By Mark Tooley @markdtooley https://mobile.twitter.com/markdtooley
There’s a post at Tony Campolo’s “RedLetter Christians” blog from Matt Young, a “U.S. Soldier turned pacifist” and “Anabaptist, non-violent, lover of God and people.” He offers apologies for being American: http://www.redletterchristians.org/for-the-american-part-of-me-i-am-sorry-my-confession/.
Young starts with the beginning, by renouncing the American Revolution. “Instead of following in the way of Jesus (paying taxes, honoring the king, obeying the ruling authorities), our nation’s founding fathers decided to forcefully and violently free themselves from ties with England,” Young regrets. “For this, I am sorry.”
There’s also an apology to the Indians: “Our young nation (very often touting OT violent nation of Israel conquering passages) stole from, deported, and murdered MILLIONS of our lands from original inhabitants.”
And Young naturally apologizes for the War on Terror: “Instead of responding in the way Jesus calls us to, (by loving our enemies, doing good to those that harm us..etc) America launched what has now become the second longest war in our history.”
Young concludes: “For the American part of me…… I AM SORRY.”
It’s a heavy burden that Young and other neo-Anabaptists, along with much of the Religious Left, carry, the shame of being American. Their chief guru, Stanley Hauerwas, once said that July 4, 1776 was the worst day in history. So the world would be a better place without the United States.
Regarding the critique of the American Revolution, how refreshing that Young seems to advocate a traditional Anabaptist view of acquiescence to established order, including King George III, who presided unapologetically over a global empire sustained by force. Of course, neither Young nor other neo-Anabaptists are acquiescent to U.S. power, against which they are in a perpetual pose of shrill whining while offering no political alternative.
Regarding the Indians, a more honest critique would condemn early America and the original tribes that were themselves empires of sorts perpetually at war against each other and who performed their own atrocities against even pacifist settlers like the Mennonites and Quakers.
Regarding the War on Terror, Young says followers of “Jesus should have been living out his call to NOT RESIST evil, to turn the other cheek, to love and serve rather than seek vengeance and domination.” He should elaborate on his assertion that The Lord desires no forceful defense of the innocent from murder, rape and robbery. Should Christians shun police protection? Should believers shun all government services? If not, what levels of force and coercion are acceptable?
Traditional Anabaptists affirmed God’s purpose for the state as avenger of evil but declined to directly participate in the state to the extent possible. The modern elitist wannabes more typically demand all sorts of state services while incoherently complaining about the state not foregoing the central premise of its existence: force.
In his new book on war and terror, SHAKING HANDS WITH THE DEVIL, United Methodist theologian Billy Abraham calls this untenable stance political “lalaland.” Indeed.
Comment by Donnie on March 22, 2013 at 6:46 am
What would “turning the other cheek” be in regards to the war on terror? Offer them L.A. and Chicago?
Comment by Sky McCracken on March 22, 2013 at 9:45 am
I am especially cautious when having these kinds of conversations with veterans. I have spoken to more than several marines, navy pilots, and soldiers that were church members, and many of them were suffering from something that goes beyond PTSD – one even called it a “moral wound.” My family has never been pacifists; several have served in the military in peace and in wartime. One uncle was MIA in World War II. I received a denominational endorsement to be a Navy chaplain, though never served. So I certainly have mixed feelings and a struggle about things done in war in the name of our country,
About 18 years ago, a very well-respected church member who had been at Normandy in WWII made a request at a board meeting; he asked that the US flag be removed from the sanctuary. It was a very odd request from someone who was unashamedly American and very supportive of our troops. He said, “For an hour a week, I need not be reminded of some of the very horrible things I did for my country. The cross is enough.” So we moved them to the narthex, without objection or discussion.
Since then, I have been very cautious to honor veterans’ wishes and struggles in these areas; they have earned the right to say these things and be respected.
Again, I am not a pacifist. But it may be a Christian’s highest and best to be one. That will be my struggle for a very long time.
Sky McCracken
District Superintendent, Paducah District
Memphis Conference
Comment by Benjamin Woodruff on March 24, 2013 at 11:48 pm
I am an Iraq war veteran, with 70% disability and a purple heart. I never shot anyone, or otherwise killed anyone, so I am grateful to God. I’d rather die without blood on my hands than kill someone over the many bad reasons for that war. I am not a pacifist either (obviously, since I don’t regret having served), but I think there are too many people who misunderstand what the Bible says about violence, killing, and how to overcome evil.
Remember what John said to the soldiers prior to Jesus’ beginning of His preaching: “And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14 KJV). Evil men are going to get into leadership over nations eventually, and just men will serve in honorable roles regardless of this fact (such as in the military or police forces). But, we don’t have license to kill or maim or otherwise injure people, no matter how badly we want to or justify ourselves. God forgives sinners, but Christians ought not to believe they have license to commit sins, or else they make the law of God vain by their actions/teachings.
