As a Christian pacifist I find it extraordinary that a Sojourners associate editor condones writing to soldiers. This practice is encouraged even in elementary schools, where it normalizes the idea of war among children, and entrenches the military-industrial complex by enmeshing it with education. Writing to soldiers contributes to the militarization of society, and seems based on the notion of soldiers as innocent bystanders, victims instead of active participants. I expected to find a more thoughtful response here that reflects on these issues.

Posted by: D Jay | April 30, 2007 7:57 PM

@ Bob B: You are right, I cannot see how those who want to imitate Jesus's non-violent example can join an organization (the military) of which the primary purpose is violence. In particular, should Christians support combatants in a conflict founded on immoral premises (deceit)? Does such support not render us immoral as well? If we believe the lie, do we not become a part of it, and extend it even further? Should we support those who served at Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo? Or who participate in extreme rendering? Or who subject others to daily humiliating treatment in their own country? The uncritical support of so many churches for the military ultimately justifies the military-industrial complex on which the US economy largely rests. While soldiers may have no say in where they are sent, they do have the choice not to become soldiers in the first place. We should rather encourage people not to become involved with the military, or to withdraw from such service. The military dehumanizes people so that they will obey commands that would otherwise conflict with their moral values. I speak as someone who has been in the military and who has experienced the militarization of South Africa in defense of an unjust regime. Both the military defense of white privilege and of the regime was largely supported by the churches - one of the strong parallels that exists between the USA today and South Africa then. As former South African Methodist Bishop Peter Storey said: “America’s preachers have a task more difficult, perhaps, than those faced by us under South Africa’s apartheid, or by Christians under Communism. We had obvious evils to engage; you have to unwrap your culture from years of red, white, and blue myth. You have to expose and confront the great disconnect between the kindness, compassion, and caring of most American people and the ruthless way American power is experienced, directly and indirectly, by the poor of the earth. You have to help good people see how they have let their institutions do their sinning for them." (http://www.commondreams.org/scriptfiles/views03/1229-02.htm)

Posted by: D Jay | May 3, 2007 7:22 AM