I have a tough time on the issue of war, going to war, etc. This post by Michael Gorman is about as good as I have found in thoughtful consideration of the church’s stance and then the thoughtful consideration of what governments have to do.

I invite you to read his short post, but also one of his lengthy responses. It’s good. I can’t agree with everything he says, but it’s a good thoughtful response.

The quote from Eugene Peterson regarding the Book of Revelation and the Red Horse is incredibly powerful:

For a time, writ large in the headlines, war is perceived as an evil, and there are prayers for peace. But not for long, for it is quickly glamorized as patriotic or rationalized as just. But war is a red horse, bloody and cruel, making life miserable and horrid…. The perennial ruse is to glorify war so that we accept it as a proper means of achieving goals. But it is evil. It is opposed by Christ. Christ does not sit on the red horse, ever.

Happy reading!