Romans 12:17–21 KJV
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
This doesn’t say, ‘Don’t protect your land or family or people,’ but it says that we ought not to try to use evil deeds to achieve some kind of good or peace in general. This is a complicated task, but it is up to Christian leaders to do their best to keep us on the moral high ground. Our leaders, especially in view of the recent use of drones and the historical use of other assassination tactics (I was a cavalry scout and got to see lots of “raids” for “high value targets” during my two tours in Iraq), have seemingly preferred to avoid the moral high ground in matters of war especially, and even in law enforcement and the “drug war.” It seems to me that if we really wanted to “heap coals of fire on [our enemies’ heads],” then we would be trying to provide help to those who do us harm, rather than trying to kill them.
This demonstrates to me how the US is not really a Christian nation, contrary to what people may think. I’m not talking about whether or not there is an official state religion, but whether or not the nation is run based on Christian principles. It would be impossible for a nation as powerful and dominant on the world stage to remain that way if it were really run in a Christian way. I define a Christian nation as one that altogether meets the requirements of the law of Christ: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 KJV). Again, that might be a complicated task, but it doesn’t seem apparent to me that our leaders have even been trying to do this at any point in history. Remember that the Lord warned us of people who give lip service to Him and yet act in ways that are not in accord with what He commanded us. So all the politicians and public leaders that do as they will instead of as Christ commanded are like the goats of Matthew 25:33. Most people of power (not all, mind you) tend to be like the goats, regardless of whether or not they are very knowledgeable of the Bible and/or regularly proclaim Christ’s name.
I don’t think you have to be an Anabaptist or Quaker to follow the letter and spirit of the Bible, but we certainly ought not to side with the secularists who run this country just so we don’t look unpatriotic. Remember, the type of patriotic we ought to be is to be zealous for the Kingdom of God, which is in Heaven, not in any earthly kingdom or institution (e.g. church). If you think it is possible to be a patriot for your nation as much as the Kingdom of God, then remember the scripture:
Matthew 6:21–24
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
What is your mammon? It could be personal belongings, material wealth, or pride in your nation. Whatever it is, you shouldn’t serve it or idolize it by elevating it above God and His commands. If you believe your nation must be defended both physically and in reputation, that’s okay; but first one should make sure that it is run according to the same commandments with which you govern your life. If it isn’t, then peacefully differ with it. Did Martin Luther King Jr. defend America in its unjust practices, or did he criticize it, and peacefully stand up against those evil practices? One may work within the system of government so long as they seek justice (according to the Word of God), but one may also work without the system by peacefully criticizing it, even up to the point of personal loss/punishment (like the Prophets of God against the tribes of Israel when they rebelled against God—remember that Jeremiah was put in the stocks by the chief priest and imprisoned by the king).
Isn’t this whole issue at the heart of the problem that God has had with mankind for a long time? “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV). If one is a true Christian, that is, a spiritual Christian, then there is no conflict for them in being also an American. This is because only their flesh is American, and true, spiritual Christians are dead to the flesh and alive to the spirit in Christ. This idea has very deep implications about what ideas and forces one would support, however.
I’m no pacifist, or a New Age NWO type, who thinks all patriotism and national defense is harmful, but I strongly recommend people examine carefully what it is they are trying to defend and stand up for before they make fun of the veterans who actually fought for it, later deciding that it was too evil for them to continue to support. If a man’s conscience tells him that what he did was wrong, then who are you to criticize his withdrawal of support and subsequent criticism of other similar events? Is he condemning you or anyone else for continuing to support the US? I’m genuinely curious if that is the case. It seems to me that it is somewhat like criticizing a Jewish convert to Christianity because he continues to avoid pork.
1 Corinthians 8:8–13 KJV
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
If your patriotism or lack of criticism for our nation is not offending your own conscience, it may offend another, so it’s better not to cause another to think he sins or is in “lalaland” because of a difference in views. Do I cause you to sin or call you a sinful person because I went to war and hold the view that it accomplished more evil than good? Nope, and I’m not sure Mr. Young is/was either. While you may feel free to differ with him on his opinion, isn’t it better to let him apologize for what he sees as wrongs committed on his behalf and then forget about it?
Just to finish off this comment with a little support for my own view, here are two of my favorite scriptures that I like to share when people criticize my lack of voting or other support of this nation’s political system:
Luke 17:20–21 KJV
20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
John 18:33–37 KJV
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
So, how can we say that we should not fight in war or in order to coerce others to give us their property or belongings? Well, of course, we aren’t supposed to steal (that’s an easy one!). Then, we get to the point that Jesus tells Pilate that if His Kingdom were of this world, “…then would my servants fight,” and so you see that we really aren’t supposed to try to overcome evil with evil, but to suffer evil and overcome it with good, even as Jesus Himself did on the cross for us.
I hope this helps everyone who reads it, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Comment by AO Green on March 26, 2013 at 4:05 pm
Everyone is mistaken on this issue; Christians are not American, Mexican, Saudi, Palestinian, Israeli etcetera. Christians are naturalized citizens of the Kingdom of God. The apostle Paul declared, “our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). A believer may live in a country but ultimately has no loyalty when said loyalty requires one to compromise God’s Word and principles. We do the things that are required of us by our host country that parallel the life of the Lord’s and the early disciples but that is all. We do not compromise when it comes to our constitution the Sermon on the Mount. Nor do we hail any other as king or lord for when we proclaim the true gospel we have pledged our allegiance to the Messiah.