The Global Church and America's War

From my blogs this week, readers can rightly conclude that I believe Gen. Petraeus' claims of modest security gains in certain sectors of Iraq do not justify extending the U.S occupation, especially when four years of occupation of Iraq have not produced the political reconciliation that would be necessary for real security and stability. The fragile security improvements are not sustainable without a political solution, which is simply not forthcoming. And without a clear path to political progress, the realization that what Petraeus proposes, and President Bush will likely endorse tonight, is simply more of the same failed strategy, and a scenario of American occupation in the midst of bloody sectarian warfare with absolutely no end in sight.

And contrary to some comments at God's Politics, I have suggested several times an alternative strategy that would have to involve serious international intervention and regional engagement to secure Iraqi security and stability -- the kind of bold, strong, and creative multilateral strategy that is completely obstructed by the ongoing unilateral American occupation. Permanent U.S. military bases and unique American claims to future oil revenues and contracts for Iraqi reconstruction are among the U.S. prerogatives that would have to be sacrificed for such international solutions to be possible -- along with a massive American financial commitment to rebuild the shattered country that our war has broken. But exercising American responsibility without U.S. control is not likely to occur on the Bush watch. So we can only look and hope for a future change of direction.

But let's turn from politics to theology and ecclesiology. The vitriol against Christian Iraq war dissenters from the handful of neocon war promoters who regularly clog the comments to this site forget both. Both the teachings of Jesus (remember, "blessed are the peacemakers" and "love your enemies") and the rigorous criteria of the "just war" from Augustine and others in the Christian tradition clearly leave believers with at least a presumption against war. And the ignominious origins and now-disputed rationales for this war in particular, along with its enormous human cost, clearly put the burden of proof on the war's supporters much more than its critics -- that is, if we are to be Christians about all this, and not just American nationalists or neoconservative apologists for American hegemony in the world.

That brings me to a second point -- about the body of Christ and our loyalty to the global Christian community. Outside the borders of the United States of America, a vast, vast majority of the world's people are steadfastly against the American war in Iraq and the foreign policies of the U.S. in general. Take out all the non-Christians from that global population sample and among the people of God the opposition remains the same. Even reduce that number to only evangelical Christians worldwide and you are still left with an overwhelming majority of born-again, Bible-believing Christians who are against American policy in Iraq and, indeed, the entire Middle East region.

Because of my work and transatlantic family ties, I travel extensively around the world, frequently talk to others who do, regularly read the international press, frequently host international Christian leaders, and often attend international Christian gatherings. Last week, I wrote about my recent journey to Singapore to join 500 leaders of World Vision from 100 countries. And I will tell you that, once again, the great majority of those evangelical believers, especially from the global South, but also including Europeans, Australians, and even many Americans who work globally, are now completely opposed to the Iraq war, to U.S. policy in the region, and to the way the United States conducts its "war on terrorism." In other words, my experience convinces me that the body of Christ, internationally, is against the U.S. war in Iraq and the whole direction of current U.S. foreign policy. Many Christians I've spoken to go further and say that America's aggressive role in the world today has hurt the cause of Christ globally, especially when an American president dangerously conflates America's role with God's purposes. And if you don't know that perspective, you simply haven't had much experience with Christians outside of the United States.

So if the international body of Christ generally doesn't support America's war in Iraq, or U.S. foreign policy generally, what do some American Christians know that the rest of the global Christian community doesn't? Is the rest of the church just wrong? Do we have access to information that they don't have? (Actually, they have much more access to information and different perspectives than most Americans have, which is a big part of the problem.) What don't they understand that we do? Or, from the perspective of the Christian warriors who try to dominate the commentary section of this blog, what do they know that world Christianity has yet to learn?

Personally, to be frank, I think it is because far too many American Christians are simply Americans first and Christians second. The statement that got the most enthusiastic response in Singapore was not about politics but ecclesiology: "We are to be Christians first, and members of nations or tribes second." That simple affirmation, if ever applied, would utterly transform the relationship of American Christians to the policies of their own government.

