On Veterans' Day, we honor those who have served their country in the armed forces. Many of them have gone to battle in wars just and unjust.
National governments go to war for reasons both good and bad. If we knew the truth, I'm sure the true motives for many of the wars we've been in are less than honorable.
The average American soldier, though, usually fights from more noble motives. He wants to protect his home and family; he wants to preserve a way of life in which he believes.
For this reason, I do honor those who have served, and I thank them (and, at the same time I would remind those who are thinking about enlisting to take a hard look at our nation and its leaders before you commit).
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(and, at the same time I would remind those who are thinking about enlisting to take a hard look at our nation and its leaders before you commit)
I'm sorry, but do you think you could help explain what you mean for me?
Spencer
P.S. I hope that doesn't come off as combative, I'm only curious. I've struggle for years with this sort of thing.... Part of me wonders about all of this.... I have views that are pretty accepting of our wars. I mean, even if there are ulterior motives in Washington (what did we expect?), I often see something good in them.
Iraq - Getting Saddam, freeing the people, etc.
Vietnam - Battling communism, freeing the people
Korea - Same as above
What do you think?
I don't see your question as combative, Spencer. I hope you will not see my answer in that light, either.
We will have to disagree about how right it was for us to invade Iraq to "get" Saddam Hussein. He kept the Islamic factions in check.
Since we have "freed" the Iraqi people, they have felt free to attack the Christian minority in the country. Saddam was repressive, but he did protect Christians from Muslim radicals.
Saddam did torture and kill Iraqi dissidents, but the death and suffering was nowhere near the levels achieved since America has invaded. And Americans arrest, detain, torture -- oh, excuse me, we don't torture because we've redefined the word to exclude waterboarding and other interrogation tactics -- and imprison suspects without trial or appeal.
Of course the difference is that "we're doing it for their own good." Not like every other repressive regime (even though they make the same claim).
My greatest concern is that Christians in the military may soon have to make a choice between following orders to disarm and oppress American citizens and suffering the consequences of disobeying.
I've written on the subject before:
http://warskyl.blogspot.com/2007/11/christian-martialist-as-sheepdog-3.html
That said, please understand that although I think it's a big mistake for a Christian to enter into that kind of service right now, I do respect those who have made that choice, and I pray that they may never be the ones who come after me or my family.
I've replied via an email through your site, ok?
Great post!
I completely agree with Gravelbelly.
I agree with much of what he says myself....
And like I said in the email, I don't actually disagree either...if that makes sense? :-?
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