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

[Talcott]

God want's us to love each other,

Murdering in the name of Fear

is completely contrary to that.

[eddiestardust]

Reverend Wallis, you are again, right on the mark.

I live in a fairly Republican town, in a largely Republican County, go to my church every Sunday and I know that most are Republicans too.

I just wish that our Parish would think about this and start to act in their faith.

Ghandi once said that if Christians would act in a Christian fashion, no one would want to be
Hindu....

[Crowhaul]

"I think it is because far too many American Christians are simply Americans first and Christians second.:

With all due respect, should it not be 'far too many American Christians are simply idiots first and Christians second'?

I mean this sincerely, and not simply as a rhetorical point: One's life is experiential, and in my experience the above holds true.

[cumulus]

We tend to forget that evangelical Christians supported the march to war even as the Catholic Church opposed it. Nationalism trumps religion in America. There are a few evangelical groups who cling to the Biblical text, such as the Friends, but most apply only those texts that are convenient to their lifestyles.

The truth is that it is tough to be a deeply committed Christian when you want to be seen as a patriotic American. Until the church awakens to their true calling, we will continue to be Christianists rather than Christians.

[jeskiley]

You're right, the Catholic church opposes it.

[jazzman]

The Christians all went Republicans so the devil knew where to find them. First, he sent Bush to make war with a Christian smile. Bush brought torture, indiscriminate killing, repression of right into the America. The devil also sent them Foley, Vitter, Craig, cross-dressing and thice married Guiliani, serial marriage candidates John McCain and possibly the serial adulterer Newt Gingrich. He sent Jeff Gannon into the White House 33 times. The devil knows he has the American Christians totally under his thumb. The preachers excuse the immorality and tell their people that security not morality is the cause du jour. Just vote Republican. You can now even vote Mormon even though last year that was not a thing a good believing Christian would ever do. Now the devil laughs himself silly, sits back and swigs down a glass of gin. He watches and grins as the sheepish born agains move towards the voting booth to vote for the degenerate, Republicans. He parades Fred Thompson in front of them. Mr. Lobbyist Thompson who has been on the take since he was a young man. He even grins and say, "I'm not a churchgoer type." The devil chuckles as the born again preachers say again, "Never mind the morality, it's security that counts." Ah the devil loves it. He played this tune in Germany in 1929 and the good Christians bought it then too.

[mgloraine]

The historical antagonism of one religion against another makes religion as unlikely a basis for common understanding as politics or economics.

When you proclaim your Christianity to your Muslim brothers & sisters, you are saying "I am here to convert you to the TRUE religion!", either implying or stating outright that any other religion is UN-TRUE. Christians are bigots, always on a Crusade or an Inquisition, ready to slaughter anyone who will not follow orders and "see the light".

The arrogant assumption that Christians make about their religion being "right" and everyone else's being "wrong" immediately rules out any actual exchange of philosophical insight between people of different cultures; the Christian will be preaching and the non-Christian will be wishing he/she would shut up and go away.

Even within major religions, we see violent disagreements, schisms, and "holy" wars, Catholics against Protestants, Shia against Sunni, etc. People are willing to kill and die for the most idiotic, hair-splitting conflicts of dogma.

People would be able to make a lot better decisions without the burden of "magical thinking" which is a major part of the baggage accompanying religionists' attempts to deal with real-world situations. No amount of praying, burning incense, ringing bells, chanting, sacrificing chickens, etc. is going to counteract an explosive device planted and detonated with extreme malice. Nor will the magical activities un-do the damage of war, rebuild a country, or bring ANYONE back from the dead.

Religion is not a healer in this world, but a divider, a creator of schisms, a justification for wars. Do the world a favor and keep your religions out of our international diplomacy as well as our national politics, our education system, our judicial system, our science books, and so on.

The middle ages ended a long time ago; religionists of any stripe are trying to return to that age of total ignorance and "divine-right" despotism. BushCo is a perfect example. More religion won't fix it, only dispensing with the mumbo-jumbo has any hope of enabling productive discussions amongst equals.

[dadw5boys]

I agree! The only people to ever harm me or my family have been big time chruch going Christians.
They mention God, I run away from them!

[progressivegreg]

Totally agree with you dad! By the way, on any given Sunday, which NFL team, or Nascar driver would Jesus support...­they all pray to win and ask for his help?

[Kansas Evans]

As a student of history, I think it's important to point out people have used religion to accomplish goals that have nothing to do with their particular religion. The fault is not the "magic" as you put it, but those who use it to other ends.

I'm a Christian. I think there're some religions that come close to the truth, but don't quite get there. (Then again, I was initially as impressed with God's willingness to be a baby as I was with His resurrection. It takes a lot of love to go from being God to being a baby.) But if you think your religion or nonreligion is good for you, I don't see how what I think bothers you. Just like what you think about my religion doesn't bother me. (Except that I think your conflating religion with the historical lust for power and money, which Jesus didn't advocate.) I'm definitely not going to fight you over it. I'm not going to harass you. I'm my high school "cliq," there was a Muslim. We used to get along until she told a guy who liked me that I would string him along just for the fun of it. Our problems had nothing to do with religion.

