I write this editorial in the midst of a public debate in America about war. War fever is catching. The more frightened people become, the stronger the push for war and the desire for security. We are encouraged to purchase protection, plastic, duct tape, food, and water. We hole up in our prideful arrogance. We are justified. We are the world’s savior. We even refute the consensus of the United Nations, the body we helped to create but now ignore.

Two significant theological matters remain to be engaged. There is within the Christian tradition a moral argument called a “Just War Theory or Doctrine”. Before we proceed we need to be certain that this war is just, that it confronts radical evil and gives promise for rescue and rebuilding. There must be a comparative sense of justice, not one solely defined by the strong, e.g. USA. The intent must be just, to rescue the oppressed. There must be some real possibility for change and success. And the good must be proportionate to the cost. The reader can surely make his/her own assessment if the invasion of Iraq meets these criteria.

The more difficult theological issue involves the heretical posture of our President. Bush is absolutely self-righteous, arrogant, and continually affirms the righteousness of America. We are “blessed by God. We face our sense of vulnerability…and place our confidence in God…May God continue to bless America.” There is no word of repentance, only the mantra of our goodness, our “God blessedness”. We claim roots as a Christian country, yet very little in our public debate has anything to do with Christianity. There is no hint of the Christian posture of humility, confession, and repentance. In the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called for repentance by all the peoples of the United States. When the Muslims were at the gates of Europe, Martin Luther called upon the leaders of Christian Europe to repent and beg forgiveness. Where is the call for repentance now?

So how does the Christian face political oppression? How does one respond to the suffering of the world , and the potential for a global war of untold death and destruction? I think we begin by being honest about our own country’s evil, our abuse of the weak, our destruction of the environment, our lust for oil and our part in diminishing the resources of the world; I believe we begin by repentance and renewal. We need time for discussion, debate, and prayer, time for tears and hugs, for anger and rage, forgiveness, and healing. We need time to recover a civil rationality. We need to continue to talk, hope, pray, negotiate, and heal. We need time to re-examine our own nation’s righteousness and arrogance. We will never abuse the world into submission.

We need to welcome a public discussion, and not hasten decisions that may lead to a global war of terrifying proportions. This is not an appeal for a Pollyanna approach to national policy. This is an argument for time to create a national consensus. This is an appeal to Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other religious groups within our country to begin a public debate of life and death importance. We each need to do our little part. Perhaps we may yet be healed of ourselves.

We look forward to your letters of response, as we begin a difficult but life-giving discussion!

Stephen A. Schmidt, editor

"Stauros" is the Greek word for "cross." Central to our mission is remembering the sufferings of Christ as a powerful paradigm for interpreting God’s action in the world. From this foundation, we reach out as an ecumenical, interreligious organization to empower all of us, no matter our faith or nationality, to find meaning, hope, and peace within the mystery of suffering. Stauros addresses both the physical and spiritual needs of those who suffer, working together so that faith is strengthened and hope flourishes.

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