Four Iraqi Evangelicals (by Mark Russell)
Recently, I had the unique opportunity of meeting with four Iraqi evangelicals at a conference in a country near Iraq. They were young church leaders. Despite the circumstances in their country, they were upbeat and gracious. Having never been to Iraq, nor having personally met an Iraqi, I was eager to hear their perspectives on current events. My conversations with them helped me understand to a greater degree the true complexity of war.
One of them was a church planter in a large city in Iraq. When he spoke about his people, he was enthusiastic. He talked about how Iraqis were responsive to the gospel in times of peace. But when I pointedly asked him about the war and made it clear he could be honest with me, his response was a mixture of anger and depression saying, "It has been a disaster. My church has been destroyed. Christians had more safety and security under Hussein than we do now."
Another told me that her street was called the "Street of the Dead". The corpses from surrounding areas are collected and deposited on her street. Everyday she sees them; she walks by them; she smells them in her home. One looked at me with eyes full of desperation saying, "my entire life has been a war. I hate war."
I had made it clear to my four conversational partners that they could speak their minds. I also let them know that, on the basis of my religious conviction, I had been opposed to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Nevertheless I was startled at how angry and frustrated they were about their dire situation. All four of them, two women and two men from three different regions, assured me that life had been better under Hussein. I asked them what the other Iraqis thought. They said everyone they knew, Christians included, felt the same.
Later I mentioned this to an American evangelical who quickly retorted that they sounded like the Israelites after they had been brought out of Egypt. The intent of his analogy was to parallel the Israelites' desire to return to Egypt with the Iraqis' desire for the way things were. I responded, "Then who is God in this analogy? Who is Egypt? Who is Israel?" Though he did not respond, it seemed clear to me that he equated the related decisions of our current administration to the liberating acts of God. This shows the complexity of religion in the context of war.
I assured my new Iraqi friends that I would return to the U.S. and would try to find a place for their voices. I would try to convince others to see the complexity of war and face the fact that too often we equate the decisions of our nation's administration with the will of our loving God.
In a parting discussion, I asked them what message would they like to send to their brothers and sisters in the USA; what would they like for us to do? They unanimously said the following:
1) Insist the U.S. government make security its priority,
2) Help to develop the economy of Iraq so all Christians don't have to leave the country to find a job and
3) Please no more war in the Middle East.
Whether there is ever a "just war" is a matter of debate, but there is never "just a war."
Mark L. Russell (mark@markrussell.org) is Director of Spiritual Integration at HOPE International, a network of 13 Christ-centered Microenterprise Development organizations. He has a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Auburn University. Mark lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife Laurie, and their children, Noah and Anastasia.
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Comments
Just another case of Evil results from Good Intentions. At least the Kurds still repects the Christians the last I heard.
This is what happens when we (Americans) think we can play God in the world.
Posted by: Paul | July 11, 2008 3:47 PM
"It is old custom that enables people to live together peaceably; the destroyers of custom demolish more than they know or desire. It is through convention—a word much abused in our time—that we contrive to avoid perpetual disputes about rights and duties: law at base is a body of conventions...
"When successful revolutionaries have effaced old customs, derided old conventions, and broken the continuity of social institutions—why, presently they discover the necessity of establishing fresh customs, conventions, and continuity; but that process is painful and slow; and the new social order that eventually emerges may be much inferior to the old order that radicals overthrew in their zeal for the Earthly Paradise."
Posted by: R. K. | July 11, 2008 3:55 PM
RK-very well said. If Americans would apply their zeal for violent "liberation" of other nations to more peaceful pursuits, such as mediating disputes instead of exascerbating them, the world would be amuch better, peaceful place...but not Paradise. Only Him who we follow will bring Paradise to our world.
Let Your Light Shine, and Pray for Peace!
Posted by: Doug & Jan In Co | July 11, 2008 6:31 PM
"Though he did not respond, it seemed clear to me that he equated the related decisions of our current administration to the liberating acts of God. This shows the complexity of religion in the context of war."
You're being very gracious, Mark. Thx for this news "from the front."
Posted by: canucklehead | July 11, 2008 6:37 PM
Once again..Just one side of the story. There are many more that believe in the exact opposite. Why are the articles here so one sided?
Posted by: Casey | July 12, 2008 10:40 AM
Yes, I'm pretty sure most Iraqis think life was so much better under a power-mad dictator.
