I have been following the Republican debates and have come to the conclusion that both the “liberal” and “conservative” media have slanted the outcome to favor those who will stay with the present direction of preemptive action against Iran. The real problems are not being addressed. I find the infighting that is taking place has been a distraction from the real issues facing the American people. While we listen to the bad-mouthing, side-issues, and "kill the enemy" speeches-- the problems of our economy, boarder security, personal and religious freedoms along with the invasion of our privacy are being ignored.
All the while the Evangelical voters in Iowa and South Carolina are being courted for their money and votes. The emphasis on the “Evangelical” voters has somewhat confused me when we as a country have strayed from allowing a Christian influence in our schools, workplace, and government. It seems to me that the only time “Christians” are of any importance is when they are a large portion of a voting block and have money to contribute to a campaign.
This last debate in South Carolina was an indication of the confusion that exists among the so called “Evangelical Christians” and the real followers of Jesus Christ. During the debate one candidate referred to the Golden Rule and was booed by the very “Christians” that profess to believe the message of Jesus Christ. This to me was an indication of how far we have strayed from the Biblical teachings of Jesus Christ. I wonder how many of these booing Christians went to church on Sunday morning and sang, “If you don’t love your neighbor then you don’t love God.”?
There has been a clear message of violence on the part of many of the candidates to solve the problems of America’s enemies by just “kill them”. The group of Christians present in the audience actually cheered this solution. What would have happened if this were the same path we were to take with the Russians, Chinese and North Koreans? Each one of these countries has the military power and disdain for the American way of life to bring about our destruction but we are not crying “kill them”. We have lived with the threat of a nuclear war since the 1950’s and that threat is still real.
I want to thank, the people who can so quickly boo the message of the Golden Rule. They are just showing their Biblical illiteracy-- who want to feel good about their country. I guess I can't fault them for that, but I will fault them for not being true to the message of Jesus Christ. Christians have placed so much emphasis on emotions and feeling good that they are quick to lash out against those who proclaim a message that is not “touchy feely.” Yes, I know it is difficult to teach morals to those who have lost all moral direction and have placed patriotism over the salvation of mankind.
One thing that “Evangelicals” seem to forget is that a preemptive strike is not defending our way of life nor protecting our freedom. Stop for just a moment and give this a thought.
Just suppose our actions in the Middle-East threatened the way of life in Russia or China. Our military action has threatened the security of both of these countries, threatened their concept of freedom as they perceive it, and has had an economic impact that would devastate both countries, would they be justified in a preemptive strike against America? If we attack Iran our actions will impact the way of life in both countries. America does not need the gas and oil from Iran but both Russia and China requires what Iran has to offer to continue their way of life.
The implication of our actions will have worldwide ramifications. The “kill them” attitude that is being support by “Evangelical Christians” is so out of step with the mission of the Church. We have forgotten the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, " For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
Paul instructs Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. If we “kill them” this is not going to happen.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The message of Jesus Christ is not death but life. The preemptive strike we are being told is the solution to our problems is not the message of the Scripture.
I will say again, as I did in the article on self-defense, I believe as a Christian we have the moral right to defend against those who invade our country, or endanger our family or neighbors but we are supporting evil when we are the aggressors invading others on a false premise based on the greed and power of those who have an agenda that is evil.
Don’t be so quick to judge someone who has not bought into the policy of preemptive strikes against an assumed enemy. Just as we would not like a foreign army camped in our front yard destroying our way of life or subjecting us to a military occupation others in the world feel the same way. Maybe we should give the Golden Rule a chance.
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