For all the vitriolic debate about politics this week in relationship to the war in Iraq, I think the real issue is our theology and ecclesiology. Many American Christians are simply more loyal to a version of American nationalism than they are to the body of Christ. I want to suggest that the two are now in conflict, and we must decide to whom to we ultimately belong. That's the real issue.

Jim Wallis is the Editor-in-Chief of Sojourners and blogs at www.godspolitics.com.

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Comments

[Joeseo]

As Christians continue avoiding our President's lies, American values separating Church and State will lead to religious wars. American Denominations must address this immorality directly and with moral force.

Our President has seduced Christ's teachings. The Church must proclaim this immorality. Failure will lead to wars and no doubt, God's wrath, not his blessing on us.

[JimReed]

"Our President has seduced Christ's teachings. The Church must proclaim this immorality­."

I think this is true. American Christianity should repent of the global horrors they have caused through their lockstep politics, and ask the rest of the world for forgiveness.

[weedhighbuckeye]

Amen

[JimReed]

I think many of these posts express a nostalgia for 20th century American separation of church and state. Are these ideas really practical now that we have combination of church and state? Can evangelical and athiest live in the same country? Is there any way back, or have we permanently altered the American experience?

[TonyOrlando]

.
Religious suffering is at one and the same time the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.
The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness. To call on them to give up their illusions about their condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions. The criticism of religion is therefore in embryo the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo. (Karl Marx)

In the matter of religion, people eagerly fasten their eyes on the difference between their own creed and yours; whilst the charm of the study is in finding the agreements and identities in all the religions of humanity. (RALPH WALDO EMERSON)

At least two thirds of our miseries spring from human stupidity, human malice and those great motivators and justifiers of malice and stupidity, idealism, dogmatism and proselytizing zeal on behalf of religious or political idols. (ALDOUS HUXLEY).

[Hecan]

When I first became a Christian in 72
I was 14.

I got wrapped up in all the End Times crap
reading and studying when Christ is going to return in my generation
staring with Isreal becomming a nation
looking for the antichrist around very corner
waiting for the Rapture et.

Eventualy it became part of my clinical depression that led to suicide attempts
and hospitalization.


all I got out of the above was
guilt and shame guilt and shame.

So I made a change in my life.
I started reading the Bible for myself.
Examining both the pros and cons.
reading history and archeology
biology atronomy etc.

I'm still a Christian.
But I no longer have anything to do with
those things I mentioned above.

Now for me
following Christ means.

I LOVE my self.
I LOVE your neighbor
I even LOVE my enimies...­if I 'choose' to have any
and lastly
Do good works.

I spend time helping those who are mentaly challegened with psyhciatric disorders.
Cause I now know what it means first hand to have one.

I don't preach
I don't try to 'exorcise them
I don't tell them they're going to Hell.

I listen to them
I Help them with their needs.

If they're homeless
find them a home.
If they haven't eatten for days
get them food.
If they need medical help
get them to a hospital
or see a doctor.

That is my Christianity
that s my following Jesus.


I have tried in vain for years
telling other Christians to stay away from those who are obsessed with End Times prophecy
and preach getting rich and being to money oriented.

Alas
to many Christians are going to find out for themselves
(believing and trusting in End Times prophecy and getting rich)

That they have made a bargin with the devil

(metaphorically or real. That's up to the individual)

but not with Christ.

[weedhighbuckeye]

Thank you. You are a good Christian. I'm sure there are millions of others like you. Unfortunately the Revelationists are building a huge following.

[click212]

First, Christians of what ever sect they belong to are a little too late with this "story," that American Neo-evangelical Christians are doing the Christian world harm by advocating war by as you say we are American first then Christians.

