Dialogue with Focus on the Family

A while back, I had a some decent discussion through letters with some members of Focus on the Family.

The letters were in response to the two "Justice Sundays" where Dr. James Dobson, a man I once very much admired, completely aligned his religious convictions with a political party. Dr. Dobson has gone so far as to claim that those who do not agree with his particular theology of Christiany and values are "against people of faith". I am still trying to figure out how myself and others of like mind can be against ourselves.

One of the political/religious pillars that FOTF stands upon is their unwavering (and blind) support for the war in Iraq. They think that the Iraqi War is completely justified by St. Augustine's theory of Just War. Augustine's, as well as Aquinas' Just War Theories prove to be good "litmus tests" for governments to adhere to before declaring war on another country. But I believe Jesus Christ is calling His followers to something more.

As a Christian, I do not see how anyone after reading Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, cannot walk away a peacemaker opposed to violence. Along with teaching us how to change our hearts and minds and live for God, peacemaking is at the very heart of Jesus' teachings; living for God and peacemaking are interwoven.

There was a German Episcopal Minister during World War I who very much thought that the war was a "just war". That was until he witnessed first-hand a bloody fight between German and American soldiers who each claimed Christ and believed that they "had God on their side". Christians killing other Christians in the name of God broke this minister's heart and drove him to be opposed to any war whatsoever.

I'm afraid that even if people do grasp that Jesus calld us to be peacemakers, our American pro-war society and culture causes these same individuals to feel like they must come up with another interpretation of what Christ is telling us. In the face of a pro-militaristic/pro-war society, we begin to develop excuses and theories as to what Jesus really meant by "blessed are the peacemakers," "if someone strikes your right cheek, turn to them your left as well," and "do not repay evil with evil". When we do this, we water down the Word of God and neuter the powerful message that His truth contains.

I've heard quite a many good-minded Christian brothers and sisters who have fallen into this "pro-war culture trap" use this statement: "As a Christian I'm against unjust wars, but as an American I have to support the war in Iraq." How can this be? In the words of James, Jesus' brother, "How can salt and fresh water flow from the same spring," (James 3:12)? Are we not called to be Christians first and foremost - above everything else? I'm sorry; I love this nation but I love Jesus more. Therefore my allegiance rests with Him and Him alone. I believe anything less would be idolatry.