Predator drones are immoral, because they allow us to kill without any possibility of loss of American life. Predator drones reflect an expedient means of dispensing violence. So says theologian and proclaimer of the Grace of Christ, Paul Zahl. What's more, Zahl says that no one, absolutely no one, agrees with him, except possibly Steven Spielberg.
Paul saw an interview with Steven Spielberg in which he was discussing the 1958 movie--"The Space Children." In the movie, the US has developed a missile or weapons system, the Thunderer, which will allow the US to dispense with its enemies from space without the risk of losing any American lives. What's more, other countries have developed similar weapons systems. No one seems to understand that, due to these systems, mankind can destroy the world--that is, except for the children. The children understand, and children in the US, Russia, Prague, etc., disable the weapons systems. The world is saved, and written in the stars at the end of the movie is: "Unless you become like little children, you shall in no way inherit the kingdom of heaven."
Children are innocent in some important ways--they see right and wrong, not expediency. They understand the bonds between men and women of different races and countries--have you ever known a young child to be racist? Children do not demonize others. Children also know that there is a Creator. According to Larry Taunton, in his wonderful book "The Grace Effect," children innately believe in a God, even in cultures which are atheist or agnostic. Children believe that God is good and loves them. So, what happens as we grow older? What causes us to lose our childlike sense of human camaraderie and faith in a higher, loving power? Children are innately sinners, but at least they realize it--as we grow older, we begin to rationalize our sin in order to combat our fear and justify our greed.
Our fear leads us to want to control others--we don't want them to hurt our families. So, we kill them first--predator drones. Fear reflects a profound distrust or mistrust of the goodness and sovereignty of God. Our greed causes us to want more than our fellow man. For centuries, Europe (a supposedly civilized continent) was wracked with wars--wars fought for monetary gain. Kill them and take their resources. Again, this reflects a profound distrust or mistrust of God to provide for His people. Children don't have these concerns.
May we all see one another and God through the eyes of children.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Political Discourse--Check Your Christianity at the Door?
I heard Eric Metaxas' address at the National Prayer Breakfast. Metaxas had a relationship with GWB, but still he was invited to speak at this event attended by Pres. Obama. His address was wonderful. He said that perhaps the most unique thing about Christianity is that we are to "love our enemies." So, what does this look like in political discourse? My thought is that it looks the way Metaxas handled abortion and sexual choices--he spoke the truth, but with absolute grace. How does one do this?
In a recent sermon, our pastor was discussing Pro-Life Sunday. He queried whether abortion doctors were only in it for the money. He doubted so. He postulated that they may be just as concerned about the plight of un-wed mothers as Pro-Lifers are. He said that this could be common ground on which to build bridges of relationship and discourse. He said: "Finding common ground with those with whom we disagree is how the Gospel goes forth." I would suggest that this is also how we work together for the common good. The Gospel is all about the Kingdom of Heaven breaking forth into our world. It breaks forth when we find things we can agree on with our political opposites, and then work to bring those things about.
Insofar as finding common ground, Metaxas commented on how Christianity had brought forth a country where we want to help the poor. He said that some think the government should help the poor, while others think private interests should help the poor. But America is a country where virtually all of us believe in helping the poor. What insight by Metaxas! This has been highlighted for me in Larry Taunton's new book: "The Grace Effect," based upon his adoption of a Ukranian girl. Larry demonstrates how atheism leads to a government with little or no regard for the poor. Perhaps we all need to visit the Ukraine to realize how thankful we should be for America, and the values which our society holds!!! Perhaps if we can address the matters that we have in common, rather than being so divisive with our political discourse, America can be saved.
Finally, showing his humor, Metaxas said that: "If Pres. Obama can sing Al Green "a ca pell a" then I feel free to lead the crowd in Amazing Grace," which he did "a ca pell a." It was simply beautiful. May God bless Eric Metaxas and all others who remind us that our discourse with those with whom we disagree can be done with Christian love.
In a recent sermon, our pastor was discussing Pro-Life Sunday. He queried whether abortion doctors were only in it for the money. He doubted so. He postulated that they may be just as concerned about the plight of un-wed mothers as Pro-Lifers are. He said that this could be common ground on which to build bridges of relationship and discourse. He said: "Finding common ground with those with whom we disagree is how the Gospel goes forth." I would suggest that this is also how we work together for the common good. The Gospel is all about the Kingdom of Heaven breaking forth into our world. It breaks forth when we find things we can agree on with our political opposites, and then work to bring those things about.
Insofar as finding common ground, Metaxas commented on how Christianity had brought forth a country where we want to help the poor. He said that some think the government should help the poor, while others think private interests should help the poor. But America is a country where virtually all of us believe in helping the poor. What insight by Metaxas! This has been highlighted for me in Larry Taunton's new book: "The Grace Effect," based upon his adoption of a Ukranian girl. Larry demonstrates how atheism leads to a government with little or no regard for the poor. Perhaps we all need to visit the Ukraine to realize how thankful we should be for America, and the values which our society holds!!! Perhaps if we can address the matters that we have in common, rather than being so divisive with our political discourse, America can be saved.
Finally, showing his humor, Metaxas said that: "If Pres. Obama can sing Al Green "a ca pell a" then I feel free to lead the crowd in Amazing Grace," which he did "a ca pell a." It was simply beautiful. May God bless Eric Metaxas and all others who remind us that our discourse with those with whom we disagree can be done with Christian love.
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