I guess it is not surprising that Calvin
discusses war considering his view on humanity.
It was a little surprising to me that Calvin would lift up “the state”
to a called office of God (Institutes, 4.20).
Calvin divides up the military (student paraphrased) into different
areas. The areas do line up to similar
current military mission around the world.
Calvin describes the “garrison” as the troops stationed within its own borders
for protection (Institutes, 4.20.12). He
describes “leagues” as troops who in foreign lands to aid in another’s defense
(Institutes, 4.20.12). He calls the
“civil defenses” as troops used in wartime missions (Institutes, 4.20.12).
I will try to draw upon some of more
popular or current military practices to compare and contrast. Our “garrison” today sounds very similar to a
homeland security mission. The job of
protecting borders and keeping America safe lies here. Police, Drug Enforcement, and other civil
authorities may also fit nicely into this category.
The term “Leagues” seems to fit the
American Military category. We have
military forces stationed all over the world involved in peace-keeping
missions. Forces in Germany, South
Korea, and Japan are just a few of examples of what Calvin may say in the
present world condition.
The “civil defenses” may be better
described today as War Fighters. The
United States has been at war for over a decade. Regardless of personal beliefs, Calvin
addresses and even gives conditions for war.
Specifically, he addresses “to help those forcibly oppressed” and “to
punish evil deeds” (Institutes, 4.20.11).
We have been at war continuously for
many years. Does America believe that we
are still punishing evil deeds or helping those oppressed? The government has the power to declare war,
but do the Americans have the stomach to see it through? Radical people exist all over and Calvin
acknowledges the ability of “the state” to seek justice. Is it important to our society today to seek
out Christian leaders or just leaders?
If the chosen leaders are not Christian, how might that impact those who
are led? Where would non-Christians
leaders seek wisdom (in the absence of Scripture or Christian Beliefs)?
Jerry, so many good questions and not enough good answers. "Does America believe that we are still punishing evil deeds or helping those oppressed?" - Yes. And I think that is the conundrum. Despite our reluctance to punish instead of leaving that to God's providence, we are called to help the oppressed over and over again in Scripture. It is hard to do one without the other. In order to help the oppressed, we find ourselves punishing the evildoer. So I find myself conflicted. I don't want war, but alternatives are not presenting themselves in many cases. I want to love my enemy, unless they are hurting someone else I am called to love. We are called to love both. I am still learning. (I'm pretty sure I just added to the questions.)
ReplyDeleteI think it is comfortable for us to rely on government to keep us safe, but them wonder when talk of war comes up. Calvin allows for war in a few specific examples.
DeleteHi Jerry,
ReplyDeleteYou pose many thoughtful questions. I am afraid that we do not have a "pool" of Christian leaders from whom to choose. Those who profess to be Christian seem to be on the far right--which tends to make them sound (be?) quite judgmental. They have an air of confidence, like they know all of the answers of what God is saying. If I have learned anything in these years in Seminary, is that God is way beyond our comprehension. The more I learn, the more questions I have. I tend to pull away from those who "know" all the answers about God. So I'm not all in for the "Christian" leaders, just because they might call themselves a Christian.
I'm also afraid that our motivations for war are not always honorable. Political maneuvering and power plays around oil and other resources seem to take precedence over human life.
I know that media plays a big part of what we see and hear around the world. War is presented in a way that provides media with higher ratings. I think it is important to remember that most people see what media thinks will boost ratings.
DeleteGod ultimately will seek justice and have it for the sin in this world. From time to time God will use governments such as ours in this day and age to seek justice on this side of eternity. As individuals and Christians we need to be reminded that we need to make the right votes, and choices for office so that the people who handle situations like war come at the situation with the appropriate agenda and calling. Public opinion can change on a dime. The core of a leader's heart shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteI agree that public opinion and does change often. Voting is important. It is one way we may move the country to the way we hear God's calling.
Delete