Onward Christian Soldiers

I've always been confused by war-hungry Christians. The justness of killing other people for your cause just seems like the last thing one could derive from the teachings of Christ. Some have quite effectively mocked the current enthusiasm for the American Christian Warrior image.

On the other hand, others have actually been there, have tried to square the love of Christ in their hearts with their participation in "systems of violence" and have come out of it deeply affected. You must read this, about a former interrogator at Abu Ghraib (and the brother of a friend). Unbelievably thought provoking.

I am no pacifist. At some point, every nation must defend itself. If a nation "turns the other cheek" for too long, there will likely be another nation ready to not only smack both cheeks, but lop off the head and start collecting booty. I think that we, as Americans, have long realized this, and have recognized that we must respond to imminent, serious threats with force.

We also now realize, as a nation, that Iraq posed no such threat.