Features

Voice of a Japanese Christian regarding the military action the U.S.
has taken against Iraq

By Kenichiro Kira

[MARCH 29, 2003]  Even though we are at war, everything around me in central Illinois is as usual. Even though people in Iraq are under the rain of bombs, I am eating good food and living in peaceful conditions. I have been enjoying the chocolate cookies my friend baked two days after the war declaration. Little kids are running around me with joyful faces. And we are talking about Jesus' love in the churches... I guess those who can enjoy such a peaceful life, like me (at least physically), are a minority in the world. Thinking of this, we need to realize how gracious it is that we can greet each other "peace." 

George Bush's war campaign against Saddam Hussein has upset me. My religious consciousness and understanding of international law do not allow me to accept the diplomacy of the U.S. In spite of the fact that I can never communicate with those Americans friends who support this military action, it is not easy for me to admit this, since most of my American friends are Christians. This contradiction created in me a difficult feeling -- emotionally, logically, rationally, religiously and consciously.

It seems like those who support George Bush believe an illusion that the U.S. can actually promote and establish so-called American democracy in Iraq, even though Iraq's cultural, historical, ethnical and religious backgrounds are totally different from that of the U.S. They believe that everybody in the world does appreciate the "American way of democracy (life)."

There is an interesting phenomenon in American history, based on my observation and research. The conservative churches are and have been, relatively speaking, very pro-"promoting the American way of democracy" to the world. Because they believe that God has chosen the U.S. and its people -- particularly Christians -- as an instrument of God on behalf of achieving the kingdom of God on this earth by promoting American ideals. This is at the subconscious level, so it seems like most of conservative Americans do not realize how much this philosophy has influenced their mindset. This American philosophy I am speaking of is called the Manifest Destiny.

 I know a simple fact that these American ideals -- justice and freedom -- do not appear as justice and freedom to some nations. In the same way that someone's notion of justice and freedom does not appear to Americans as just and free, American notions of justice and freedom may not appear as something good to other nations.

To me, it is very scary that conservative American Christians can make such easy decisions on very important things (like this war) by their extremely subjective, one-sided religious beliefs. More accurately, it appears to me that they support this war simply because George Bush is a conservative Christian (at least he says so). Based upon this religious belief, they can justify this tragic event in the name of Christ. Isn't such an attitude the same as that of the Crusaders in the medieval era? In my understanding George Bush Jr. is religiously very naive. He imposes this naive religiosity too much into his political decisions. His father, Bush Sr., was not like that.

My objection against them is based on following reasons:

--How can we be so certain of our understanding of God and His will? Aren't we finite beings?

--Didn't God say, "Do not kill"?

--Didn't Christ say, "Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also"?

--How can we so confidently and arrogantly assume that our subjective thoughts are objective?

We need to remember these words:

--With this kind of naivete we have killed the prophets of Israel!

--With this kind of naivete we have killed Jesus at Golgotha!

--With this kind of naivete we have killed Arabs during the medieval era!

--With this kind of naivete we have let the Nazis kill the Jews!

--With this kind of naivete we have killed the innocent throughout ecclesiastic history!

Our hymnals contain the following song, "O Beautiful for Spacious Skies" (words: Katherine Lee Bales [1859-1929]; music: Samuel Augustus Ward [1848-1903]), one of most beautiful American national songs.

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain;
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self control,
Thy liberty in law.

It is extremely remarkable that this song is contained in many hymnals. Because I can see the philosophy of the Manifest Destiny within its lyrics, and this song has been sung in churches. Although I like this song and I respect patriotism expressed within its lyrics, the philosophy of the Manifest Destiny makes me uncomfortable. I guess the reason is a conclusion that I have concerning American politics and diplomacy. I see the following formula in American politics and diplomacy: "Might makes right and justice."

Our consciousness and international law should not allow one to seize a leadoff attack on someone just by fear or the rare possibility of attack yet to happen. But it seems like those who have great might can justify their action in the name of their idea of justice... I wonder...can't they see Jesus' tears?

George Bush says, "God bless America," often. But who blesses whom? God? Bush? The United States of America? Who said God blesses whom? I know "God bless America" is an American prayer. I respect that prayer the same as I respect my prayer "God bless Japan." But if God really blesses America, this is not because the U.S. is a godly and great nation. God uses everything, including the imperfect, the evil and the finite, for His perfect ends by His mercy. But our God, the Holy Father of Jesus Christ, does not bless one nation and curse others. He does not bless injustice! Every single time George Bush says, "God bless America!" I wonder which God he is talking about... To me his God sounds like an American national god. Not the God of the Bible, but a national god. I believe God's justice will judge our own theory of justice (arrogance).

I wonder, can't we see Jesus' tears...? Can't we hear the silent voice of God, saying, "I am the authority, not you!"? I told some of my American Christian friends in Lincoln, "Do not forget this! You are responsible for the lives of the innocent that may be killed by the American attack. This is to be the very result of your support over the war. This is not a merely event you watch on TV! They are -- they really are -- under bombing!"

