Weblog Entry - 02/17/2003: "War with Iraq"

02/17/2003 Entry: "War with Iraq"

Martin Roth consistently writes good thoughtful commentary on what is going on in the world. Here's an extract from today:

My friends, not to mention myself and – I suspect – many, many others around the world would be encouraged were we to see America humbly repent: for its past arming of Saddam Hussein; for its profligate use of oil; for paying billions of dollars to Israel as that country expanded its settlements; for unyielding support of despots in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Exactly. My view is that it is this lack of repentance that in part undermines the case for war. (I wrote as much only the other day) Iraq is part of a much bigger picture, and I don't see that a war in Iraq will do anything to achieve greater freedom, peace and stability for the region or the world.Think of Middle East peace as a treasure buried by centuries of violence and suspicion. You don't do archeology with blasting powder.

Darren at LivingRoom also picks up Martin's piece. Rachel Cunliffe has a fine entry which lists the estimated number of protestors against the war in cities worldwide and wonders if Christians really believe that Jesus meant what he said.

Christ's followers are called to be micro-examples of the practice and values of the kingdom he spoke so much about, a peculiar people who demonstrate that the stuff he commanded is doable. Anything less makes the idea that we are following him, well, I guess a lie to ourselves at best and serious hypocrisy at worst.This response really speaks to only those who don't think Christ was a loony. If you do, fair enough, ... but I think he was on to something. I think "Love your enemies" (basically, grace, loving those who don't deserve it) was fundmental to what God through Christ was and is communicating to humankind.

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Thanks for this great post. More great blogs to read.

Posted by Swan @ 02/17/2003 10:37 PM CST

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