In the Fall of 2002, one of John Hagee’s false prophesies went like this: “I predict that a war in Iraq will destabilize the Middle East, and arouse an Arab army to march against Israel.” In one camp were those mesmerized by Hagee’s apparent charisma. They did not bother to search Scripture while watching Hagee because they were predisposed to receive his message as God’s unquestionable truth. In another camp were those who had no time to agree or disagree with Hagee’s message, even if he was influencing hundreds of thousands of people with falsehood. Then there is the camp that includes people like me. We want people to preach truth; and when their statements do not hold water, we are disturbed to see them continue to draw funding from members of mainstream church congregations.
Stephen Mansfield is the author of The Faith of George W. Bush. In a second volume, The Faith of the American Soldier, Mansfield refers to a treacherous message coming from a nationally-known preacher in San Antonio, Texas, who describes the Prophet Muhammad as a demon-possessed man, and the Holy Quran as a book that calls its readers to immerse the world in a bloodbath. Consequently, the U.S. military now has soldiers who become less concerned about civilian lives in Iraq (i.e. “collateral damage”). Some can even describe struggles with temptation to kill members of an evil religious system (male, female, young or old) on sight. This appalling message of hate has carried much clout in American society for a season.
Recently, presidential candidate John McCain rejected John Hagee’s endorsement because he wanted no identification with a preacher who preached a gospel of hate. In truth, this is not just about John Hagee. It is also about Rod Parsley, Michael Savage, and many others who thrive on condemnation. Now, the place for such opportunism is being denied in both major political parties of the U.S. To some degree, this is the end of a reign by people observed in Cal Thomas’ and Ed Dobson’s 1999 book: Blinded By Might. I believe, more importantly, that it is a time to distinguish between hatred and true courage in this age of globalization and terror.
I have grown up and lived my life among a brand of white Evangelical Christians who seem unable to identify real martyrs in our population. We have produced countless sermons that evoke little unity among us. We admit nagging deficiencies in our church practice, but we have yet to conceptualize broad-based reform. New prophets are evidently leading new flocks in a new direction; yet we are still waiting for a big connection that will radically transform America’s faith communities with godly wisdom and power. I offer no brilliance of my own. However, I hope we continue to watch in prayer and humility as God is doing things His way.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A FEW WORDS FOR MY PACIFIST FRIENDS
I have noticed in the last few years that I can meet Mennonites, Amish, and Quakers and other pacifists—even while in military uniform—and exchange pleasant conversation. I am also aware that some pacifists are very aggressive in their promotion of the pacifist cause. In some cases, I expect, exchanges might be less than pleasant. But they need not be.
General Douglass MacArthur was in his retirement years when he returned to the U.S. Military Academy at Westpoint to speak to the cadets there. One of his remarks was that “the soldier above all prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” Some will add that MacArthur could only have uttered those words in his latter years because, at the peak of his military career, he was far too arrogant. In any case, his words remain.
It is a shame we can not have diligent dialogue between pacifists and military leaders. After all, the solution to the global conflicts we experience can not possibly be reached by people whose service pits them continuously against each other. In other words, if we can not resolve our own differences, how do we expect political and military leaders around the world to resolve theirs?
As a military Chaplain with some experience in the combat zone, I can say that I witness many service members in prayer, and listen to them describe how they are tired of war. Bear in mind that many who have served in the military have thought long and hard about real solutions. We are not exactly disinterested in what pacifists have to say. In some cases, we need humility to listen to opposing viewpoints. In others, we need the courage to engage in the discussion. Engage we must if we truly desire peace at any cost; and the initial sacrifice required is often our pride. I hope this dialogue is alive and well.
General Douglass MacArthur was in his retirement years when he returned to the U.S. Military Academy at Westpoint to speak to the cadets there. One of his remarks was that “the soldier above all prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” Some will add that MacArthur could only have uttered those words in his latter years because, at the peak of his military career, he was far too arrogant. In any case, his words remain.
It is a shame we can not have diligent dialogue between pacifists and military leaders. After all, the solution to the global conflicts we experience can not possibly be reached by people whose service pits them continuously against each other. In other words, if we can not resolve our own differences, how do we expect political and military leaders around the world to resolve theirs?
