psync
12th February 2005, 01:19 AM
REJECTION OF WAR IS A CHRISTIAN VIRTUE
BY REMIT NADER
It is imperative that Christians always reject war. We must be very alert to the temptations of having a false sense of justification for violence. It is not only the Christian Zionists that advocate war, sometimes traditional Christians are also misleading. The article below is an example of this. It is written by a very wise and well respected Orthodox Christian leader, who, however, happens to be very misguided on the issue of war. After this article, there is a very effective counter argument against the author’s pro-war position.
Christian Service; War
By Metropolitan Philaret of New York
(Saint Philaret the New Confessor)
Naturally, this Christian patriotism we have spoken of requires from each of us as great a service as possible to the nation. The value of such service is even more significant if it is rendered unselfishly - free of any material calculations and considerations. A person serves the country in one way or another when he participates in its life by, for example, expressing himself in the press or in civil elections, etc. In this, one must strive to bring benefit to the whole country, the whole people, and not to one's own personal or party interests - then one's conscience will be at peace. It may be that one will not attain great external success, but let him, nevertheless fulfill the duty of a patriot and a faithful child of the nation in an honorable and Christian manner. There is a saying, "In misfortune, a friend is known." Love for the nation is most clearly manifested in times of national trials and troubles. We all know how it feels when someone close to us is ill. We do not want diversions or satisfactions. In our sorrow and concern, we sometimes cannot even eat or drink or sleep. One who truly loves one's nation will manifest similar feelings during times of national troubles. If our heart is filled with nothing but our own personal experiences and interests, if we moan and sigh while our deeds remain far from our words, then our love for the nation is poor indeed. One of the clearest and most self-denying struggles of service to one's homeland is to die for the nation. A Christian soldier is a defender of the homeland, and clearly fulfils Christ's precept, "there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for ones brethren."
War in itself is absolutely evil, an extremely sad phenomenon and deeply contrary to the very essence of Christianity. Words cannot express how joyous it would be if people ceased to war with one another and peace reigned on earth. Sad reality speaks quite otherwise, however. Only some dreamers far removed from reality and some narrowly one-sided sectarians can pretend that war can be omitted from real life. It is quite correct to point out that war is a violation of the commandment, "Do not kill." No one will argue against that. Still, we see from the Holy Scripture that in that very same Old Testament time when this commandment was given, the Israelite people fought on command from God, and defeated its enemies with God's help. Consequently, the meaning of the commandment, "Do not kill," does not refer unconditionally to every act of removing a person's life. This commandment forbids killing for revenge, in anger, by personal decision or act of will. When our Savior explained the deep meaning of this commandment, He pointed out that it forbids not only actual killing, but also an un-Christian, vain anger. Nevertheless, in a conversation with the apostles about the last days, the Lord told them, "You will hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not distressed: for all this must be." With these words, the Lord refutes all statements that war is avoidable.
True, we have already examined the fact that war is a negative phenomenon. Yet, it will exist, sometimes as the sole defense of truth and human rights, or against seizure, brutal invasion and violence. Only such wars of defense are recognized in Christian teaching. In fact, we hear of the following event in the life of St. Athanasios of the Holy Mountain. Prince Tornikian of Georgia, an eminent commander of the Byzantine armies, was received into monasticism at St Athanasios' monastery. During the time of the Persian invasion, Empress Zoe recalled Tornikian to command the armies. Tornikian flatly refused on the grounds that he was a monk. But St. Athanasios said to him, "We are all children of our homeland and we are obligated to defend it. Our obligation is to guard the homeland from enemies by prayers. Nevertheless, if God deems it expedient to use both our hands and our heart for the common weal, we must submit completely ... If you do not obey the ruler, you will have to answer for the blood of your compatriots whom you did not wish to save." Tornikian submitted, defeated the enemy and rescued the homeland from danger. In a conversation with Mohammedans, about war, St. Cyril the Enlightener of the Slavs said, "We meekly endure personal offenses; but as a society, we defend each other, laying down our lives for our neighbors..." One can, of course, sin and sin greatly while participating in war. This happens when one participates in war with a feeling of personal hatred, vengeance, or vainglory and with proud personal aims. On the contrary, the less the soldier thinks about himself, and the more he is ready to lay down his life for others, the closer he approaches to the martyr's crown.
