I want to ask you a question. Did you sing it? Did you hear it? When you read the title of this post, did you answer "Absolutely nothing"?
War is a topic of conversation and debate throughout human history, and it is something that we hear much about in the current media cycle. How do we define the word, though? Is it as simple as one nation fighting against another? Theologian and professor Paul Tillich writes in volume 3 of his Systematic Theology that "War is the name for the compulsory element in the creation of higher imperial unities" (387). War, as expansion and consolidation of power through combat, is linked to conquest, domination, and potentially even annihilation. It is colonial and imperial.
Yet many people will argue that there is a basis for war. They may make the argument that there can be a just or justified war. Some may choose the perceived rightness of their cause or perspective as a legitimate reason to do violence against another. This story has been told in far too many ways throughout human experience around the world, often resulting in oppression and/or genocide. Historically, the church has not always been innocent in this regard. To those instances historically on which we can now look back with objectivity, and to those wars at present which the church (and the individual members thereof) must choose to either support or protest, Tillich continues to offer the following guidance: "But the churches as representatives of the Kingdom of God can and must condemn a war which has only the appearance of a war but is in reality universal suicide" (387). In other words, when the purpose the war is genocide or nuclear (global) annihilation, the church is called to take a stand. Furthermore, Tillich counsels that "They [the churches as representatives of the Spiritual Community] would lose their representative character if they used military or economic weapons as tools for spreading the message of Christ" (388). In other words, the good news of liberation, reconciliation, and life through the gospel cannot be imposed through war, oppression, or destruction. The church diminishes its hope and its witness whenever it turns to such tools.
Others may make the argument that war makes us safer, which necessarily begs a question in response: does it? Furthermore, who defines safety, the cost it is worth, or when it is achieved? Declaring war or launching an attack may provoke a response, leading to a cycle of escalation that will cost many lives and resources. In §4111 of The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2020/2024, we find the following: "Current expenditures on weapons are distorting priorities in national budgeting. Because of fear of unemployment, desire for profits, and contributions to the national balance of payments, the arms industry engenders great political power. Arms-producing nations seek to create markets, then vie with one another to become champions among the arms merchants of the world. We must advocate for the reallocation of national military budgets for purposes that are humanitarian and sustainable, and promote civilian peace building and conflict transformation."
I would encourage you to be intentional about digging deeper for yourself, perhaps starting with the sources listed below. If, on this or any other topic presented in this series, you are only hearing a single message or perspective from television, social media, or any other outlet, I would exhort you to have the courage and humility to read broadly and listen to other perspectives. This may not sway your conviction, but it will in all likelihood grow your empathy or move you toward deeper awareness and reflection. Albert George Butzer writes, in his exposition on Numbers 32.6 in The Interpreter's Bible, that "Above all, whether we are pacifists or sanction the use of armed force when there seems to be no other way, is it not incumbent upon us as followers of the Prince of Peace to work together in season and out of season to banish war forever?"
Supplemental Resources
The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2020/2024
- §4111. The United Methodist Church and Peace
- §4160. Guidelines for the Imposition of Sanctions
- §4163. Crimes Agains Humanity, Genocide, War Crimes
Building Beloved Community: The Courage to Love in the Face of Tyranny by The United Methodist Council of Bishops
Fact Sheets from WorldBeyondWar.org
Faith & Fact cards from The General Board of Church & Society of The United Methodist Church
"Ongoing War and Conflicts" from The General Board of Church & Society of The United Methodist Church
Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times by Adam Hamilton
