I find myself struggling to process what is happening in our world today, and, more specifically, in our culture. I hear a cacophony of voices justifying and condemning the actions against Iran, and find myself trapped in ambivalence. In other words, I am numbed by the input from so many directions.
In my reflections upon this present darkness, I find myself catapulted back nearly twenty-four years to seminary, specifically to discussions about Augustine of Hippo and his reflections upon war. Augustine postulated that although war was sinful, there are some moral conditions that justify its necessity. Basically, those conditions are as follows: A lawful and legitimate authority can conduct war to restore peace, protect the innocent, punish wrongdoers, and defend itself. However, there is a caveat; war is the last resort and must be governed by true and just motives.
Unfortunately, depending on political leanings and personal preferences, many are making their own “iron-clad” justifications for or against the current actions against Iran.
Some believe these incursions are authorized by a legitimate and lawful authority, while others think the motives stem from an unjust authority.
Some of you believe these actions are intended to restore peace, while others believe the motivation is gaining power and control.
Some of you believe these actions are being taken to protect the innocent, and others believe it’s a sham.
Some of you believe that the motive is to correct a wrong, and others that these actions are inherently wrong.
Finally, there are those who believe this is all about self-defense, and others who argue it is an offensive action intended to divert attention from other issues.
Oh darn, I forgot two other requirements. Augustine postulated that, to keep war moral, the necessary response must be proportional and used only after all diplomatic efforts have failed. In other words, it should be conducted with the aim of minimizing the damage, especially for our neighbors on the other side subject to the governance of the so-called “enemy.”
Unfortunately, this is the results of a variety of political entities (including many media outlets and social media) who have for decades sought to capture souls with spin, partial truths, fabrications, and even outright lies so that their favored teams may stay in power. It’s soul numbing!
Yet, even though I may currently be trapped in an ambivalent state when processing our current hopelessly human tragedies, one thing I do know for certain, that is the Authority I serve.
Jesus: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
Pontius Pilate: “So you are a king?”
Jesus: “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
Pontius Pilate: “What is truth?”
John 18:36-38
Please join me in prayer for all those in harms way in this present darkness. May we all find peace in the Author of Life, the Universe, and Everything!
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