"Our world is wracked with violence and war. But Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Matt. 5:9). Innocent people, at home and abroad, are increasingly threatened by terrorist attacks. But Jesus said: "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:44). These words, which have never been easy, seem all the more difficult today."
"A time comes when silence is betrayal" and asks, "How many churches have heard sermons on these texts since the terrorist atrocities of September 11? Where is the serious debate about what it means to confess Christ in a world of violence? Does Christian "realism" mean resigning ourselves to an endless future of "pre-emptive wars"? Does it mean turning a blind eye to torture and massive civilian casualties?"
"Because of a deep and growing concern about an emerging "theology of war" in the White House, the increasingly frequent language of "righteous empire," and official claims of "divine appointment" for a nation and president in the "war" on terrorism," Jim Wallis and more than 200 theologians and ethicists, "many from conservative seminaries and Christian colleges," have signed a "New Confession of Christ" that they hope we will share with friends and present to our churches if we "resonate with its concerns and convictions."
This page was last updated: Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 2:16:59 PM Copyright 2008 The Polished Mirror
