Vineyard Church of Knox County
A Good Article on the War
Sometimes other people can express my thoughts better than I can. This is one of those times...
Preaching in a Time of War
by Michael Duduit
As the conflict in the Middle East turns to war, you may be concerned about ways to speak on this issue when you step into the pulpit. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you preach during a war:
“In times of crisis, many people are open to God’s truth in a way they haven’t been before.”
War is not something to be glorified
As tensions rise and people read and watch news of events in and around Iraq, there is the inevitable temptation for some to beat their chests and proclaim certain victory, much as they might do at a big football game. (Of course, rarely are those most vehemently calling for war the same people who have actually fought on the battlefield.) Even for the less passionate, at times it can be hard to distinguish between love of country and affirmation of war.
But war should never be the first choice. As Col. Rick Bereit notes in his book In His Service, “Warfare is not God’s first and best plan for humanity. His first plan was a perfect garden where man and woman enjoyed perfect fellowship with their Creator. However, when they rebelled against God, the perfection of His first plan was broken. That began God’s second and much less attractive plan. He closed the gate to the garden and posted an armed guard (Gen. 3:24). Since that time, families, tribes, and nations have developed weapons to attack others or defend themselves. Over the centuries, conflicts expanded from family feuds to national wars, and the means of warfare became conglomerated, organized, and refined.”
War is and always has been a brutal exercise that destroys lives, families, and communities. It is never something for which we hope.
War is sometimes necessary
Though war is a terrible thing, there are times - in a fallen world - when war is ultimately required. Those who liberated the death camps of Europe at the conclusion on World War II had little question about the necessity of defeating Hitler and Nazi Germany. We do not seek war, and we should do everything possible to make it unnecessary, but sometimes events compel us to conflict.
That reality led to the concept of “just war.” Since Thomas Aquinas, Christian theologians have stressed some principles to guide us in considering whether a particular conflict can be justified on moral and ethical terms.
For example, is such a war being waged as a last resort, after other attempts to bring justice have failed? And is the war being fought with moral intentions (to protect or liberate an oppressed group, for example) rather than motives of greed or increased power?
(An excellent summary of the principles of “Just War” can be found in Woodrow Kroll’s article on the Back to the Bible website - http://www.backtothebible.org/radio/war_iraq.htm).
Christians may legitimately disagree about war
Right now, there are churches and families in which people line up differently on the legitimacy of war in Iraq. While some peace demonstrators have had little questionable motives, there are sincere people of faith who question the “justness” of the present conflict.
At the same time, there are Christians who have honestly evaluated the actions of the dictatorial Iraqi regime and the danger it poses to others, and have concluded that war is a necessity in this situation.
As pastors and church leaders, it is not necessary to line up on one side or the other. In fact, one of the most valuable ministries we can provide right now is to help Christians on opposing sides of the issue to see and value the concerns of those with whom they differ.
Those who disagree are not “the enemy.” As we pray, let us pray for brothers and sisters who stand on both sides of this divide.
There are those among us who need special ministry
While this conversation goes on, let’s not forget those most closely affected by the events: the persons and their families who are being called up and deployed. Few churches will avoid being touched in some way.
If members of your church (or loved ones of members) are impacted in this way, find concrete avenues of ministry. Develop a prayer list for members of the military and their families. Find ways to minister to family members who are watching loved ones go into harms way - through prayer, companionship, and even financially. (Some reservists who are being called up will experience some several financial setbacks in the coming weeks.)
Also be in prayer for the citizens of Iraq who have been forced to live under the control of a brutal regime, and who may now face terrible dangers when conflict erupts. Let us remember that “collateral damage” includes moms and dads, brothers and sisters.
Preach the Gospel faithfully in these perilous times
In times of crisis, many people are open to God’s truth in a way they haven’t been before. Even as we find ways to comfort and encourage, let’s also be faithful to present the gospel in a clear, compelling way. Show how Christ can provide the strength to take us through any crisis.
Even as military chaplains are talking about an enhanced openness to Christ among the troops they serve, so the coming days may present a unique opportunity to share God’s love with people who are listening for the first time.
-Pastors.com-