As a military Chaplain with some experience in the combat zone, I can say that I witness many service members in prayer, and listen to them describe how they are tired of war. Bear in mind that many who have served in the military have thought long and hard about real solutions. We are not exactly disinterested in what pacifists have to say. In some cases, we need humility to listen to opposing viewpoints. In others, we need the courage to engage in the discussion. Engage we must if we truly desire peace at any cost; and the initial sacrifice required is often our pride. I hope this dialogue is alive and well.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
GIVING POLITICAL OPINION TO GOD
I remember participating in a large (2000+) congregation in Indianapolis, in the late 1980s, when Religious Broadcaster Pat Robertson made a bid for the White House. I then had a conversation with a lay leader for the prayer ministry who agreed that it would be a good idea to have a prayer group committed to seeking God for guidance about the upcoming election. But there was very little if any interest. The people had already made up their minds one way or the other about Robertson’s candidacy.
In a time when I hear a lot of preaching about how Christians should vote, it seems odd that the preachers don’t tell people they need to ask God to direct them in their political opinions. Instead the message is almost always about adopting a political opinion as if no prayers are needed. The problem is that Christians form camps in opposition to fellow Christians as if the Spirit of God has called us into division. My assessment of this is that the larger problem in the American Church is “un-surrendered” political opinion. Many Christian voters claim to be voting according to their Christian values, but they seldom describe political opinions that have been given wholly to God.
There are certainly some churches that have a truer sense of Jesus’ politics than others. Some are more given to feeding the hungry, advocating for the oppressed, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and all of the real economics of Jesus’ teachings. I disagree, however, that a Christian political crusade will bring churches together in truth. Instead, there must be a true revival that opens the eyes of church-goers. We must take thoughts captive (II Cor. 10:5). There is something about true Biblical politics that I can not communicate as a human being. We must hear more directly from God.
At a time when American lives are in danger, I have become less critical of our presidential candidates. I see positive aspects in each of them. More importantly, I see the United States very much at risk in a world of uncertain economics, a growing health care crisis; an environment in jeopardy; the war on terror; and other threats to the well-being of our nation. For now, my own life is in harm’s way; and my ultimate hope is in God’s own righteousness and His justice however He may choose to bring it.
In a time when I hear a lot of preaching about how Christians should vote, it seems odd that the preachers don’t tell people they need to ask God to direct them in their political opinions. Instead the message is almost always about adopting a political opinion as if no prayers are needed. The problem is that Christians form camps in opposition to fellow Christians as if the Spirit of God has called us into division. My assessment of this is that the larger problem in the American Church is “un-surrendered” political opinion. Many Christian voters claim to be voting according to their Christian values, but they seldom describe political opinions that have been given wholly to God.
There are certainly some churches that have a truer sense of Jesus’ politics than others. Some are more given to feeding the hungry, advocating for the oppressed, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and all of the real economics of Jesus’ teachings. I disagree, however, that a Christian political crusade will bring churches together in truth. Instead, there must be a true revival that opens the eyes of church-goers. We must take thoughts captive (II Cor. 10:5). There is something about true Biblical politics that I can not communicate as a human being. We must hear more directly from God.
At a time when American lives are in danger, I have become less critical of our presidential candidates. I see positive aspects in each of them. More importantly, I see the United States very much at risk in a world of uncertain economics, a growing health care crisis; an environment in jeopardy; the war on terror; and other threats to the well-being of our nation. For now, my own life is in harm’s way; and my ultimate hope is in God’s own righteousness and His justice however He may choose to bring it.
Friday, March 7, 2008
HAS THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION RUN ITS COURSE?
My 1970s’ upbringing in an Evangelical Christian family, relentless pursuit of ministry, divorce, rejection by the Church, and subsequent period of restless searching (and eventual ordination) have colored much of my reflection in this post 9/11 era. I think about Jesus’ confrontations with Pharisees and other religious leaders, and consider how he might confront the same pharisaical conduct today. I look at protestant moralistic campaigns that bemoan some loss of moral authority in American society despite the fact that Protestants can blame themselves, in their own disunity, for much of the lost church authority. I can not help but think that the real solution to crime, terror, money and sex scandals, social injustice and other crises in today’s world will require prudent moral leadership.
While it might seem obvious that a divided Church can not have moral influence on the larger society, it seems for many to be of little concern. Is it not possible that the inadequacy of Church authority for the American family translates directly into fragile families, fragile communities, delinquency, crime, and social disorder? Is it not a life and death issue? If so, argumentation between Church leaders is acceptable; but Church leadership that has disengaged from such discussion, and lost interest in the effort to reunite the Church is apostasy! Such complacency must be exposed and denounced.
