Given how strongly I proclaim my theological points on this blog, and based on a recent discussion with a friend who I disagree with theologically in many ways, I have decided it is long past due for me to give at least a brief explication of how I feel about theological differences between Christians (particularly between myself and others). I am a very confrontational person, and thoroughly enjoy a good debate. However, I'm not so pretentious as to believe that there is no other way.
There are a few aspects of Christianity which I take as being fairly non-negotiable. Wealth and power cause problems, all people are guilty of doing bad things, killing people isn't ideal, and Jesus was a special guy. I don't feel like these statements are particularly controversial within Christianity. Some of them get controversial when you start talking definitions, but even in those arguments people will still usually agree on the general statements.
I have studied a wide array of topics, and spent a reasonable amount of time doing so. I wholeheartedly believe that I have very reasonable positions on subjects, supported by a wide array of academic work as well as scripture and prayerful insight, which at times provide much better explanations than the standard or status quo arguments currently used. However, I change my arguments as I learn new information, or realize that certain formulations really aren't sustainable. I know I'm not God. I am wholly fallible, and though I may argue vehemently at times, it is out of a desire to ascertain the truth, not because there is no imaginable way that I am wrong.
I thoroughly enjoy debate. For me, the process of debate is enjoyable both in that it allows open analysis of some idea from varying perspectives which may arrive at a conclusion better than either or prove one position invalid, in either case moving us towards truth, and because debate provides an intellectual challenge which helps me hone my critical thinking, memory and verbal reasoning skills. Debate for me is not something I take personally, even if the subject at hand is one of high personal importance. I don't get offended or angry because someone questions my worldview. Instead, it is an opportunity to refine my own understanding of my worldview and perhaps help someone else do likewise. I have found that many people don't appreciate this gesture, instead interpreting my arguments as a means for me to prove my intellectual superiority. This is in no way my intention. I would much rather know now that I am wrong about some aspect of my life so that I have an opportunity to change. There is nothing attractive to me about living according to a set of principles which do not match reality. I expect those around me to point out when I am wrong so that I may improve, and in following the golden rule, I thus do likewise for them.
"To admit I was wrong is but to say I am wiser now than I was before."
Disagree with me if you like. In fact, if you do disagree with me, please feel free to let me know, and explain why. If the debate goes no where, I am willing to agree to disagree. The world will not end because you can't convince me and I can't convince you. My prayer in all of this is that wisdom will prevail.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Army of God
Ok, so I lied. There are all kinds of military themes in the Bible, and I may in the future elaborate on those. However, for now I wish to focus instead on human militarism, and the problems therein. I am a pacifist, which is not to say I'm apathetic, nor passive, nor should we ignore the problems of the world. Instead, I am a man who fears sin much more than death, and believe wholeheartedly that part of the message of Jesus is that there are a great many things worth dying for, but nothing worth killing for. After all...
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9) The LORD says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay." (Deuteronomy 32:35) And as such, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil." (Romans 12:17a) I'm sure "'You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.'" (Matthew 5:43-45) In fact, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink." (Proverbs 25:21) No matter what, "'Put your sword back in its place...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.'" (26:52) Instead, call out as Jesus did from the cross "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood," (Ephesians 6:12a) and as all who live in the Kingdom of God, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Micah 4:3b)
It is time we accept that war is the way of the World, not of God. For whatever reason the Israelites were permitted to engage in it in the past, it seems that the rules have changed. Even then, military action was taken only with the permission of God. Today, Christians must stand against violence as a means to problems both throughout the world and at home. Shooting people will never bring lasting peace, if it brings any peace at all. It is indeed proper to outraged at the injustices which occur around the world, and it is imperative that we seek ways to bring an end to those injustices. Bombs and guns, however, are not the way to do so. Evil must be resisted, but it must be resisted by good. Many may die, but many will assuredly die if we choose the sword. Rather than asking God to bless our violence, perhaps we should stand back and instead seek to act in a way God blesses. He has made it abundantly clear what he wishes from us, and no amount of prayer can make right what God has declared wrong.
"Support the troops" stands as a term which is beyond controversy. Everyone supports the troops, whether in favor to the conflict or opposed. A friend of mine who opposes war for the same reasons as stated above once only declared that Christians should not support the troops because doing so shows support for the military establishment. While I understand the argument, I still disagree. As a Christian, I do support our troops. Not because they are soldiers fighting to protect their family, their friends, and their country, but because they are human. They are humans who have been taught that it is an honor to fight for ones country and loved ones. They are humans who suffer because of sins at home and abroad. Soldiers leave sinners and return sinners, just as much as any of us when we go to work or school. We all fall short of the glory of God. If anything, the members of our military deserve our pity more than our scorn. They have faced the depths of human depravity, and they have done so out of some combination of fear and pride. Fear for their loved ones and way of life, pride for their country and the service they perform. While God may have called us to abandon fear and pride so that we may serve Him, we are likewise called to love those trapped by sin. As much as I disagree with the militarism of our world, it is not my place to condemn those who choose it. It is my place to love. Faith, hope and love: these are the weapons of the Soldiers of God. The world is a war zone, and everyone with a gun is on the same side. Stand with those who wield the sword, or stand with those whose defense is God. The choice is yours.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9) The LORD says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay." (Deuteronomy 32:35) And as such, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil." (Romans 12:17a) I'm sure "'You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.'" (Matthew 5:43-45) In fact, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink." (Proverbs 25:21) No matter what, "'Put your sword back in its place...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.'" (26:52) Instead, call out as Jesus did from the cross "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood," (Ephesians 6:12a) and as all who live in the Kingdom of God, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Micah 4:3b)
It is time we accept that war is the way of the World, not of God. For whatever reason the Israelites were permitted to engage in it in the past, it seems that the rules have changed. Even then, military action was taken only with the permission of God. Today, Christians must stand against violence as a means to problems both throughout the world and at home. Shooting people will never bring lasting peace, if it brings any peace at all. It is indeed proper to outraged at the injustices which occur around the world, and it is imperative that we seek ways to bring an end to those injustices. Bombs and guns, however, are not the way to do so. Evil must be resisted, but it must be resisted by good. Many may die, but many will assuredly die if we choose the sword. Rather than asking God to bless our violence, perhaps we should stand back and instead seek to act in a way God blesses. He has made it abundantly clear what he wishes from us, and no amount of prayer can make right what God has declared wrong.
"Support the troops" stands as a term which is beyond controversy. Everyone supports the troops, whether in favor to the conflict or opposed. A friend of mine who opposes war for the same reasons as stated above once only declared that Christians should not support the troops because doing so shows support for the military establishment. While I understand the argument, I still disagree. As a Christian, I do support our troops. Not because they are soldiers fighting to protect their family, their friends, and their country, but because they are human. They are humans who have been taught that it is an honor to fight for ones country and loved ones. They are humans who suffer because of sins at home and abroad. Soldiers leave sinners and return sinners, just as much as any of us when we go to work or school. We all fall short of the glory of God. If anything, the members of our military deserve our pity more than our scorn. They have faced the depths of human depravity, and they have done so out of some combination of fear and pride. Fear for their loved ones and way of life, pride for their country and the service they perform. While God may have called us to abandon fear and pride so that we may serve Him, we are likewise called to love those trapped by sin. As much as I disagree with the militarism of our world, it is not my place to condemn those who choose it. It is my place to love. Faith, hope and love: these are the weapons of the Soldiers of God. The world is a war zone, and everyone with a gun is on the same side. Stand with those who wield the sword, or stand with those whose defense is God. The choice is yours.
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