American Militarism Injures Foreign Missions

For the purpose of this article, we will define “Militarism” as an attitude among followers of the Christian Right and other conservative Americans, which favors an aggressive, military approach to foreign policy problem solving.

Militarism is that which favors “pre-emptive first strikes” and military intervention in foreign nations, based on such justifications as total obedience to the President, looking for weapons of mass destruction, revenge for 9-11, war on terrorism, nation building, clash of civilizations, bringing democracy to the Third World, fulfillment of Bible prophecy, etc. The Christian Right in general has become known for its support for militarism.

This attitude is widespread among fundamentalists, evangelicals, charismatics and other segments of the Christian Right. The impression is sometimes given that, all Bible believing, conservative Christians support militarism, or that they ought to do so as an expression of their Christian faith. The perception of the public, nationwide and worldwide, is that evangelical Christians in America provide the main bulwark of support for our war in Iraq. Of course, there is nothing new about the role of organized religion in supporting war.

In World War I, churches on both sides of the conflict dutifully supported that disastrous war, and some observers feel that this use of religion to promote war is partly to blame for the lack of interest in God and religion on the part of the disillusioned masses of Europeans from that time until now. Should we make support for the war in Iraq a test of fellowship, when at most only 27% of Americans now support the war as it is currently being fought?

Perhaps we should also pay attention to the possibility that the effectiveness of American missionaries to foreign countries may be adversely affected by the perception that American Christians are promoting militarism.

Recently I spoke with an independent Baptist missionary to a Third World country, who criticized the militaristic emphasis of American Christianity. This sense will aid the American missionary to drop his need to control. The control-syndrome has plagued some missionaries of the past. There is currently an innate American need to control the world.

This requires a military establishment capable of controlling the hostile impulses of other societies who must also have military establishments aimed at controlling our covetous impulses.

As the years drag on and the war continues with no end in sight, support for the war dries up, except among evangelical Christians who perceive the war as beneficial for purposes of fulfilling Armageddon scenarios and “setting the stage” for Christ’s return. Evangelicals who do not believe in killing, bombing and torture for purposes of “fulfilling prophecy” are regarded as infidels by the Christian Right.

Gordon MacDonald of World Relief has sounded forth a warning on what our support for militarism is doing to the image of American Christians in the Third World:

“We are now part of an evangelical movement that is greatly compromised - identified in the eyes of the public as deep in the hip pockets of the Republican Party and administration. Our movement has been used. Any of us who travel internationally have tasted the global hostility toward our government and the suspicion that our President’s policies reflect the real tenets of Evangelical faith."

Some militarists cite the teaching of a prominent conservative radio entertainer, who appears to hold the position that once the Commander in Chief has committed us to war, it is our duty to support that war without question. Voters in our November elections heavily repudiated militarism as expressed in our war in Iraq, voting out of office many conservative legislators who supported our views on abortion, the homosexual agenda, cloning and embryonic research, and who supported conservative Supreme Court justices.

Surely it is not a sin to ask questions about the militaristic emphasis of modern evangelical Christianity, to determine whether such a policy is in harmony with the Bible or in conflict with what the Bible teaches.

The purpose of such an inquiry is not to spread discord among Christians, but rather to promote unity. We need to do one of two things - we need to develop and promulgate a Bible-based theological justification for militarism, one that all of us can understand and unite on. Or if we cannot do that, then we need to allow each other soul-liberty to disagree on this controversial issue, and to avoid demanding conformity of belief over this complex political issue on which good Christians disagree.

Radical Israel Seeks Support of Judeo-Christians for Culture of Death

Muslims have played an important part in our last two vigils, answering questions about Islam and holding up signs to free us to rove the crowd. The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix quoted this writer for Project Strait Gate at A Night to Honor Israel. They reported that an Arizona Rabbi wisely refused to attend and warned during Temple services two days before why American Jews should have no part of John Hagee. The media needs to be told that radical Zionists both in Israel and here at home are using Hagee to promote war with Iran. Hagee may be the only religious leader in the world who openly proclaims nuclear war acceptable.

It is vital — a matter of life and death — to understand that Hagee and those like him are providing the only grassroots support for the neo-con Bush aim to incite a long-term war with Iran via a pre-emptive strike under the phony excuse of destroying non-existent nuclear capacity.

The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix report is important because it cracks the door for further criticism of both Christian Zionists and Jewish Zionists. Mainline American Jews are recognizing increasingly that Hagee/Zionist common war agenda may not be good for them.