I believe Saddam Hussein is an evil man in the way he has made his people terribly suffer. But I don't think that he is a threat to the U.S. and to the world at this moment. As long as Iraq is an independent country, we cannot expect Iraq to show every weapon they have. In the same way, the U.S. does not show everything they have. It is not easy, but this is the reality of the world and this is what we have to admit in diplomatic relations.

Quite honestly, to me, the U.S. has been more of a threat to the world in terms of her diplomatic policy and military power. Americans should know this simple fact that the U.S. government has been giving an aggressive and arrogant impression toward the world. The world fears America's capability and fears what America might do with her enormous power without listening to the world.

I don't feel the U.S. is a dangerous country to Japan now because Japan and the U.S. are allies. But if the U.S. were not our ally, obviously no other nation would be more a threat than the U.S. to us.

I assume American Christians pray for their public leaders. I pray also for them. But I wonder how they pray and what they really pray for their leaders. We probably pray God that they may serve justice and promote the dignity and freedom of every person. I believe God's justice is supremely important, and freedom in Christ and human rights are treasure of the world. However, I wonder if we are praying for the same ideas. I wonder if we ever had a universal common understanding in respect to "justice" and "freedom." 

Many of us may know the following poem written by John Donne (1572-1631), a metaphysical poet in early 17th-century England.

No man is an Iland, intire of it selfe; any man's
death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

I don't know if those who are "easy pro-war people" can hear the bell tolling in Iraq... The U.N. has been tolling the same bell for the U.S. and U.K. I believe those who have the mind of Christ would hear the toll around city of Lincoln with the church tolls.

Therefore, I want to pray to God for the world, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," because our hope is essentially in heaven, and we all are to stand before God on the day of his glorious judgment. However, as long as we are living on this earth we need to pray like this: "For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, O Lord, have mercy." O Lord, make us be humble!

Nevertheless, we need to know that it is very natural for us to have different understandings toward history, diplomacy, war and peace, depending on each nation's perspective, since we all have different historical experiences in different times, in different places and with different religious minds.

Shalom (perfect peace from God) be with you all.

[Kenichiro Kira, Lincoln]

Kurka receives chairmanship with
the Evangelical Theological Society

[MARCH 29, 2003]  Lincoln Christian College and Seminary announces the advancement of Dr. Robert C. Kurka to chairman for the Evangelical Theological Society -- Midwest Region. Kurka's chairmanship will extend to the next regional meeting, which will be on the Lincoln Christian College campus March 19 and 20, 2004. Renowned evangelical theologian Dr. Millard Erickson will headline the conference.

The Evangelical Theological Society is a scholarly organization of over 3,500 members throughout the United States and Canada, committed to "foster(ing) conservative Biblical scholarship."

Kurka is in his 11th year of teaching at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary and is the author of a number of books, essays and journal articles. He is a recent author on open theism in the Stone-Campbell Theological Journal.

"I appreciate the encouragement and support of Lincoln Christian College and Seminary toward my efforts in the Stone-Campbell Heritage and evangelical theology," Kurka said of LCC. "And as chair of the theological society, I have been given the unique opportunity to work with leaders of many denominations. I am thrilled to be able to assist in bringing these biblical scholars to Lincoln Christian College and Seminary to allow our students the opportunity to grow in the field of evangelism."

Kurka is pursuing his second doctoral degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in the area of systematic theology. He and his wife, Beverley, reside in Lincoln.

[LCCS news release]

Announcements

'Les Miserables' --
an experience of grace

[MARCH 19, 2003]  The Open Door class at Lincoln Christian Church presents a series of lectures on grace, law and life in the marvelous musical "Les Miserables." John Castelein will lead in nine sessions in which the music, the story and the grace will come alive.

There will be readings from Victor Hugo's novel, film clips from the movie, careful study of the lyrics, guided discussions and singalongs of many of the songs performed at Royal Albert Hall in London in 1995.

This series starts March 23 and extends till May 25 (with no class on April 6). The series takes place during the Bible school hour, 9:45-10:45 a.m., in the Fellowship Center at the church. Child care and teaching is provided and everyone is welcome.

On the kickoff Sunday, March 23, all members and guests of the Open Door who want to come are invited to a potluck in the church basement immediately following second service.

Wednesday services

[MARCH 18, 2003]  Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Lincoln, 1140 N. State, is having Lenten services at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 19 and 26 and April 2 and 9. Fellowship and refreshments follow the services.

A Maundy Thursday service with Communion will be at 7 p.m. April 17, and a Good Friday Tenebrae service will be at 7 p.m. April 18.

On Easter Sunday, April 20, there will be an 8 a.m. service with Communion. An Easter breakfast served by the youth group will follow.

The regular weekly services are on Sundays at 10 a.m., following Sunday school at 9 a.m. The public is invited to all services.

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