absolute truth, though I do think what I’ve read in the scriptures is accurate.
Shortly before I started becoming a pacifist I read C.S. Lewis’ “Why I’m Not a Pacifist” Essay in Weight of Glory and let me tell you it had me convinced. I read it again a little while ago and I’ll tell you again that it is quite convincing. Much of what he says in there I still agree with, and maybe that will come out in our discussion. I share that simply to say that I am open to the fact that I might be wrong.
There are people who are close to me that are in the military and what I share in these entries does not change my love for them at all.
Ariah, once again I’m impressed by your professionalism in dealing with this subject. Pacifism is certainly one of those “non-core” subjects that I think it’s entirely possible to read the same Bible and come to different conclusions about. Thank you, and I look forward to your thoughts.
I appreciate yoru transparency in what I have read so far. I found a link to your site here on 43 things. I have been a member of the Air National Guard and have been involved in this war. While I would guess we would not agree on much on many issues, I also think their is much that we would perhaps to both of our surprise. I appreciate anyoen that seeks the Will of Jesus Christ in His life and is open to the Holy Spirits direction. May we all be as open as you appear to be!
WIll check your site out more when I can.
It really is true you know when they say if you want to find some people that do not want to go to war look to the United States Military. None of the members I serve with want to!