by Greg A. Tidwell

It was bound to happen; only a matter of months since Islamic terrorists violated our nation's security, and yet an anti-war movement is growing.

Since the 1960s, our nation's media elite has worn a disdain for American institutions, and especially a contempt for the American military, as a badge of honor. These opinion leaders were temporarily silenced by the nation's outrage at the World Trade Center attack, but have steadily and stealthfully attempted to undermine the national resolve to seek justice through military action.

When There Is No Peace

Is war ever desirable? In one sense, no Christian needs to even reflect to answer. Our Lord is "the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). Violence is never, in itself, preferable to peace: "for God is not a God of confusion but of peace," as the Apostle Paul noted. (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Sometimes, however, sinful men thrust violence into human affairs, and integrity requires the use of force to oppose the force of injustice. Violence is justified in preventing injustice, and violence is required in rendering justice in extreme situations: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image." (Genesis 9:6)

A Just War

War, while always regrettable, is often admirable and sometimes demanded by honor and integrity. God authorized human government "to punish those who do evil." (1 Peter 2:14) One aspect of faith commended among God's people is that they "became mighty in war." (Hebrews 11:34)

Beyond the clear right of the United States to use military action in self-defense, she has an obligation to protect the innocent. Twice in the last century America went to war in Europe to deliver nations, notably France and Germany, from oppression. Ridding Iraq of its evil dictator is a moral goal, as was freeing Germany from the grasp of Hitler. Christians, and indeed all men of good will, should support the liberation of the Iraqi people from this cruel tyrant.