Thoughts on War, part 5
“Crown Him” by James Janknegt, 2002, For more information: bcartfarm.com
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called for "overwhelming violence of action" against those who "deserve no mercy" during a monthly Christian service held at the Pentagon on March 25. (1)
As a practice, I do my best to limit my professional involvement with politics, but when the political leaders of our country use God to justify their policies, then I feel I need to say something. I wholly believe and support the Separation of Church and State, as established in the First Amendment and explained in 1802 by Thomas Jefferson (2)
This morning, I watched our Secretary of Defense invoke God’s name, praying for vengeance and retribution against the “enemies” of our country. This view of God bares no resemblance to the God I know…. the loving, merciful God Jesus directs us toward. Hegseth’s theology of God sees an alignment between God’s enemies with his own, and wants God to enact revenge and violence those Hegseth deems worthy of vengeance.
I don’t recognize that brand of “Christianity” nor do I recognize Hegseth’s God. My God is kind and loving, forgives and shows mercy. God’s name should never be invoked as a weapon, but used to comfort and heal. Jesus himself instructs us to love our neighbors, those who persecute us and even our enemies:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)
May we hear the words of Jesus and turn from the ways of vengeance.