An Ambivalent Pacifist- Huh?

Well, this war is now at 7 years. It remains an active war though people have said that things may be changing for the better. The elections came off well. The process of becoming a democracy appears to be moving in the right direction. The people of Iraq, in general, are living some kind of better life than they were 7 years ago (although that admittedly is an arguable statement to some.)

Do these apparent signs of progress support the war's existence in the first place? Do these possible gains say that the lies and false pretenses of the road into the war are excusable? Does the democratization of Iraq give the okay to the un-democratic, painful, divisive and illegal actions during the war within our own nation?

If all's well that ends well, do the ends justify the means?

That's a question that will be debated by historians, scholars, and politicians for many years to come. It is possible that Iraq will become the Vietnam of this generation. Ethicists will say one thing - military strategists another; conservatives will celebrate - liberals will remain uneasy. Everyone will have some kind of opinion.

As a pacifist I have many concerns about war- any war. I am disturbed by what war does to young men and women on both sides of the fight. I am saddened to my soul that innocent people by the thousands (non-combatants) die, lose their homes and families or at best(?!) live in terror. I am angered that I am lied to in order to achieve some unknown goal of vengeance or profit. I am embarrassed that all this is done in my name- from death to torture.

As a follower of Jesus I cannot under any circumstance say that war is good. It can never be good. At best it is a necessary evil when all else fails. As a follower of Jesus I have to be concerned about the people on the other side since I am commanded to love my neighbor- after all even the most evil can love their friends. As a follower of Jesus I am called by the Prince of Peace to proclaim the possibility of- and work diligently for- peace.

When war becomes reality we must all recognize the awful things it gets us to do and support. When war becomes reality we must all see that we are being tempted into death and destruction. When war becomes reality we must work for the resumption of peace within us and around us. Caring for the soldiers' families and the soldiers themselves is essential. Caring for the wounded on both sides is required. Keeping our nation AND our opponents in prayer is a non-negotiable. Overcoming hatred and prejudice wrought by war is an important calling.

I know and am more than painfully aware of all the arguments on both sides of the pacifism issue. Each one of us has to come to terms with all of these in our own lives and keep our own spirit and soul focused on life. Even when death is around us, life must always be the goal, the mission, the promise. No matter what is happening I believe we must keep the choice given to Moses in our awareness:

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.
Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
(Deuteronomy 30:19; NIV)