When Peace Is No More

 

I woke up this morning with news from Cheryl that World War III had begun. That may not be true, but the United States and Israel have begun "major combat operations" in Iran. That is a euphemism for going to war. Much of Donald Trump's base believed him when he said he wouldn't put the USA into any more foreign wars. America First is an isolationist America. But, it appears that with the realization that a Nobel Peace Prize is not in the offering, as one essayist put it, Trump is "bored with peace." I don't know about you, but I saw this coming when Trump and his Fox News host buddy at the Department of Defense changed the department's name to "The Department of War." Of course, Pete Hegseth, whose body is covered with crusader tattoos, requires that he be called the Secretary of War. 

So, what do we do? While the Iranian regime is
evil, the people of Iran have been put in the crosshairs. Many civilians will be "collateral damage." Some in our nation will be excited by the prospects of war. Some will embrace the crusader spirit and see this as a war by a Christian nation against an infidel nation. Remember that Pete Hegseth at the recent National Religious Broadcasters event, declared that soldiers who die in service to the Christian nation (USA) will be saved. Not only is that bad theology, even heresy, but it is cause for concern. 

So, who will put a stop to this? Will Congress step up and put limits on an effort that, by some reports, the military leaders cautioned against, but which Trump and Hegseth have been wanting to engage in?

As this war begins, let us remember that this is a holy season for Muslims, the season of Ramadan. Just a few days ago, I gathered with friends to observe an Iftar dinner, seeking solidarity with friends in a time of uncertainty. 

I am not a pacifist, but I do seek to be at peace with neighbors near and far. I embrace Jesus' call for his followers to be peacemakers. May that be our calling in this time of war.