Jewish News of Greater Phoenix quotes Rabbi Strauss:

“Rabbi Andrew Straus, spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel in Tempe, gave a sermon on the Friday night before the CUFI (Christians United For Israel) meeting explaining why he would not be going. ‘John Hagee believes that what he is doing is divinely ordained and fulfilling biblical (prophecy),’ he told Jewish News, ‘and he believes Israel cannot return a single square inch of land, which goes against the policies of the last five Israeli prime ministers and the views of most Americans and Israelis. (Americans) have a habit of creating friends we think we can control, but we end up being the monkey on the lion’ s back. I think Hagee will end up using us.’”

Jewish News of Greater Phoenix quotes Charles Carlson:

“The handful of protesters outside the building had a different view. ‘In this hall will be assembled some of the only people in the world who really believe in bombing Iran, in continuing the occupation of Iraq and continuing to support the occupation of Palestine,’ said Chuck Carlson, the president and co-founder of We Hold These Truths, a Christian group that has protested at past CUFI events.”

It is significant that no effort was made to paint Project Strait Gate as “anti-Semite,” the usual trick with Jewish critics; instead they correctly gave our protest a Christian bend by quoting several of our sign messages without distortion:

The protesters carried or leaned on signs that read

• Choose life not war,
• One nation under God, not Israel
• Innocent blood in Gaza and Iraq, and
• Hagee’s racism kills Palestinians."

John Hagee may not realize that his agenda is being shaped to conform with what General Tira and the Radical Zionists at the top levels of Israeli politics want; nonetheless, Hagee’s lobbying agenda in Washington is designed to force U.S. congressional support for an unconscionable — and lethal — attack on the people of Iran. In the end, this not only threatens the tiny country of Israel, it threatens the greater national security of the United States and our service men and women in Iraq. It is an act of insanity, or what the head of the UNIAEA told the BBC, an "act of madness."

Hagee states:

“I would hope the United States would join Israel in a military pre-emptive strike to take out the nuclear capability of Iran for the salvation of Western civilization.”

We Hold These Truths' goal is a complete break from everything John Hagee says he stands for at A Night To Honor Israel and the misguided Christ-followers among the 40 to 70 million who under the stupefying spell of such Judeo-Christian leaders. They are defying Christ to following Hagee’s and others like him . . . into a culture of death. At least half of these millions are capable of waking up in a heartbeat and turning their backs on the warring church leaders who have deceived them.

How To Dialogue with a Judeo-Christian

This man, call him Norman, became my instant partner in spotting whales. Norman told me the weather has changed. Norman did not answer directly but politely switched the subject to what is no doubt his favorite when he finds a listener, his Christian walk:

“I am a Christian so I believe it’s all [weather included] in God’s hands. God is winding things up; he is going to end everything…after the rapture and tribulation…the end times….”

Norman had opened the door to a discussion with life and death implications, the Judeo-Christian churches’ role in the Serial War era. Judeo-Christians are called by many names; the Christian Right, dispensationalists, Charismatic, Mormons, Pentecostals, and even Christian-Zionists, but all believe what Norman had just stated.

I dread to lump this spiritual and sincere man, Norman, in with some of the intentionally bloody Christian-Zionists, but they have a common link to a State that calls itself “Israel.” If we could call every pastor and religious writer to debate (I have publicly debated one prominent Christian–Zionist), it should center around one defining query that effectively detects Christian Zionism’s abuse of God’s word:

“Do you believe the (present day) State of Israel is the fulfillment of Biblical prophesies?”

If we can remember nothing else, ask this one question. Norman has already told me his answer by telling me about the “end times” and “rapture.” So, returning to Norman, I skipped to the second defining query:

“Norman, should it matter to you as a follower of Christ if there is a Rapture and Armageddon and an end times…don’t you have to act out following Christ regardless of what you may think is coming?”

If you get a positive answer to this question you should win the day. With Norman it was not necessary to debate the point, he answered instantly and emphatically:

“No it should not matter. Yes you’re right, it should not matter to a Christian…(our actions should not be different) …I am pro-life and my state passed a bill to ban abortion, but it’s being challenged in the Supreme Court… (thoughtfully) we may have gone a little too far...no exceptions for life of mother, incest, or rape…”

“…If you are truly pro-life don’t you have to also oppose the mass assassination of the innocent in wars?”

