I've been thinking lately. With all the discussion of the war in Iraq there appears to be one group disturbingly left out of the discussion, especially among the American evangelical community, namely the plight of fellow Christians in Iraq.
I read a pretty stinging article this week, Christians in the Crossfire. It explores how the rhetoric and stance of many in the evangelical community have left Iraqi Christians as exiles and martyrs in the midst of the mess in Iraq. Most disturbing was this statement:
Oddly, the American evangelical leadership that campaigned for war has paid little attention to the catastrophe enveloping Iraq’s Christians. Few notables acknowledge any need to rethink the war.
I have to admit. After reading the article, I felt sick to my stomach. How on earth have we found ourselves in the place? This just can't reflect the way of Jesus. I just cannot see this something Jesus would condone. I wonder, have we brought damage to the name and mission of Jesus in this world by confusing the line of nationalism and theocracy? We claim God is on our side. Really?
In the midst of all this, it is refreshing to hear that at least one of the Presidential candidates has actually stepped up to address this... [Props to Rick Bennett for stoking the fire that has been smoldering this week...]
For more reading...
Iraq's Endangered Minorities [Nina Shea, Washington Post]
Our Teachable Moment: The Iraq war calls for some serious rethinking by Christians [David P. Gushee, Christianity Today]
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