Predator Drones and "The Space Children"

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.