The simplest way I know to expose this problem is to consider the authority declared by the Roman Catholic Church in regard to marriage. While Catholic authorities do not recognize the authority of a civil court to dissolve their marriages, most protestant leaders seem helpless in the face of powerful divorce courts. We could even say that American Catholics are hindered in their efforts to maintain familial order because of conditions created largely by American Protestants over the decades.
We need to have a day in this country when all Christians come to terms with our disunity, and its devastating impact on our moral authority in American society. Until then we will continue to be plagued by a lot of moralistic campaigning and all of the bigoted judgmental self-righteous behavior that follows.
While it might seem obvious that a divided Church can not have moral influence on the larger society, it seems for many to be of little concern. Is it not possible that the inadequacy of Church authority for the American family translates directly into fragile families, fragile communities, delinquency, crime, and social disorder? Is it not a life and death issue? If so, argumentation between Church leaders is acceptable; but Church leadership that has disengaged from such discussion, and lost interest in the effort to reunite the Church is apostasy! Such complacency must be exposed and denounced.
The simplest way I know to expose this problem is to consider the authority declared by the Roman Catholic Church in regard to marriage. While Catholic authorities do not recognize the authority of a civil court to dissolve their marriages, most protestant leaders seem helpless in the face of powerful divorce courts. We could even say that American Catholics are hindered in their efforts to maintain familial order because of conditions created largely by American Protestants over the decades.
We need to have a day in this country when all Christians come to terms with our disunity, and its devastating impact on our moral authority in American society. Until then we will continue to be plagued by a lot of moralistic campaigning and all of the bigoted judgmental self-righteous behavior that follows.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Loving God and Country
I recently heard, through my parents in Colorado, about an incident that took place in Iraq at the same base where I will soon be serving with many fellow soldiers of the 76th Brigade. As the event was described by one chaplain last spring, about 1,000 soldiers had gathered in an auditorium that was used for movies. On this occasion, prior to a showing of “Superman 3,” the National Anthem was played (as is customarily done on military bases). Unfortunately, the song was only three quarters of the way through when the music stopped. The soldiers, who were standing at attention, remained as they were as the music started again. But again, at the same point, the music stopped.
According to Chaplain Jim Higgins, “you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice; then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:”
‘And the rocket’s red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free
And the home of the brave?’
We are certainly troubled by the adversity we see in today’s world. Even as we prepare to face dangers overseas, we learn of the tragic deaths of at least 55 last week in the catastrophic weather that hit Tennessee. Yet there are always moments that remain with us: the self-sacrificing fire fighter or police officer; the child holding an American flag; soldiers kneeling in prayer together; and all of the imagery that teaches us the true meaning of “greatness.” We are indeed humbled to see true love in each other.
In the coming weeks, our soldiers will carry the love of friends and family back home as we journey overseas. We are all in this together. We long for peace and freedom together; and we fight for each other.
Blessings!
Daniel
According to Chaplain Jim Higgins, “you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice; then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:”
‘And the rocket’s red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free
And the home of the brave?’
We are certainly troubled by the adversity we see in today’s world. Even as we prepare to face dangers overseas, we learn of the tragic deaths of at least 55 last week in the catastrophic weather that hit Tennessee. Yet there are always moments that remain with us: the self-sacrificing fire fighter or police officer; the child holding an American flag; soldiers kneeling in prayer together; and all of the imagery that teaches us the true meaning of “greatness.” We are indeed humbled to see true love in each other.
In the coming weeks, our soldiers will carry the love of friends and family back home as we journey overseas. We are all in this together. We long for peace and freedom together; and we fight for each other.
Blessings!
Daniel
Monday, February 4, 2008
Renewing the Soldier's Mind
The Army has become increasingly aware of the importance of the soldier’s mind. If you saw the movie “Patton,” you know there was a scene where the General slapped a soldier who was suffering from battle fatigue (known today as PTSD). But there was another scene later in the movie where Patton kissed a battle-fatigued soldier. The General had learned an invaluable lesson. And we are still learning that lesson today. We must be renewed in our minds.