A RESPONSE
BY REMIT NADER
I must strongly disagree with Metropolitan Philaret’s comments on war. Before I was aware of the true depths of the Christian faith, I would have agreed with these thoughts on war and patriotism. I have become more enlightened and mature with regard to the topic of war. Such justification for war as expressed by the author of that article is a very slippery-slope of logic that inevitably leads to more blood shed. It is not much different than the rational for war against Islam as espoused by the "Christian right". This is a very dangerous logic for Christians. Did not Jesus resist the ways zealots thought they were justified in fighting Rome? That is the greatness of our Lord. Our Lord elevates us beyond the mere earthly and tells us that the kingdom is within. And that is where the war is to be fought. It is a spiritual war with only one strategy: TRUTH... not artillery or swords. Vanquishing the enemy and stealing their cattle, an Old Testament theme, is not a Christian virtue. Did not those countless Christian martyrs teach us the virtue of not shedding blood even when facing an unrighteous and threatening enemy? When the author claimed that it is naive to think that there can be a world without wars, he was himself naive. "The truth shall set us free".
As Christians, we must always believe that war is avoidable, for "blessed are the peace makers". There was never a war in human history that was justified and that served Christian interests in the long-term. There may have been some tactical victories against the Muslims during the Byzantine Empire period, but they caused more corruption than good. know that all wars fought were the result of either ignorance or manipulations by the elites. We must see through the lies of war propaganda. It is this propaganda that compels men to participate in wars. Therefore, if the truth can be exposed to all of humanity, then men will reject war. Imagine, for example, if the truth behind the push for war with Iraq was exposed to the people. The masses would certainly have rejected the war; moreover, they would have likely overthrown this war-mongering and un-American administration. It may seem extremely difficult to expose the truth considering the overwhelming power of the enemy/elites. However, that is where the struggle lies. It is less futile than expecting war to really resolve any issue. The truth will truly set humanity free, and truth is always the first victim in war. The real struggle is in opening the eyes of humanity to the truth. When humanity recognizes how utterly and satanically manipulated they have been, a great victory for GOD will have been achieved. War with its death and destruction should never be the way of any Christian no matter how deluded with a sense of justification. The struggle to enlighten humanity with the truth is the true mission of a Christian. As the author noted, war is always evil. Thus it is of the devil. "resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Thus resist war, which is of the devil, and it shall flee from us. That is the goal of Christians. James 3:18: and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. War never produces goodness.
OTHER THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE: When the LORD told the disciples not to be distressed when hearing rumors of wars, the LORD was not in any way advocating participation in war. Quite the opposite: it is more about separation from the worldly turmoil (war). And that separation and non-participation in the evils of war is what will lead one to not be distressed. The author interprets this as saying that when war comes and one participates in it, the Christian should not be distressed. This is ridiculous, for the thought of waging war and killing should distress a Christian to great degree even if that Christian feels fully justified. Also, the stories in the Old Testament about God-ordained Jewish war mongering are great exaggerations if not corruptions of God's message. God would never order massacres and genocide. Any Christian who would believe in such Jewish stories should re-read the Sermon on the Mount.
The author also justifies war in defense of the homeland and nation. This is also quite corrupting. The author is advocating that killing in defense of political or tribal/national divisions is justifiable. Quite the opposite, it is these divisions that have caused much turmoil and evil throughout history. That this author feels that fighting and killing for these divisions of humanity is righteous causes me to question his logic or understanding about true peace. *****************
more comments on the war article:
how does the author interpret that the commandment of not killing applies only in regards to killing in anger or revenge? This is an absolute command not to kill. By the author's logic, the crusades, death penalty, etc. can be justified- for they served societal interests. By his logic, Israel is justified in its practice of "targeted killings" of Palestinian leaders since it is not personal but serves in the protection of Israeli society. Beware of this "slippery slope" logic of the author. His logic for war is consistent with papal arguments for the crusades. That is why in the New Testament, killing is absolutely forbidden. The author only cites the Old Testament when trying to justify killing under certain conditions. The New Testament is a clear reversal of this. Can you imagine Christ making exception to allow for the killing of another human? The author states, "only some dreamers far removed from reality pretend that war can be omitted from real life". First of all, because there exists an evil (war) in society does not mean that one- especially a Christian- is required to participate in that evil. By the author's reasoning, it is acceptable to participate in many vices- for they exist- and it would be naive to pretend that they do not exist in life. Just because something negative is a reality of life, does not mean it is not to be condemned and avoided by Christians. Those he called "dreamers" are in fact enlightened and refuse to accept the notion of perpetual war. Did not Christ make it very clear that war is futile. Lastly, the author mentions that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's brethren. Though true, it does not mean being able to kill other humans- for we are all brethren. This precept simply talks of self-sacrifices made in the struggle- such as those made by the blessed martyrs who shed not blood.