Norman could not think of a Jesus answer, so he abandoned the scripture for a secular response:

“In the Old Testament there were numerous times God commanded the Israelites to annihilate entire populations because of their evil acts."

Note that Norman has now introduced Israel into the discussion for the first time.

"Would Jesus have done that? Jesus did not give the modern state of Israel that right either…”

Norman’s answer? He did not answer, but I think he nodded, ever so little. We shook hands, and Norman gave me the chance for a last statement.

“Norman, I must tell you: the churches like yours have blood on their hands, and they are spilling the blood on you... It’s not only our leaders. You cannot be pro-life if you ignore even one Iraqi mother or child’s right to life, even if you consider them enemies. God cannot honor your church if it fails to honor life. The church has failed in it pro-life efforts because it’s only half sincere about all life. God is consistent. We must oppose all unjust killing; it is not an option with Jesus. It has been a blessing to me to talk to you, Norman. See our website if you have questions.”

It is my prayer that Norman will not be able to forget.

Visiting A Mosque

My friend Chuck called to ask me if I’d like to go with him to an open house at a mosque in Tempe, AZ. Having never been in a mosque, I thought that it would be an interesting experience but wondered if I would need a bullet proof vest or an assault rifle to protect myself during the visit. After all, haven’t numerous government and Christian leaders warned us that the Muslims are out to create a holy war against us infidels?

We parked our shoes on the ground floor of the mosque and walked up to the second floor into the prayer and worship room. There were about 50 visitors in attendance plus members of the mosque who filtered in during the open house portion of the service. After the open house, their regular Friday night service would be conducted. It was easy to spot the visitors because they were sitting in chairs. It was explained that during the service and prayer time the flock was either standing, sitting or bowing down on the floor. The men are in the front and the women in the rear with a curtain that could be drawn by the women if they wanted privacy.

The Imam, the Islamic equivalent of a pastor or priest, was giving a Power Point presentation on the fundamental beliefs of Islam. Part way through the presentation, the Imam said that they would break for a brief prayer session and we were invited to observe how this part of their worship is conducted. Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day, this one lasted about 10 minutes. A group of more than a dozen men came to the front to participate in the prayers. The chanting and prayers were in Arabic but there seemed to be a similarity to a Catholic worship service in that both services are composed of ritual elements.

The Imam continued with a discussion on the life of Muhammad and other prophets they recognize and revere: Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Interestingly, the Imam said that they recognized that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary with no earthly father. It seems curious to me that because of Jesus’ uniqueness ascribed by Muslims that He should receive a higher status in Islam than he does. The Imam said Muslims recognize Mohammad as the last prophet of Allah (God) but claim not to worship him. Judaism doesn’t recognize Jesus, but the Muslims do. Does this mean that followers of Mohammad are closer to God than those of Judaism?

Next, the Imam opened the floor for questions. The Imam and a woman who he identified as “his boss” meaning she was a layman from the mosque congregation, fielded the questions. One person asked about the apparent unequal treatment of women as exhibited by the women sitting in the back of the mosque and other examples demonstrated in the Muslim world.

It was explained by the Imam that because of the frequent bowing down during the service that having women in the front could be a distraction to the men worshippers who are to be focusing on Allah.

A statement by Muhammad sheds some light on the subject: “O People: It is true that you have certain rights in regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives, only under God’s trust and with His permission…Do treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers…”

Another visitor asked about the Islamic “Jihad” against Christians and if Muslims were committed to the destruction of infidels. It was explained by the Imam and the other lady that Jihad is not a word that just translates into “war”. Its meaning could be better defined as “a struggle against something”. Another person wanted to know about all the killing done by Muslims. The Imam said that their religion does not condone killing. In the Imam’s accompanying notes to his presentation, a quotation attributed to the Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon is noteworthy: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also, a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action…”

Another visitor in the audience recounted that when her family was based in Turkey they were treated beautifully by the Muslims in that country.

There is no doubt that there are some Muslims who want to “get” us. But, as I pointed out in some general comments I made to the assembly: the United States was also guilty of killing millions of innocent people needlessly in the steady stream of serial wars that the U.S. fosters and perpetuates. I said that as a follower of Christ that I could see no justification for what the U.S. has done in Iraq. I pointed out that the war in Iraq was not legal because our Constitution does not give the President the power to declare war. Only Congress has been given the power to declare war. Also, I pointed out that our President claims he is a Christian. His actions are certainly at a variance to the teachings of Jesus. No wonder the world is so mixed up about what Christians say they believe and what they advocate. Applause originated from a number of the members of the mosque after making my comments.