In Christian History that hasn't been the case, the crusades and the holocaust are perfect examples of that. During WWII, the Vatican did not stand up against Nazi genocide. The only Christian sect that stood up against the war, that I know of were the Jehovah Witnesses and some when given the choice in Germany to leave the concentration camps or remain to be killed if they would forsake their beliefs, stood to the end with the Jews. The Christian church in whatever country or guise uses patriotism as a smoke screen to push forward their hate of anything that might threaten their control over the agenda to convince the world that there is a white bearded man up in the sky watching you and pointing at your genitals. Christians are so upset about sex and love that their church creates an hysterical fear of anything that might profess free, thinking and therefore "undermine" their belief that it's their way or the high way.

Bush is merely the personification of that mentality. If you leave the church un attended we will start teaching that the world is flat and that evolution never happened. In seven days, everything was created. All the recorded archaeological evidence be damned!! Now telll me that isn't stupidity.

Amongst yourselves and I'm speaking to Christians and in fact religious folks who think they have their finger on God, you need to really start thinking outside your fearful minds.

Religion must be excluded from public institutions be they schools, government or civic works. Any one's belief or lack there of, is non of my business and visa versa.

[dutch1949]

I agree wholeheartedly that as the constitution states in the Bill of Rights

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances­."

But, no, I am not God's avenging angel - no such thing exists. I was merely stating an obvious conclusion at the close of the Gulf War.

[JimReed]

"But, no, I am not God's avenging angel - no such thing exists. I was merely stating an obvious conclusion at the close of the Gulf War."

Were we wrong to go back and take him out? Was it our right to do that? Do you support President Bush in starting this war against Saddam?

[dutch1949]

As a Christian, I applaud the overthrow of the Butcher of Baghdad. For me it was always about the numerous atrocities comitted by the butcher and his two sons. I cannot bear to see people suffer. I cried when I saw the pictures of the men, women and children lying dead in the streets of Halabja after being gassed by Saddam. Saddam's crimes are well documented and amount to the death of hundreds of thousands of people. When a cease fire was announced after the Gulf War, I calmly told my wife, "we'll be back." By the way well over a hundred thousand Shiites were murdered because they sided with the coalition.
There is so much suffering and dying in Africa, and yet strangely, nobody is demanding something be done. It will require much aid, both military and economic.
We are bombarded with constant news so it's hard not to have a poltical opinion. Far more important is my personal relationship with God. Diligent daily Bible study and sincere prayer are required by our heavenly Father.
Global peace will not come untill the world knows who and where God is. By the way, as George fox said some 400 years ago, "Christ's second coming will be in man."(para­phrased)

Be Christ centered and don't preach - people will be drawn to you.

[JimReed]

"I calmly told my wife, "we'll be back." "

Why us? Do you see yourself as God's avenging angel? You can hate the crimes of Saddam without feeling God was calling you to take him out.

[weedhighbuckeye]

I suppose the damage caused by years of sanctions against Iraq that resulted not in Saddam's demise, but the demise of thousands of innocents, would be looked upon by Jesus Christ as acceptable? How do you think Jesus would feel about "collateral" damage? Was Saddam a bad man? Yes, but our government has allied itself with dictators and murderers before. What made him any different? If you truly followed the teachings of Jesus Christ you would want nothing to do with government. Government is and always has been a tool of Satan. That's why he was able to offer Jesus rule over all the kingdoms of the world. Would Jesus Christ see torture as acceptable? What would he say about our next war in Iran?

[weedhighbuckeye]

There's a type of Christian that Rev. Wallis did not discuss. Those who watch world events and try to match them up with the book of Revelation. These people scare me. They look for the anti-Christ and believe that he will be a world leader who leads the world to peace. So what happens now if such a person should come along? Will we celebrate peace, or will a large number of Christians attack this person as evil? I'm getting sick and tired of Christians complaining that they're persecuted. It's not persecution, IT'S CALLED BACKLASH and it comes from trying to push your beliefs on everybody else. Your agenda is to be aligned with Israel because you think you're going to disappear during the rapture, but I have a feeling you wont be going anywhere.

What kind of bizzaro world do we live in when we have people at the highest levels of our government who believe they are playing out a prophesy?

