|
War/Draft Open Heart: With recent events in our world,
young people are again asking, “How should a young Christian respond
if his/her nation goes to war, and/or re-instates the draft? Fears of parents and youth bring this issue
into focus. United Methodists believe that war
is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. War is a terrible failure of governments to
stay in God’s intended covenants of peace.
With the amazing power of today’s weapons, war and terrorism pose
threats to all life as we know it. Open Mind: Christian responses range between
Romans 13, which encourages us to be good citizens, and Revelation 13, which
warns us that the policies and actions of governments are not always the will
of God. Opposition to a government’s
policies can represent a faithful response and may often be criticized as begin
un-patriotic by those who do not understand that our obedience to God is a
higher moral ground than our obedience to any state. Christians believe that each
government, as with each person, is responsible before God to its actions. The purposes of God, which are above the
purposes of any one nation, are to be used in evaluating the policies and
actions of each nation. Instead of
arrogantly assuming that God is always on our side, Christians ponder
prayerfully, “Are we on God’s side?”
There is a world of difference. Christians must make wise and careful
decisions on how to participate, based on individual conscience and
faithfulness to God. Some Christians believe that
participation in military service and war is justified. A war is though to be acceptable or just when
it prevents greater evil/destruction/death by limited and specific violence
directed only at combatants. A Christian
conscientious objector refuses to take human life because of the teachings of
Christ. Military service as a medical
assistant or community service has been a traditional alternative to military
service. Paragraph 165, page 47 in the Social
Principles 2001-2004 offers helpful information. The Book of Resolutions of the
United Methodist Church, 2001, offers many resolutions worthy of study. Open Door:
|
