Christian response to war
I think that Mr. White's article [“A necessary evil is still evil,” Herald, Aug. 18] was very timely and absolutely addressed a major problem that we are facing in this country today. I, for one, do believe that America was deceived in the reason this country was taken to war and we have to wonder “what if” the leaders of this country-our elected leaders, by the way-had used some restraint and had heeded the words of God Almighty when he said that “vengeance is mine.” Why did the administration after whom so many evangelicals seem to pant and hang on every word not see that diving headlong into something of which there was no plan of escape would surely not show good judgment nor the following of any type of biblical teaching?
I, too, look at the “what ifs” and have a sad heart when we see all the harm that has been done and unfortunately see very little good that has come of this, as he said, “a necessary evil.” Mr. White is exactly right-even called a “necessary evil” it is still evil and we have to wonder what would have happened had the path not been taken. Please continue to write this type of article, which makes people open their eyes, hopefully.
Mary C. Carter, Glen Allen
Your editorial was interesting, but disappointing. I found nothing in which to sink my teeth and it was not helpful in considering issues critical in the life of a disciple of Christ.
Sad but true, war and the rumor of war has been the natural order of things and not the exception in our lifetime. I think you will agree with me that there simply has to be a better way to deal with disputes than having young men and women go around hammering hot, dirty metal into the brains of others bent on destroying our society and way of life. I believe Christ would agree that there has to be a better way, but even so, such solutions depend on the good will and a common interest by our adversary.
You are confused about the war in Iraq. For a better understanding of current events and why they are as they seem to be today, I recommend that you acquire a copy of Kenneth M. Pollack's book, The Threatening Storm, published in 2002 by Random House. Another book by Pollack that deserves your attention is Arabs at War: Military Effectiveness, 1948-1991
You say you do not want to be political, but your article is at heart a political piece of accommodation. Looking to Isaiah is more wishful thinking and handwringing; so far, whenever we or other nations demobilized, enemy forces gathered to seek advantage. I suggest you read the relevant sections of American Soldier, by General Tommy Franks, to get a better grip on reality, history and the decision-making to eliminate the perceived strategic threat by Saddam.
While honest men may disagree on their understandings of events, you really annoyed me by whining about the cost of the war in lives lost and monies expended. Each year we lose more lives on the nation's highways than we lost in 10 years armed combat in Southeast Asia. Our cars are safer and more expensive than ever and we spend enormous sums of money to improve and expand our highways for the sake of efficiency and safety, but still we slaughter without remorse more than 40,000 men, women and children each year. Each year, more men, women and children are slaughtered in American cities because of greed, sloth and criminal violence; we build more penitentiaries and hire more guards, but crime continues.
There are no words so empty as “if only.” And when it comes to anguish over souls lost, if only the Southern Baptist Convention hadn't self-destructed, what might have been?
As author Pollack concluded, “We would do well to remember John Stuart Mill's remark that ‘war is an ugly thing, but it is not the ugliest of things.' ” In our case, the ugliest of things would be to hide our heads in the sand. Mr. White, when you write an article in the Religious Herald, serious people seriously read your words. Your referenced effort was, as said, disappointing.
David A. Ellis, Fredericksburg
The editorial, “A necessary evil is still evil,” is encouraging. As a person who finds it difficult to find war congruent with personal and faith values, it is refreshing to read this editorial.
A Virginia Baptist minister's and minister of education/teacher's daughter, and a life-long proponent of the religious freedoms Baptists have represented, I find that the points of this editorial resonate and present so many of my heart's and mind's most deeply held values. Though a life-long Baptist who has been proud of the respect for the individual's spiritual journey (priesthood of the believer), I have found too often that a lack of respect for this very basic historic aspect has been present in our communal life in my six decades of life.
The “turn the other cheek” encouragement and example of Jesus' life mentioned in the editorial is clearly a global, not simply individual, response that would have a greater impact in most situations.
Our warring behaviors as humans do not reflect respect for other humans or the rest of the creation of our Maker. Not only the loss of life, but the horrific quality of life for those fighting and those caught in the middle of the fighting and its consequences are beyond comprehension in the love that experienced in our faith and antithetical to the love felt from our Maker.
The dramatic human needs you mention that exist around the world such as starvation, disease, a lack of immunizations, addressing with research so many subjects to better the lives of those living and who will follow us, are great. And, yet, sadly, funding probably would not be supported for these needs, especially with a huge deficit that has developed in recent years, and yet funding is supported for the costs of war.
Thank you for having the courage to point out problems with war as a mode for solving human problems. I regret that it takes courage to speak in a community of believers who have valued highly being able to speak openly throughout its history.
Pat Harwood, Richmond
Proud to be Va. Baptist
I hear much these days about all that is wrong with the BGAV. I hear we are too liberal or that conservatives don't have enough say. However, as one who is a newcomer, maybe I can be a little objective.
Three years ago I moved to Virginia to marry the most wonderful woman in the world. I visited Cambria Baptist Church in Christiansburg, where the interim pastor David Burgess and I were talking of my future in ministry. He assured me that if I joined with Virginia Baptists, not only would I be accepted, but I would find a home.
Well, almost three years have passed. For two of those years I have been pastor of Belspring Baptist Church. God has greatly blessed us more than words can say to serve in this wonderful church. I have been privileged to meet men like Danny Collins, Dave Hoagland, Darrell Fletcher and John Upton. I have gotten to see what Virginia Baptists are doing here in Virginia and also around the world.
I am deeply impressed with the love, genuineness and integrity that I see. god is using Virginia Baptists to touch many lives.
I came from North Carolina and I wouldn't trade anything for what God has done in my life since I became a Virginia Baptist. Let others bellyache; I say, praise God for all he has done for me in less than three years. I came to Virginia with a limited view of God's kingdom, but now I see a measure of the bigness of what God is doing. To all you who have been discouraged, may the words of this Tar Heel transplant encourage you. Thank God for the BGAV! Pastor Burgess was right-I have been accepted and loved by the BGAV and it is my home until Jesus comes.
Doug Ballew, Dublin