This month we begin a season of the Christian calendar known as “Lent.” Beginning on Ash Wednesday (Feb 6), Christians traditionally observe the passion of Christ. This is popularly observed by giving up something (e.g. desserts, recreation, television etc.). I still remember going to a Roman Catholic Ash Wednesday service with my assistant SGT John Arvin in 2003. Just listening to the conversations that took place beyond the Chapel, I could sense soldiers—already without their families—who still desired to sacrifice more in order to grow in their faith.
I am looking at this season of Lent as a time of increasing relationships with fellow Christians. In the weeks ahead, I will become better acquainted with service members in Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, and other denominations, and find encouragement for my own faith journey. I am certain that I will be amazed to see what God is doing in our lives. We Christians are taught to see our brokenness; and also to see the wholeness that we find together in Christ.
This truly is a time for renewal. We need especially to be renewed in our minds in preparation for the testing that we will face for the rest of this year. I am reminded of those back home who are praying for us. I am grateful for the dozens of soldiers I have met thus far who are committed to participation in ministry. I see challenges that are impossible for humanity unless we receive divine strength to face them. I know that strength is available!
Blessings!
Daniel
This month we begin a season of the Christian calendar known as “Lent.” Beginning on Ash Wednesday (Feb 6), Christians traditionally observe the passion of Christ. This is popularly observed by giving up something (e.g. desserts, recreation, television etc.). I still remember going to a Roman Catholic Ash Wednesday service with my assistant SGT John Arvin in 2003. Just listening to the conversations that took place beyond the Chapel, I could sense soldiers—already without their families—who still desired to sacrifice more in order to grow in their faith.
I am looking at this season of Lent as a time of increasing relationships with fellow Christians. In the weeks ahead, I will become better acquainted with service members in Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, and other denominations, and find encouragement for my own faith journey. I am certain that I will be amazed to see what God is doing in our lives. We Christians are taught to see our brokenness; and also to see the wholeness that we find together in Christ.
This truly is a time for renewal. We need especially to be renewed in our minds in preparation for the testing that we will face for the rest of this year. I am reminded of those back home who are praying for us. I am grateful for the dozens of soldiers I have met thus far who are committed to participation in ministry. I see challenges that are impossible for humanity unless we receive divine strength to face them. I know that strength is available!
Blessings!
Daniel
Friday, January 11, 2008
A Chaplain Prepares for Deployment
As we complete the first week of January, I find myself utterly amazed at all of the happenings. We have settled into a training facility that most of us have never seen before. We figured out quickly how to feed more than 3000 troops. We established offices and residences. Soldiers have also completed medical, administrative, and supply procedures, and begun various training exercises. I believe a lot of things could have gone wrong by now. But safety has become a priority; and leaders have been working together to effectively resolve problems.
I think about my own preparation over the last several months, and recall that it seemed to monopolize my time. I could never work through all of the items on my “to do” list. By now, I can see that I was probably over-doing it. I made my own work more difficult because of personal expectations that were not always essential. At times, I realize that I have been trying to get control when I should have been thinking “manageability” instead.
On this Tuesday morning, I am just catching my breath for a few minutes to look at what my own staff has accomplished. We’ve moved into two chapels, and held four worship services for approximately 170 soldiers. Unfortunately, the Catholic services are not available until this Saturday. When that gets worked out, we should be serving at least 220 soldiers or more every week. While I may have my own selfish reasons for wanting to see more participation here, I believe this should be our brigade’s highest priority.
We certainly do miss our local communities and our families. May God protect and preserve us as those of you at home serve in spirit with us to accomplish this mission.
Blessings!
I think about my own preparation over the last several months, and recall that it seemed to monopolize my time. I could never work through all of the items on my “to do” list. By now, I can see that I was probably over-doing it. I made my own work more difficult because of personal expectations that were not always essential. At times, I realize that I have been trying to get control when I should have been thinking “manageability” instead.
On this Tuesday morning, I am just catching my breath for a few minutes to look at what my own staff has accomplished. We’ve moved into two chapels, and held four worship services for approximately 170 soldiers. Unfortunately, the Catholic services are not available until this Saturday. When that gets worked out, we should be serving at least 220 soldiers or more every week. While I may have my own selfish reasons for wanting to see more participation here, I believe this should be our brigade’s highest priority.
We certainly do miss our local communities and our families. May God protect and preserve us as those of you at home serve in spirit with us to accomplish this mission.
Blessings!
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