Has religion been used to justify wars? Yes, and those people, BushCo not just a member, but president, were wrong. But it's the people who had unrighteous goals, not the "magic."

Lastly, I do agree that we would should keep religions out of international diplomacy, education system, etc, etc. I'm not sure how it'd be possible to keep religion out of politics, since so many Americans claim to be religious (Though, there's nothing religious or Christ-like about anti-abortionists as I see them.). As a follower of Christ, I definitely wish people would stop debasing Him to American politics. "Vote for me! I can recite the first line of the Lord's prayer!"

[Kansas Evans]

Great post. Thanks.

[DumbDad]

Superb post, from an acknowledged leader of the faith, making the main point Christians in America have fought off since long, long ago: Christians first, Americans second? Or not? There is some very real question whether anyone can deal with that and stay in any American church. There is some question whether any American Christian can form the very thought of a difference between serving God and serving their country, right or wrong.
Jim's right, he may need to be clear about who the competitor to Christ actually is. It's not 'America', it's Caesar: the power player who claims his cause is divine.

[altohone]

You write "Petraeus' claims of modest security gains in certain sectors of Iraq do not justify extending the U.S occupation".

The word "claims" is accurate, but too accepting when those claims are based on statistics using manipulated methodology.

I don't reject your assertions in this post, but I believe being humans first, world citizens, would help even more than a Christians first, Americans second ideology.

That view would help prevent future manipulations based on Christianity, while presenting a valid and useful tool against those who act in the name of Islam first, Judaism first, Hinduism first, etc.

The continuing belief that any one group is right necessarily means that four fifths of the world is wrong... until the major religions reach a consensus, rallying around a non-exclusionary principle, belief or ideology would be in everyone's interest.

[abbiehoffmansghost]

You go Mr. Wallis. I'll see you next month in New Hampshire. I can't wait.

[eddiestardust]

And I remember Abbie Hoffman too..not too many years ago he lived here in Bucks County PA for a while:)

[jeskiley]

I also want to add, as a beginning Christian, I almost feel like it's my moral duty as an American citizen to study and gain as much knowledge as I can about the Christian history and Bible (and quickly!). Because it has to stand up against, or beside, the religions that are being fought for in Iraq. We are bonded here in America through religion, one mind and heart, if by nothing else.

[Kansas Evans]

As an older Christian, may I caution you that the war on terrorism has very little to do with religion from either side. Yes, people are using religion to justify their actions, and are even claiming that they're acting in God's name. But, what's at issue is land, money, and arrogant US foreign policy.

As you study Christian history, you'll discover a lot that has nothing to do with Christ and more to do with power and money. You'll have to learn how to differentiate between issues of faith and issues of power. Like, the pilgrims coming to America had lots to do with faith. Once they got here though, not so much.

And I don't know what you mean by being bonded in America through religion. Could you explain that? Our founders weren't Christians; there was nothing Christian about our founding.

[jeskiley]

"And I don't know what you mean by being bonded in America through religion. Could you explain that? Our founders weren't Christians; there was nothing Christian about our founding."

I was referring to the numerous books that have been printed lately regarding our "Christian founders", who also knew the importance of separating church and state. I was suggesting that young patriots may be inspired by the idea of our founders being Christian.

And by "bonded through religion", I was referring to the power of "one heart, one mind", which I understand to be the organizing principle of religion.

[dadw5boys]

Read "BROKEN GOVERNMENT" if you really want to understand what is going on.

[jeskiley]

I can just guess that the alliegience to the nation first is partly due to the recent promotion of our country's founders as Christians. The evidence of our bounty here in America is evidence of God's favor, and blessing for our obedience to His word.

Please don't count me in on that perspective, just getting involved in the discussion.

[wm1066]

Frankly since Bush I've stopped being a christian, the curtian has been pulled back showing the fraud. I still have faith in God, just not a christian god. And I don't pray anymore, in prayer you're either praising god or asking for something. I now meditate and God joins me and we sit together.

[Kansas Evans]

Sometimes I complain to God about Bush.

Why would you stop being a Christian because of Bush? I ask sincerely. The fraud is Bush's not Christ's.

[Spookcatcher]

Georgr Bush is No Christian. Apostle James had it right, you will know them by their works.

[spaceknife]

I was raised christian and hence got to see all the hypocrisy that is the other side of the coin of this religion and most others.

At the moment,I am as close to atheist as can be and my reasonning, simply stated is:
If there is such a thing as a God, I cannot see why he would punish me for not beleiving he exists.
If it was that important to this supposed all powerfull entity, that would be very easy for him to manifest and make everyone beleive.

I know very well though why some would like me to beleive, I see it every sunday morning on U.S. t.v. "Make a vow, send us a contribution"
That would be much more comforting to beleive in these religions who offer an easy explanation for things we dont understand and a paradise after life but I prefer science to explain the world around me.
It brings me more questions than answers but it makes much more sense to me.

Now, these days, when I see how easy it is for unscrupulous folks like Georges Bush and the crooks that surround him to manipulate the flocks of coreligionaires, I am becoming more and more anti religion of any kind and I hope we will come soon to get rid of all these senseless ideologies who seem to be able to justify anything even the worst massacres.