"Even at Risk to National Security"

Once again, countries are dropping bombs on each other.  Once again, people are afraid of nuclear war.  Once again, human beings are being killed out of fear.  Once again, world leaders are attempting to convince their people that the people will be protected only by a show of strength and aggression.  Once again, we are being told that peace will only be found through preemptive violence.  Once again, families are being told that their loved ones will never come home again.

When conflict breaks out, Christians often consider what side Jesus or God would be on.  Many people automatically assume that God/Jesus would agree with their own personal opinion regardless of what scripture might say.  Indeed, if one turns to scripture, they will find both pro- and anti-war sentiments throughout the Bible.  The Bible is a collection of writings written by various people-groups over thousands of years.  It is more accurate to see all of scripture as a conversation over centuries about various peoples’ understanding of God.

That said, the major themes that scripture returns to again and again are clear:

• Leaders that ignore the plight of the common people are bad leaders.
• God listens to the plight of those who are oppressed and works towards their liberation and justice.
• God cares for - and tells us to care for - the hungry, the homeless, the friendless, the outcast, and the disenfranchised, regardless of where they are from.
• God opposes wealthy people whose riches come at the expense of the well-being of others.
• God's Kingdom is a place where all people are reconciled together; where all people are safe and their needs are met.

Based on these themes, Presbyterians in the United States wrote the Confession of 1967 which states:  God’s reconciliation in Jesus Christ is the ground of the peace, justice, and freedom among nations which all powers of government are called to serve and defend.  The church, in its own life, is called to practice the forgiveness of enemies and to commend to the nations as practical politics the search for cooperation and peace. This search requires that the nations pursue fresh and responsible relations across every line of conflict, even at risk to national security, to reduce areas of strife and to broaden international understanding.  Reconciliation among nations becomes peculiarly urgent as countries develop nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, diverting their manpower and resources from constructive uses and risking the annihilation of mankind.  Although nations may serve God’s purposes in history, the church which identifies the sovereignty of any one nation or any one way of life with the cause of God denies the Lordship of Christ and betrays its calling. 
- PCUSA Constitution Part 1: Book of Confessions 9.45
When I read this confession last summer as a part of our 2024 summer sermon series, my jaw about hit the floor.  I was dumbfounded by one of the documents in the PCUSA’s Constitution stating that we are supposed to pursue peace, reconciliation, and relationships event at the risk of endangering our national security.  Moreover, to see it plainly stated that conflating the will of God with the actions of a nation is a betrayal of our faith.

In other words, if you are wondering where God is as bombs continue to be launched, know that God is on the side of the injured, the hurting, the hungry, and those who cry out against the aggression of empires and the powerful.  And we are called to be peacemakers who deescalate anger and aggression, to increase understanding, cultivate compassion, and be daring in our reconciliation.

​Blessings,
Pastor Chris