![peace-sign-713031[1]](http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/532519980_a8aa5086dc_o.jpg)
Why am I this virtual pacifist when it comes to war but I love, I mean love in a way that stirs my heart, movies like Saving Private Ryan, 300, The Matrix, and Lord of the Rings. I think that the HBO Miniseries called Band of Brothers is the single best piece of film-making on the face of the earth. That's just a story of the European front of WWII. I read all of Steve Ambrose's books on WWII. I'm unsure if my love for those movies is my sinful nature or if my views on war are just inconsistent. Just because I like something doesn't mean it's not sinful. We long for lots of sinful things. Maybe war is just a sinful thing that I resonate with, but my true heart's conviction is that it is wrong.
What do you think? Do you have any similar contradictions? I must be an acrobat to talk like this and act like that.
3 comments:
"You can dream...so dream out loud...Don't let the bastards grind you down..." These contradictions are so good to explore with others. Those who keep these conversations to themselves or just soap box about them are so dangerous in the church.
I am so confused about this topic. I'm searching too. Here's what I know about me:
I believe in justice. I believe that Gideon and Joshua were doing God's will when they slaughtered the natives in the promised land. I believe that Jesus issued a new covenant of non-violence, not pacifism. I believe that the gospel is about restoration and war is usually the opposite of restoration. But then what about WW2? I have no problem with taking down the Axis powers. I think that the greater good of removing nazism and facism from the world stage is very good. I have a huge problem with the cost of war. For the cost of the war in iraq (just dollars, not lives - that's a whole other confusion) we could feed every human, provide clean water for every human, provide medical for every human and much much more. I know that if we had choose to feed and heal with those dollars, the US would probably have less enemies - its hard to hate those who feed you. If someone were attacking my family, I would kill to protect them. Also, I believe that Jesus meant what he said "Blessed are the peacemakers."
This stewing in me. What's hard is that we seemingly have to choose a side - pro-war or anti-war, democrat or republican, etc.
I'd rather not choose a side. I'd rather learn to first and foremost be Christian before I am an american or a part of party.
In December 2006 Rob Bell did a series called "Calling All Peacemakers." Its a 3 sermon series. I have listened to it about 5x. It is changing my life. I don't know if you can get it online anymore, but if anyone is interested I'll burn you the podcasts.
Also, Erin just found this video on youtube. Its reminiscient of the Rob Bell series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzoNInZ2ClQ
PEACE
Not to totally ignore the purpose of your blog, but I have insider information.
They're making a Band of Brother's II, which is about the Pacific Campaign. Hanks, Spielberg, and KFI's very own Captain Dale Dye are all signed on. It's filming this summer.
I hope it's as epic as the original.
A few thoughts... There is no justice this side of heaven. One's view of war is often linked to how its players inpact our own existence and whether or not that which we hold dear is threatened. The male human is hard wired to be able to defend those for whom he is responsible. Perhaps, your pacificim would wane should that which you hold dear become threatened.
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