Have you been watching or reading the news over the past few days? Sunday on “Meet
the Press” former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich called the state of the world’s fighting the beginning of world war III. He referred to the regional chaos of the Middle East, missile launches in N. Korea, and the broadly scattered terrorist plots that have been uncovered by the intelligence community in recent months as clear indicators that we are on the brink of world war. Really? I was astounded by the remark, even though it makes sense. World War III may indeed be upon us. How do we respond to such a reality? Admittedly, as a Christian person and as a local clergy person, I have said little publicly about the war in Iraq or the global violence/terrorism we have witnessed since 9.11.01. What is there to say? It is difficult to speak and pray for peace, while supporting the President and those who protect us. It is paradoxical to love our enemies and maintain a position of isolation from those who might actually hate us. And so in our ambivalence we fail to speak or act in a way that is remarkably convincing or passionate. But I realize that my silence, indeed, the silence of Christian people in the U.S., has contributed to the ongoing crisis. I am becoming conscious that I am insulated, isolated from the pain and terror that so many of our global neighbors face everyday. I understand that my quietly dispassionate approach to global war has simply invited the hostility to increase. I turn on the news, witness the violence, turn it off, and go to bed in relative peace. Don’t you? But as the price at the pump continues to rise, I realize that we are affected---More than we know or choose to recognize. Higher gas prices are but a minor symptom of the larger threat that results from our global apathy. The project of a creative, progressive, and tolerant humanity is at stake. A harmonious global community for our children is at stake. It is ironic that in a free, democratic nation such as ours, many of us feel powerless as potential agents of change. Perhaps, we have learned to trust the powers-that-be to such an extent that we have neglected our personal responsibility as citizens with good consciences, who might dare to speak the truth to power, even when that truth might cost us. Should we not reflect as a nation on our national sins and repent globally through deeds of mercy and compassion? I realize that my unresponsiveness as a Christian person does not bear witness to the hope and faith that I wish to profess with my life. Who will choose mercy over vengeance, love over hate, blessing over curse? The people who follows Jesus will. And perhaps by making a public witness, by taking action, by freely speaking Christian conscience we will build peace.