I wonder how long he had to search to find four Iraqi evangelicals who think that?
For that matter, I wonder how he (or we) are to know that they were evangelicals?
Though, considering how the word "evangelical" has been watered-down over here to include emergents, maybe I shouldn't be so surprised.
Posted by: emergent pillage | July 12, 2008 11:09 AM
Mark, thank you.
Posted by: carl copas | July 12, 2008 11:38 AM
Emergent pillage questions whether the four Iraqis interviewed were really "evangelical," and how long Mark Russell had to search to find them. I would bet that he would have had to search for a very long time to find interviewees who shared emergent pillage's viewpoint.
What would your reaction be if a very large fraction of the members of your congregation were displaced, as either internal or international refugees? (Estimates vary, but perhaps half of the Christian population of Iraq, which was once quite significant, has been displaced as a direct result of the Iraq war.) Regardless of the motivation of the invaders, I suspect that you would express the exact same emotional range revealed here. Just because we have a particular ideological perspective, don't expect our fellow believers to share the same perspective if they are bearing the brunt of our actions.
Blessings,
Jim
Posted by: Jim | July 12, 2008 12:38 PM
I don't believe it means that one was a lover of a mad dictator to recognize that daily life is now more difficult. If one uses a shotgun to kill flies in one's house; the resulting holes will likely let more flies in than were there at the start. Shock and awe are not always the best solution. Got flies? Window screens and fly-paper beat a shotgun every time.
The shock of 9-11 made "us" mad and determined to fight back. The shock and awe of the invasion and occupation does the same to "them."
Igor
Posted by: Igor | July 12, 2008 7:15 PM
Casey,
Report to us then what the next four Iraqi evangelicals; which you personally meet , have to say.
Igor
Posted by: Igor | July 12, 2008 7:20 PM
When our fellow Christians in Iraq share painful truths with us about their lives, and those truths make us feel uncomfortable because they go against our political idealogy or war decisions we supported, our response should NOT be to question their faith or Christianity. Maybe we should be humble enough to accept the real life stories of our brothers and sisters.
Peace,
John
Posted by: John Tanagho | July 12, 2008 10:32 PM
I don't think of the articles here as "one-sided" -- I think of them as narratives of personal experience and faithful reflection.
I'm open to hearing from anyone with an opposing opinion who has a story to tell that offers honesty and deep sincerity -- along with real experience.
I don't learn much from criticism offered simply for the pleasure of criticizing. I imagine there are mission and aid positions in Iraq available for those who think that the voices offered here are biased in order to safeguard one inauthentic perspective. I pray about what I read, and usually end up challenged in the best of ways by what the articles say.
Posted by: openeyes | July 12, 2008 11:35 PM
"Then who is God.... Who is Israel? Who is Egypt? Does it matter? God is the same today as He was then. A question to ask might be, "Who is Moses?"
I'm so thankful for your post.
Posted by: Paula | July 12, 2008 11:45 PM
Thank you for sharing the painful truth of how our invasion of Iraq is too often perceived--not just by Iraqi's but the rest of the world also. While I may not have the right to question the motives of Pres. Bush, the "cure" has seemed far worse than the "disease." Old customs and traditions will definitely be difficult to change. Many of them do not want a "democracy" and perceive the way of change costing far too great a price in human life and destruction. We need to pray for the Iraqi people--that they may find their own peace and security. May those who minister to them and present the Gospel find ways to bring comfort and hope while still being respectful and generous in the manner in which they relate to them.
Posted by: Genie | July 13, 2008 11:10 AM
Why are the articles here so one sided?
Posted by: Casey
Its a liberal organization that uses liberal theology , Evangelical principles to promote a view point . .......... But its the thin skin reaction of conservative comments that shows their true colors , disregarding the egging on of the liberal bloggers by the censors here , arrogance , personal attacks on the integrity of the leaders and even those with different views and others with right leaning views . Stereotypes promoted , we have young Bible believing boys and girls being brought into a world where organizations such as this has joined in the sterotypical narrowness of those kids before they even get a chance to step out in this culture . Wallis and many here have stated vocal criticism of those with Fundamental Bible beliefs , unless of course they are Muslim Fundamentalists , then they are just mis understood . Notice the ediorialist above believes peace can be talked out ? They rejoice here when Christian Evangelical Leaders die if they are from the right side of American political views . They all will state how it is impossible to meet middle ground .
