It seems that we have a lot of opinions on just war. I would have posted it on the Hot Tub, but I forgot the password. I have to make another hot tub. Here are a couple of interesting sides that I found on Just War:
When I think of a soldier fulfilling his office by punishing the wicked, killing teh wicked, and creating so much misery, it seems an un-christian work completely contrary to Christian Love. But when I think of how it protects the good and keeps and perserves wife and child, house and farm, property, and honor and peace, then I see how precious and godly this work is; and I observe that it amputates a leg or a hand, so that the whole body may not perish. For if the sword were not on guard to preserve peace, everything in the world would be ruined because of lack of peace. Therefore, such a war is only a brief lack of peace that prevents an everlasting and immeasureable lack of peace, a small misfortunce that prevents a great misfortune.
-Martin Luther
and on the other side:
The scriptures teach that there are two opposing princes and two opposing kingdoms: the one is teh Prince of peace; the other the prince of strife. Each of these princes has his paricular kingdom and as the prince is so is also the kingdom. The Prince of peace is Christ Jesus; His kingdom is the kindom of peace, which is His church; His messengers are the messengers of peace; His Word is the word of Peace; His children are the seed of peace; and His inheritance and reward are the inheritance and reward of peace. In short, with this King, and His Kingdom and reign, it is notheing but peace. Everything that is seen, heard, and done is peace.
-Menno Simons
I have to admit, Luther's thoughts begin to make sense to my humanity, but my spirituality is moved by Menno Simons. I feel that we are called as christians to be protectors of peace, but through violence is - like kurt said - like deep fried health food; it doesn't make sense. When Jesus was seized, Peter drew his sword and cut off an ear but Jesus stopped him and healed the soldier's ear. It was almost a reconciliation to keep peace.
what are your thoughts?
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