Ours is not one of the traditional "Peace Churches." This designation is reserved for those denominations which oppose war in any instance. Ours is not one which has taken this stance.
We are among those who detest the effects of war, but regrettably acknowledge that in some instances it becomes necessary.
The next series of questions involve which "instances," and how "necessary."
The readings for Advent, those anticipating the arrival of Messiah, speak of the absence of war as a sign that His reign has come among us. This morning's reading from Isaiah 2:1-4 ends with words which ought to be familiar:
"(The Lord) shall judge between nations,
and shall decide for many peoples;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more."
Whether we are among the Peace Churches, or among those who accept the notion of justifiable war, we are challenged by scripture to see war as an indication that Messiah's reign is not established among us. That reign is not established among us. Resulting to war is an indication of both sides lacking the reign of Messiah.
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