Then the love of neigbor is used to proclaim why they are have taken the high road .
Thats why Casey , they are out to win politically , not to live for Christ .
Posted by: observer | July 14, 2008 5:54 AM
--When our fellow Christians in Iraq share painful truths with us about their lives, and those truths make us feel uncomfortable because they go against our political idealogy or war decisions we supported, our response should NOT be to question their faith or Christianity. Maybe we should be humble enough to accept the real life stories of our brothers and sisters.--
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=7861
Iraqi Christians Warn of 'New Catastrophe for Humanity'
A 1987 census recorded 1.4 million Christians in Iraq, but the numbers began to drop after the 1990 Gulf War, reaching around 800,000 before the U.S. invaded in March 2003.
Persecution at the hands of Islamic radicals -- killings, church bombings, kidnappings, forced conversions and harassment -- has prompted hundreds of thousands of Christians to flee the country since 2003. Although accurate statistics are unavailable, researchers believe the community may have been halved in the past five years.
...
Prior to the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime, the U.S. designated Iraq as a "country of particular concern" (CPC) for religious freedom violations. The 1998 International Religious Freedom Act allows for a range of steps, including sanctions, to be taken against governments that engage in or tolerate serious religious freedom violations.
Posted by: emergent pillage | July 14, 2008 8:01 AM
Just for the record, I have only personally met four Iraqis in my life. They were all present at an evangelical church conference endorsed by Billy Graham. They were the only four Iraqis there. It was not hard to "track them down" and I was surprised by how similar their views were despite coming from different regions within Iraq. During individual meetings with each one, they all shared convincingly that everyone they knew (Christians included) felt the same way....
Peace,
Mark
Posted by: Mark Russell | July 14, 2008 10:10 AM
Observer,
You sound like the mirror image of the people you criticize. Where is the kingdom in all of this silliness over left/right politics? Many of the negative posts to this site all contain the same presupposition: it is we who have it right, the other is attacking, watering down, liberalizing the truth, as if any of us knows the truth. The earlier post by "emergent pillage" (there's someone who is loving his/her enemies, eh?) discloses this: American evangelicals have got it right concerning Jesus...yet the kingdom is not among you. Why is that?????? It is not as if Jesus made it difficult to figure out how to live.
Posted by: inthekingdom | July 14, 2008 11:21 AM
Would it be worth pointing out that the reasons things got worse for Iraqi Christians is because Iraqi Muslims are now free to conduct jihad against Christians. Its not as if the US military is persecuting the Christians. The US is guilty for not providing security for Iraqi Christians from Muslims who persecute them. The US is guilty of not using violence against those who would use violence against Iraqi Christians.
Posted by: Kathy | July 14, 2008 12:43 PM
Mark,
Thanks for this insightful posting. I work with an Iraqi-American surgeon who told me last week that every Iraqi he knows wants the coalition forces out. Polls confirm this.
I thought the Iraq war was a good idea at the time. It has been an expensive disaster, both in terms of money and human life. I was wrong.
We need to get beyond tribalism in our politics. It is sad that many Christians feel compelled to support everything done by Republicans because the Republicans are pro life. If we are pro life for the unborn, shouldn't we be pro life for the already born? Shouldn't we do everything possible to stop war and violence? May the love of Christ guide us.
Posted by: Brent | July 14, 2008 2:16 PM
Of course, Observer makes the comments he(?) makes from the safety and luxury of America, a place where every trivial banality can be uttered and taken seriously. As I understand it, Iraqi Christians do not ask "Are you evagelical or liberal?"; they are too busy living for the Kingdom to waste time like that.
Iraqi Christians (Nestorians, Catholics, evangelicals) in company with Sufi Muslims and remnant Jews open their homes to all around them, to show God's love and acceptance. Peace makers, poor in spirit, persecuted, hungering and thirsting for righteousness; all the things too many US "Christians" know nothing about.
Posted by: Feargal | July 14, 2008 6:32 PM
Feargal: "Of course, Observer makes the comments he(?) makes from the safety and luxury of America, a place where every trivial banality can be uttered and taken seriously."
A bit of an exaggeration but, at least on some issues, not by much.
