ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
March 2, 2022
In yesterday’s Etching I spoke more theoretically about the challenge associated with faith and politics, and the wonkiness that comes with determining what is politics, what is partisanship and what is faithfully following Jesus. Today, I want us to think about how a follower of Jesus responds to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Let’s be clear, there is not a perfect response plan presented in scripture. Does that mean there is no response? Since the 3rd and 4th century, Christianity has struggled with its response to war. Some theologians, such as Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, constructed a Just War Theory (when is it justified to go to war and what does war look like) that even today is used, both inside and outside the Christian faith. From what I know of Jesus in the Gospels, I don’t know if he would necessarily give his name to the Just War Theory, but that is for debate. At the same time, would Jesus sit quietly when one nation invades another, especially with absolutely no provocation? Again, I cannot provide an unequivocal answer, except to say that any actions must continue to embody the values Jesus lived throughout his ministry. The cross as sacrificial love and the way of non-violence provide a vision of the possible, assuming the vision is present in the methods themselves. I also see Jesus, as was taught in the Sermon on the Mount, using unconventional power in unexpected ways without taking the approach of the perpetrator. In the weeks and months ahead, economic sanctions will continue to impact Russia… maybe bringing enough pressure on the Russian government to see a reversal of their current path. But it also means we in the United States and other places around the globe must be willing to sacrifice in small, yet real ways. We cannot complain about higher gas prices or other hits to our checking account. Are economic sanctions a way Jesus would choose, especially if it slows or stops the violence? Is it being political if someone says, “In this moment, I believe Jesus calls me to act in tangible ways to bring about change of systems and structures?” There might be some disagreements among Christians in the how, but even if you call it political, I don’t necessarily believe it negates the chance it is also Christ-like. This is complicated, and these ramblings only create more questions without easy answers. Yet where injustice occurs, I think of the Exodus story where God heard the cries of the oppressed and began putting together the team by which divine liberation would be achieved. Is God doing that right now? My faith says, Yes. Finally, let’s not dismiss the power of prayer to impact the hearts and minds of the individuals involved. I know my skepticism needs to be kept in check, but I am praying for Putin to have a change of heart – to see his hardened heart softened just a bit. Maybe that’s naive, but I’m willing to toss my prayers into the political arena with hope. Should my Christian faith be involved or at least speak to geopolitical problems? I believe the moment we begin suggesting our faith should not involve itself in one area is the moment other areas of human life will be added to the list of exclusions and then others will be added and then others. For followers of Jesus, I think that’s dangerous.
Gracious and Merciful God, I seek you this day as I seek the witness you need me to make in this moment. I can’t say for sure what it will look like tomorrow, but I’m pretty sure it will reflect Jesus and self-giving love. Thanks for guiding me with your Spirit in both the simple and complex problems of life. Amen.