Upon my sitting down, another visitor jumped up to strongly disagree with me and question my patriotism. He claimed that he was a veteran and had defended our freedom. Then, a number of the visitors applauded him. It is a sad commentary to think how the American public has been brainwashed to think of Muslims as a threat to us. Any honest person when reviewing the facts will see how dangerous the United States’ policy of wars for “democracy” really is. Many Americans believe that the United States is somehow morally superior to anybody else on the planet and is the universal dispensing agent of truth and justice. Applying Jesus’ directive to love your neighbor as yourself still sounds valid to me.

If you have a chance to visit a mosque, don’t hesitate to do so. I felt warmly received during my visit. Compare this to downright animosity received on occasion from some of my “bloodthirsty brothers in Christ” when standing outside their churches holding a sign that simply says: “Choose Life, Not War.”

Who Owns Title to the Land of Palestine?

In January of 1997, an Israeli soldier opened fire on Arab civilians in the city of Hebron in occupied Palestine, killing some and wounding others. His motive was to prevent the return of Israeli-occupied lands to the Arabs. This soldier was convinced that God has given the land of Palestine to the Jews, and that it would be a sin to return the land to the Arabs. Zionists prefer to rely on the Old Testament, citing Genesis 13:15 where God said to Abraham,

"For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."

They construe this verse to teach that a large chunk of the Middle East still belongs to the Jews today, including the ancient lands of Edom and Moab, even though God said in Deuteronomy 2:5, 9 that He would never give those lands to the Jews.

Christian Zionists regard God's covenant with Abraham, including the land grant, as an unconditional covenant. They admit that the Jews have broken that covenant, and have rejected their Messiah, but insist that Palestine still belongs to the Jews because God gave it to them "forever." However, the Bible teaches that God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants were a conditional covenant, not unconditional.

In Genesis 17:9-14 the Jews were warned that they must keep the covenant or be cut off from God's people. Leviticus 26:40-45 teaches that the Jews must confess and forsake their sins in order to maintain the covenant. Joshua 23:15-16 and 2 Chronicles 7:19-22 not only teach that the covenant was conditional, but they also specify that the Jews would lose their land grant if they broke the covenant.

In Exodus 12:23-24, God ordained the ordinance of the Passover to be observed "forever."

In Deuteronomy 18:3-5 the Levites are ordained to be God's ministers, and to receive the offerings of the people, "forever."

Leviticus 16:29 specify that the Day of Atonement is to be observed "forever."

The same reasoning applies to the land grant of Palestine to the Jews. The covenant and the land promise to the Jews were not eternal, to last until the end of time. The Jews did not keep the conditions of the covenant, and for this reason God took away the kingdom of God from them, Matthew 21:42-45, and gave it to the New Israel (Galatians 6:16,) the Church which consists of believing Jews and Gentiles.

The inheritance of the new Spiritual Israel is not land in the Middle East, but rather the New Jerusalem in heaven. The old Jerusalem on earth is of absolutely no importance to God's people, John 4:21, Galatians 4:24-28, Hebrews 12:18-24. The final disappearance of the old covenant took place in 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Temple, the City of Jerusalem, and the Jewish state. There is no statement or hint in the New Testament that God will revive the Jewish state. Nowadays there are prominent evangelists who preach to their followers that God never fulfilled His promise of giving all the land of Palestine to the Jews.

They support whatever action necessary, even nuclear war, to obtain Arab lands in the Middle East and give them to the Jews. Read Joshua 11:23, Joshua 21:43-45, 2 Samuel 8:3, 1 Kings 4:21, 1 Kings 8:56, 2 Chronicles 9:26 and Nehemiah 9:7-8, 24 and it will become very clear that God did give all of the land promised to the Jews. The prophet Jeremiah is often quoted to prove that God promised a restoration of the Jews to their land and that the promise began to be fulfilled in 1948 AD. Instead of rejoicing in the New Covenant which was promised to all God's people, Jeremiah 31:31-34, they want to go back to the Old Covenant which has been forever abrogated.

The duty of Christian churches today is to seek the well-being of Jews according to the flesh, Romans 9:3. We will accomplish that, not by lobbying for the territorial expansion of Israel, but rather by preaching the Gospel and planting churches, thereby giving all Jews and Gentiles an opportunity to enter the heavenly Jerusalem for all eternity.