Thank you for this series, Richard. I follow politics closely, and I’ve always been morally conflicted about what the right stance is regarding violence and war. I agree with you that the Christian ethic Jesus commands is pacifistic, but in terms of nations, I don’t think any can exist as such. I sort of view serving in the military as a thank-you to the state for providing the good for us that it does, as a way of noble service, even though our nation has engaged in many senseless wars and violence. I think Barack Obama said it best, which is that, as a politician, he wasn’t opposed to all wars, but stupid ones. Meaning, I think, war should be undertaken with the utmost thought and consideration of the consequences and, critically, as a last resort. That is the view I’ve come around to, and I just hope there is some honor in it in God’s eyes.
By the way, do you answer questions from followers of your blog? I would love to get your thoughts on a couple of issues via email, if you are inclined to answer them and have some extra time. Thank you for all your great work.
Thank you for this series, Richard. I follow politics closely, and I’ve always been morally conflicted about what the right stance is regarding violence and war. I agree with you that the Christian ethic Jesus commands is pacifistic, but in terms of nations, I don’t think any can exist as such. I sort of view serving in the military as a thank-you to the state for providing the good for us that it does, as a way of noble service, even though our nation has engaged in many senseless wars and violence. I think Barack Obama said it best, which is that, as a politician, he wasn’t opposed to all wars, but stupid ones. Meaning, I think, war should be undertaken with the utmost thought and consideration of the consequences and, critically, as a last resort. That is the view I’ve come around to, and I just hope there is some honor in it in God’s eyes.
By the way, do you answer questions from followers of your blog? I would love to get your thoughts on a couple of issues via email, if you are inclined to answer them and have some extra time. Thank you for all your great work.