[JimReed]

"What kind of bizzaro world do we live in when we have people at the highest levels of our government who believe they are playing out a prophesy?"

Look on the bright side. Eventually the world will tire of our rapture based wars in the middle east and understand this President and the American based rapture movement was a mistake. A lot of damage will be caused, a lot already has, but at some point it will come to an end. The lesson of history is eventually the end times thinking will move back to the future, and the world will become safe for a few more generations.

[apduncan1]

This a Holocaust. Plain and simple. Don't even call it a war.

We are no different from the willing Germans of WWII that allowed for the Nazi genocide of jews and other "undesirables".

Shame on us.

[maddogbitesback]

Truer words were never spoken. How the mighty are fallen.

[JimReed]

"Personally, to be frank, I think it is because far too many American Christians are simply Americans first and Christians second."

Perhaps that makes them neither. They are conservatives first, and the leadership of the group drives their christianity. They believe what they have been told, both about politics and about God.

[Andydp]

Excellent comments everyone. Well thought out on all sides.
To the "Christians" out there who think "W" is the embodiment of a totally "Christian USA" I need to figure this out:
How come this "Christian" President doesn't attend church ?

[WorkingClass]

The life and teaching of the Nazarene are the proper focus of a real Christian. The modern American Republican Church (the MARC) has nothing to do with Jesus. The little white pretend Christians (the LWPC) are basically Jew wannabees. They focus on snippets of the old testament and ignore the gospels. They gather together and whip up their emotions, believing that their own endorphins are the holy spirit. They carry self righteousness to extremes believing themselves competent to rule over the entire world. They are misled. Stuck in a religious cul-de-sac.

Real Christians are bent on conquering themselves and loving everyone else. There is infinite value to be realized in following Jesus. It is a mistake to judge Christianity by the actions of those who are misled. At the same time that we act politically to contain and neutralize the Republican Church we need to realize that the spirit of Christ resides in its members just as it does in all people. We can recognize the Christ in the LWPC and still not allow them to rule over us.

[waiguoren]

"The cause of Christ" ??

That phrase is nearly infinitely meaningless.

[Meteor]

For a lot of people their Christianity has less meaning and real influence in their lives than a flag pin worn in one's lapel or someone's irrelevant business card which somehow has found its way into one's wallet.

Many expect God to be an enabeler of their egotistic fixations and self-centered desires.

Yet for many who learn to shut down the "noise" in their minds and listen to the Divine presence within, a marvelous awareness opens up.

All people in the world are connected. We share awareness. This moment, as individuals, we can choose peace and reject war. Wars are mankind’s greatest failure; they are domestic violence in this our world home. There is no “winning” in domestic violence. It just has to stop. The same is true for war; it just has to stop. Then people can attend to the works and thoughts of peace. War mongering can evaporate; it really can disappear very quickly when people discover it has no valid basis in their lives.

We can communicate to the whole world in an instant, not only electronically, but even more pervasively when it is done spiritually. God's presence is everywhere and within all, but most are unaware of it because of their distractions and fixations. Individually and together we can communicate peace. What you think and say and intend to share is broadcast instantly on that inner spiritual network of awareness which is even faster and more extensive and pervasive than the internet, which truly is a marvelous tool for communication, but God's presence is far better, more efficient and faster!

[mamacat]

As the Nazi's said on their belt buckles, " God is with us" (in German, of course.)

They did not put on their belt buckles, "We are With God." If they had been with God, they wouldn't have let Hitler lead them. If we were with God, we would never have elected a draft dodging, cocaine snorting, alcohol abusing George W. Bush to be president.

[realpolitic]

I don't agree with Mr. Wallis that 'far too many American Christians are Americans first and Christians second.' I think many evangelicals conflate American nationalism with Christianity. They think God is always on our side, instead of us being on God's side, as Kennedy said. Jesus has been turned into a capitalist, anti-immigration, war mongerer who doesn't care much for homosexuals or the poor.

[Kansas Evans]

I think you're right.