I recently wrote that “war is an evil”. I wrote this to respond to and distinguish from Scott McKnight’s argument that war is itself a crime, it isn’t just about the committing of war crimes. What this enables us to do is to recognise that sadly, in a fallen world, war is sometimes necessary and can be justified. However, at the same time we want to recognise that war is itself not a good thing and a consequence of living in a fallen world full of sin.
This has implications for us. What should our first response as Christians be to war? Well, it should be to grieve. We express our sadness at evil. What does this mean. First, it means that we can recognise the intentional and wilful sin involved. Specifically, this does mean that it is okay to take sides. I notice that some have felt that they should remain neutral. The result is of course that even in our neutrality we end up giving the impression that we align one way or the other.
In this case, it is right to recognise the particular evil of Hamas’ atrocities, the torture, rape, kidnapping, shaming and killing of civilians, women and children. We can recognise that it is just and right for Israel to defend herself, to seek to defeat Hamas and to return the hostages. Note, that we can do this whilst recognising the complexity of things, the history involved and we can do so whilst also recognising that Palestinian civilians, particularly women and children have suffered greatly. We can challenge and condemn where Israel has done wrong.
Taking a step back. There are a few things that we want to say. First of all, we do need to recognise the grievous wrong done to Palestinians. There are I believe four aspects to this. First, there is the historical wrong done. We cannot pretend that the rest of the world, including the countries surrounding Israel have shown much interest in the well-being of the Palestinians. Egypt hasn’t done much to open their border with Gaza and alleviate suffering. Nor, do they seem to have made many efforts to get fuel and water in over the long term. In fact, back in 1948, Egypt occupied Gaza, just as Jordan occupied the West Bank, in order to further their objectives of wiping out Israel.
Since 1967, Israel has had a greater responsibility towards those territories. So, secondly we want to challenge the wrong done to Palestinians particularly through the encroachment of settlers into the West Bank.
Thirdly, I have argued previously that when you look at what International Law actually requires, it is not true that Israel have committed war crimes when it comes to military incursions into civilian areas or ceasing to supply electricity or water. Israel’s responsibility under international law is to ensure that civilians are fed and watered in areas they occupy. It is also their responsibility not to directly target civilians. However, what international law, legally requires and what we would say that God would morally require are different things. I believe that there is a responsibility to go further in protecting civilian life in a way that shows we truly value our fellow human beings.
Fourthly, we need to recognise and condemn the further evil done by Hamas in wilfully using women and children, their own people as human shields, tunnelling under their cities, launching attacks from civilian areas, putting hospitals at risk. When Israel warn civilians to evacuate, Hamas order them to stay.
Thirdly, I think we can focus exclusively on civilians and forget those called up to serve. If we only care about atrocities done to “innocent civilians” and don’t care about the suffering of soldiers, then we actually fall short of international law never mind Christian morality. To be sure, soldiers and airman in the regular forces have made a conscious decision to risk their lives. However, first, many of those serving in the IDF are reservists called up under obligation, they have no choice in the matter. Secondly, they are never legitimate targets for torture, kidnap, rape. Thirdly, these are the men and women (both serve in the IDF) whose lives will be put at risk. A war in the Hamas tunnels will carry a huge cost in casualties. There will be many grieving families and many survivors who will suffer long term PTSD.
All of those things mean that we cannot be indifferent and certainly not take pleasure in the horrors of war. Our engagement should not be morbid curiosity. Our natural, immediate response should be grief. Our prayers should include lament. Our hearts’ desire should be for peace.
Lord God,
We weep today for Israel and Gaza. It grieves our hearts to see the immense suffering caused by evil. We pray that you would bring justice to those who have done evil, that they would be held accountable for their crimes. We pray even more that you would turn even the most hardened of hearts to you in repentance. We pray for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones an those who wait anxiously for news that you would comfort them. We pray for the many in Gaza who are suffering greatly without fuel, food or water that their suffering will end soon. We pray that you would give wisdom and justice to those in government in Israel and in the armed forces, that they would seek the welfare of others even as they follow their duty to protect their country.
Lord, we pray that even in these dark hours, the light of your glory will shine and that you will use this horrific situation to turn hearts to you for your glory.
In Christ’s name
Amen
Faithroots 