Too Many Christians Still Don’t Get It

4000 delegates of the Disciples of Christ General Assembly have approved a resolution “opposing the war in Iraq as contrary to Jesus’ teachings.” That sounds promising enough. But it seems some have expressed concern of what this message would “send to the troops.”

One opposing delegate was disappointed that the resolution did not also “morally support” the troops executing the war. Huh? How do you oppose an action on moral grounds yet claim “support” for those who carry out orders for mass murder and mayhem- the very action you oppose? How are these instigators above judgment?

The resolution does make one brave claim- it supports military personnel who refuse deployment to Iraq because of their Christian convictions and who understand that they may be disciplined as a result. One opponent‘s statement sums up the mentality of state-worshiping pseudo-Christians:

“Deserters are considered dishonorable discharges, which results in loss of certain rights like voting rights. This is a very stringent punishment for a young person who may not be mature enough or emotionally stable enough” to understand the consequences of their actions.”

In other words, taking a moral stand consistent with Christian ethic may result in a loss of state privileges. After all, a life isn’t worth living without those precious gifts.

In other words, taking a moral stand consistent with Christian ethic is a dangerous step only to be taken by an emotionally mature, stable person- defined as one who respects and bows to state authority.

In other words, you should only take a moral stand based on Christian ethic if such action will result in no risky, uncomfortable, or life-changing consequences.

Consider some of the consequences suffered by these men, all through defiance of state and institutional tyranny:

Andrew – crucified on the cross for two days before dying.

Bartholomew – beaten, then flayed alive, afterwards crucified and lastly beheaded.

James, the son of Alphaeus – depending on which historical version you prefer; was beaten and stoned to death at the age of ninety-four and finally had his brains dashed out with a fuller’s club or was crucified in Persia.

James the son of Zebedee – after witnessing James’ courage was beheaded with him.

John- was the only apostle to die a natural death, though he did spend time in exile.

Judas (not Iscariot)- some say he was killed by clubs and stones in Persia, some say he was crucified in Turkey.

Matthew- was martyred by a spear in Ethiopia.

Philip- was martyred in today’s Turkey.

Simon Peter- was crucified in Rome at the order of Nero.

Simon Zelotes- was crucified in Britain.

Thomas- was martyred with a spear in India.

Matthias- was stoned to death and then beheaded in Jerusalem.

I apologize for insufficient research to determine if any these men’s “voting rights” were also suspended. I also did not probe historical documents hoping to discover the level of each man’s “maturity,” nor examine his “emotional stability.” I’ll leave it to the reader to decide the worthiness of that information.

It seems no group needs more of God’s help than God’s people.

Roger Young is a guest columnist for Novakeo.com
Roger Young is a freelance photographer in Texas and maintains a website called PixelPrairie.com

Related:

1. Should Christians Comply with Gun Confiscation?
2. Good For Nothing Christians
3. Should Christians Obey the Antichrist?
4. Christians Defy Their Maker
5. Few Christians Have Biblical Worldview
6. The Apostles of Deception
7. Today’s Christians: No Hope In God’s Way

Unrated

Filed Under: Guest Columnist