BY REMIT NADER
It is imperative that Christians always reject war. We must be very alert to the temptations of having a false sense of justification for violence. It is not only the Christian Zionists that advocate war, sometimes traditional Christians are also misleading. The article below is an example of this. It is written by a very wise and well respected Orthodox Christian leader, who, however, happens to be very misguided on the issue of war. After this article, there is a very effective counter argument against the author’s pro-war position.
Christian Service; War
By Metropolitan Philaret of New York
(Saint Philaret the New Confessor)
Naturally, this Christian patriotism we have spoken of requires from each of us as great a service as possible to the nation. The value of such service is even more significant if it is rendered unselfishly - free of any material calculations and considerations. A person serves the country in one way or another when he participates in its life by, for example, expressing himself in the press or in civil elections, etc. In this, one must strive to bring benefit to the whole country, the whole people, and not to one's own personal or party interests - then one's conscience will be at peace. It may be that one will not attain great external success, but let him, nevertheless fulfill the duty of a patriot and a faithful child of the nation in an honorable and Christian manner. There is a saying, "In misfortune, a friend is known." Love for the nation is most clearly manifested in times of national trials and troubles. We all know how it feels when someone close to us is ill. We do not want diversions or satisfactions. In our sorrow and concern, we sometimes cannot even eat or drink or sleep. One who truly loves one's nation will manifest similar feelings during times of national troubles. If our heart is filled with nothing but our own personal experiences and interests, if we moan and sigh while our deeds remain far from our words, then our love for the nation is poor indeed. One of the clearest and most self-denying struggles of service to one's homeland is to die for the nation. A Christian soldier is a defender of the homeland, and clearly fulfils Christ's precept, "there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for ones brethren."
War in itself is absolutely evil, an extremely sad phenomenon and deeply contrary to the very essence of Christianity. Words cannot express how joyous it would be if people ceased to war with one another and peace reigned on earth. Sad reality speaks quite otherwise, however. Only some dreamers far removed from reality and some narrowly one-sided sectarians can pretend that war can be omitted from real life. It is quite correct to point out that war is a violation of the commandment, "Do not kill." No one will argue against that. Still, we see from the Holy Scripture that in that very same Old Testament time when this commandment was given, the Israelite people fought on command from God, and defeated its enemies with God's help. Consequently, the meaning of the commandment, "Do not kill," does not refer unconditionally to every act of removing a person's life. This commandment forbids killing for revenge, in anger, by personal decision or act of will. When our Savior explained the deep meaning of this commandment, He pointed out that it forbids not only actual killing, but also an un-Christian, vain anger. Nevertheless, in a conversation with the apostles about the last days, the Lord told them, "You will hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not distressed: for all this must be." With these words, the Lord refutes all statements that war is avoidable.
True, we have already examined the fact that war is a negative phenomenon. Yet, it will exist, sometimes as the sole defense of truth and human rights, or against seizure, brutal invasion and violence. Only such wars of defense are recognized in Christian teaching. In fact, we hear of the following event in the life of St. Athanasios of the Holy Mountain. Prince Tornikian of Georgia, an eminent commander of the Byzantine armies, was received into monasticism at St Athanasios' monastery. During the time of the Persian invasion, Empress Zoe recalled Tornikian to command the armies. Tornikian flatly refused on the grounds that he was a monk. But St. Athanasios said to him, "We are all children of our homeland and we are obligated to defend it. Our obligation is to guard the homeland from enemies by prayers. Nevertheless, if God deems it expedient to use both our hands and our heart for the common weal, we must submit completely ... If you do not obey the ruler, you will have to answer for the blood of your compatriots whom you did not wish to save." Tornikian submitted, defeated the enemy and rescued the homeland from danger. In a conversation with Mohammedans, about war, St. Cyril the Enlightener of the Slavs said, "We meekly endure personal offenses; but as a society, we defend each other, laying down our lives for our neighbors..." One can, of course, sin and sin greatly while participating in war. This happens when one participates in war with a feeling of personal hatred, vengeance, or vainglory and with proud personal aims. On the contrary, the less the soldier thinks about himself, and the more he is ready to lay down his life for others, the closer he approaches to the martyr's crown.