Posted by: carl copas | July 15, 2008 7:53 PM
Great article, Mark. I think we all need to be reminded that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God first and foremost, and God's heart beats for a totally different set of priorities than, say, nationalism. War is evil no matter how you look at it (not a part of God's dream- therefore evil, no matter what reason for it). It can be argued that it might be a necessary evil- but no matter, the outcome is the loss of innocent lives- and, for those who haven't lost theirs, shattered ones at best. Like these four brothers and sisters of ours. Thanks for getting these courageous perspectives, Mark.
Posted by: Cody Stauffer | July 16, 2008 7:36 PM
Dear Friend,
I take this liberty and hope I do not offend.
In your article, which is heart-felt and deeply disturbing to any Christians, you bring a point that religion is complex in war-time.
I would take a moment to posit that it is not religion which is complex in war-time: as usual, it is humanity which is torn during war-time.
We forget that there is ONLY ONE LAW and ONLY ONE GOD...these are eternal verities and are patently evident to any spiritual person.
The Law of the Most High is immutable. We seek to alter it to suit our political and personal whims and situations, to serve our purposes.
Such disobedience is not how HE requires we should respond. We are expected to remain uncompromising in a world of expediency and political threat! The lessons of the martyrs of the Early Church ought to set examples for us all.
HE says we need to shoulder our Cross and move forward in HIS Footsteps daily. Our task is to remain firm and fixed in God's Law. Where "churches" (whoever and wherever) fail to pursue Truth, they must have the Truth spoken to them in charity, according to the Gospel instructions...but nowhere are we told to kow-tow to political correctness, political posturing or other illusory frauds! We are instructed to stand with Jesus and HE will stand with us, even in our darkest hours in the prison cell, torture chamber or at the scaffold.
No, friend, I do not think religion gets complex - we allow our responses to become clouded by the political games, rather than transfiguring the politics to mirror the New Heavens and the New Earth.
At lest, that is how it seems to me. I have no theology degree, but I have walked with my Lord many a year now...I have learned from experience that which is necessary and that which is an instrument of the devil - just smoke and mirrors.
In the Peace and Love of Christ Jesus,
scott
Posted by: scott | July 17, 2008 4:18 AM
Very reminiscent of those Russians who still long for the days of Stalin.
Posted by: Paul | July 17, 2008 5:37 PM
It would be hilarious, if it weren't so tragic watching those who ridicule the "religious right" for their support of Pax Americana, now support Pax Sadam...
cheers, Paul
Posted by: Paul | July 17, 2008 5:53 PM
I think quite a few of you are missing the point of these four brothers and sisters of ours. They never once say they wish Saddam were back in power, and that things would be much better if he were. Those are ridiculous words to put into their mouths. These four people are simply making a statement of comparison between two phases of their life or experience. They have nothing else to compare what they are currently experiencing except what they already have. Should we fault them in being honest about how life really is for them, when it comes down to brass tacks? In fact, they make some suggestions that are reasonable. Truth be told, in their three lists of suggestions that these four gave Mark, I actually see exactly what we were told our military actions were supposed to do- provide security and create a stable environment for the economy. Can we fault them for wanting that? Isn't it what we all want?
And, to Scott, I actually agree with you on this: our politics- and actually, all of our dealings- should reflect the new Kingdom we are a part of. From what I've been able to gather from Jesus' example and his teachings, that includes reaching out to those who have been abused, overlooked, pushed aside, neglected, and otherwise oppressed. And I think that means standing up for them even when it's not popular to do so or politically expedient; it might even mean we have to stand up against egregious policies or actions performed by the very government presiding over us. It definitely means taking up the cause of compassion and laying aside nationalism for the sake of those whose lives are being torn apart, no matter who's doing it and for what reason.
Posted by: Cody Stauffer | July 17, 2008 8:09 PM
I think one of the key issues here is that violence begets violence. If someone thinks that starting a war will increase peace and stability, I'd like to humbly suggest that they're mistaken (Proof: The War in Iraq).
Paul's reference to Pax Americana is ironic since Pax Romana was a violently imposed regime that really had nothing to do with peace and Pax Americana is showing itself to be the same. Comparing one with Saddam at every point can make one feel right all the time.
Kathy's comments that we should increase violence is exceptionally naive considering how impossible it is to pacify the situation and how completely explosive the use of violence by the US has already shown to be.
Clearly the answer to this situation is not increased violence, but increased peace. For better or worse one cannot use violence to get to peace.
Just a few thoughts....
Mark
Posted by: Mark Russell | July 22, 2008 5:35 PM
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