Never-ending Wars, a Worldview, and a Christian Enigma - Pt. 3

What is the singular most desirable state of the human condition?

Were it possible to execute a poll asking all the peoples of the world that very question; and in consideration of current events, high on the list of answers would have to be “peace.”

From time-to-time the term “world peace” is mentioned in passing; only to be quickly dismissed as an impossible pipe dream.

Why? Who deemed world peace to be an impossible objective?

Philosophical postulation is a mostly debatable proposition; with forthcoming ideas assuming the shape of one’s worldview. As relates to this writing, at the center of this discussion is the question: Exactly what is the proper role of the Church? ... To suborn America’s current foreign policy which allows for nation building designs through preemptive warfare? ... Or rather follow and disseminate the Gospel of Jesus Christ? More on these questions to follow.

I confess to being a dyed-in-the-wool romantic. I become emotionally spellbound and rejoice when I see—whether it be real or fictional—the beautiful side of humanity. Happy endings and righteous outcomes feed the soul; and at once become a literal touchstone for both our present and future existence.

I believe there are essential components to our human makeup that must be nurtured. There is a related corollary that best embodies the essence of the various parts: do no harm. More specifically, do nothing that would bring material or character ruination to another person and/or their property.

Insofar as I believe our nation has long since strayed—in both domestic and foreign policy—from the higher calling and requisite nurturing of our human nature, I cannot help but also believe there now exists a more acute public awareness of the many problems we face as both individuals and a nation.

While our nation’s laws allow all people to practice the faith of their choosing, it is the many sects of Christianity that have had the greatest influence on the hearts and souls of Americans. Therein lay the enigma: Far too many Christians support both our militarism abroad and the loss of our civil liberties at home -- policies both repugnant to our Biblical heritage.

Christianity is love and peace. No doubt about it. Just consider these words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:

-- Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- Matt 22:37-40

-- Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. -- Matt 5:9

-- And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. -- Luke 6:31-38

Not very well known, but Christianity is also supportive of individual liberty. Consider:

-- But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. -- James 1:25

Historically, it is Christianity that has had the greatest religious influence on the peoples of the developing world; when emperor Constantine first declared (312 AD, ca.) the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Most noteworthy is that it was “the state” that had “established” it’s preferred religion -- a practice that remained mostly intact until America’s founders authored the 1st Amendment to the Bill of Rights. How eerily consequential that in the America of the 21st Century the Gospel of Jesus Christ can only be spoken when and where government allows.

Today we reap the consequences of what we have sown. The following is most applicable:

-- This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. -- Jesus Christ; Matt 15:8-9

Well, ain’t it a shame

That our short little memories

Never seem to learn

the message of history

We keep makin’ the same mistakes

Over and over and over and over again

And then we wonder why

 We’re in the shape we’re in . . .Frail grasp on the big picture; Eagles Band; from the album “Long road out of Eden.”