A RESPONSE
BY REMIT NADER
I must strongly disagree with Metropolitan Philaret’s comments on war. Before I was aware of the true depths of the Christian faith, I would have agreed with these thoughts on war and patriotism. I have become more enlightened and mature with regard to the topic of war. Such justification for war as expressed by the author of that article is a very slippery-slope of logic that inevitably leads to more blood shed. It is not much different than the rational for war against Islam as espoused by the "Christian right". This is a very dangerous logic for Christians. Did not Jesus resist the ways zealots thought they were justified in fighting Rome? That is the greatness of our Lord. Our Lord elevates us beyond the mere earthly and tells us that the kingdom is within. And that is where the war is to be fought. It is a spiritual war with only one strategy: TRUTH... not artillery or swords. Vanquishing the enemy and stealing their cattle, an Old Testament theme, is not a Christian virtue. Did not those countless Christian martyrs teach us the virtue of not shedding blood even when facing an unrighteous and threatening enemy? When the author claimed that it is naive to think that there can be a world without wars, he was himself naive. "The truth shall set us free".
As Christians, we must always believe that war is avoidable, for "blessed are the peace makers". There was never a war in human history that was justified and that served Christian interests in the long-term. There may have been some tactical victories against the Muslims during the Byzantine Empire period, but they caused more corruption than good. know that all wars fought were the result of either ignorance or manipulations by the elites. We must see through the lies of war propaganda. It is this propaganda that compels men to participate in wars. Therefore, if the truth can be exposed to all of humanity, then men will reject war. Imagine, for example, if the truth behind the push for war with Iraq was exposed to the people. The masses would certainly have rejected the war; moreover, they would have likely overthrown this war-mongering and un-American administration. It may seem extremely difficult to expose the truth considering the overwhelming power of the enemy/elites. However, that is where the struggle lies. It is less futile than expecting war to really resolve any issue. The truth will truly set humanity free, and truth is always the first victim in war. The real struggle is in opening the eyes of humanity to the truth. When humanity recognizes how utterly and satanically manipulated they have been, a great victory for GOD will have been achieved. War with its death and destruction should never be the way of any Christian no matter how deluded with a sense of justification. The struggle to enlighten humanity with the truth is the true mission of a Christian. As the author noted, war is always evil. Thus it is of the devil. "resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Thus resist war, which is of the devil, and it shall flee from us. That is the goal of Christians. James 3:18: and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. War never produces goodness.
OTHER THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE: When the LORD told the disciples not to be distressed when hearing rumors of wars, the LORD was not in any way advocating participation in war. Quite the opposite: it is more about separation from the worldly turmoil (war). And that separation and non-participation in the evils of war is what will lead one to not be distressed. The author interprets this as saying that when war comes and one participates in it, the Christian should not be distressed. This is ridiculous, for the thought of waging war and killing should distress a Christian to great degree even if that Christian feels fully justified. Also, the stories in the Old Testament about God-ordained Jewish war mongering are great exaggerations if not corruptions of God's message. God would never order massacres and genocide. Any Christian who would believe in such Jewish stories should re-read the Sermon on the Mount.
The author also justifies war in defense of the homeland and nation. This is also quite corrupting. The author is advocating that killing in defense of political or tribal/national divisions is justifiable. Quite the opposite, it is these divisions that have caused much turmoil and evil throughout history. That this author feels that fighting and killing for these divisions of humanity is righteous causes me to question his logic or understanding about true peace. *****************
more comments on the war article:
how does the author interpret that the commandment of not killing applies only in regards to killing in anger or revenge? This is an absolute command not to kill. By the author's logic, the crusades, death penalty, etc. can be justified- for they served societal interests. By his logic, Israel is justified in its practice of "targeted killings" of Palestinian leaders since it is not personal but serves in the protection of Israeli society. Beware of this "slippery slope" logic of the author. His logic for war is consistent with papal arguments for the crusades. That is why in the New Testament, killing is absolutely forbidden. The author only cites the Old Testament when trying to justify killing under certain conditions. The New Testament is a clear reversal of this. Can you imagine Christ making exception to allow for the killing of another human? The author states, "only some dreamers far removed from reality pretend that war can be omitted from real life". First of all, because there exists an evil (war) in society does not mean that one- especially a Christian- is required to participate in that evil. By the author's reasoning, it is acceptable to participate in many vices- for they exist- and it would be naive to pretend that they do not exist in life. Just because something negative is a reality of life, does not mean it is not to be condemned and avoided by Christians. Those he called "dreamers" are in fact enlightened and refuse to accept the notion of perpetual war. Did not Christ make it very clear that war is futile. Lastly, the author mentions that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's brethren. Though true, it does not mean being able to kill other humans- for we are all brethren. This precept simply talks of self-sacrifices made in the struggle- such as those made by the blessed martyrs who shed not blood.