War Is Unholy, But we're supposed to think that God is on our side?
Politics / US Politics May 07, 2012 - 08:02 AM GMTBy: LewRockwell
Gary D. Barnett writes: The drums of war now beat continuously in the land of the "free" and the home of the "brave." The sound of those drums is deafening to those few who understand the real nature of war, but silent to most of the rest of American society, a society consumed by the practice of false patriotism.
In days gone by, war was a time of gathering together, of celebration, of waving flags and parades. It was a time of praying for victory; it was a time of unbridled patriotic fervor. The streets were filled with parents and loved ones ready to send their own off to their death for the glory of the cause! Dreams of medals and high honor ran high, as the soldiers began their journey into the fields of battle with the single-minded hope of being triumphant in their glorious adventure of maim and slaughter.
The hard reality is that never was any war glorious or deserving of celebration. No U.S. war has ever been warranted or necessary in my opinion, and no war has ever been fought by those in this country for self-defense or for "national security." In fact, the only things secured by wars are the coffers of the banks and war-dependent corporations, the government’s advancing power structure, and graveyards.
While wars are not as broadly celebrated in today’s America as they once were, probably due to the fact that they are never ending, those who prosecute wars are celebrated. They are cheered on, thanked for their "service," and paraded around their hometowns when they return without arms and legs. Most every sporting event showcases the military, have fighter jets flying over the stadiums, and giant flags are proudly displayed on the battlefields of these mock gladiators. Songs of war are sung, and hands are placed on hearts all across this land. It is a most pathetic display of nationalism!
One of the most troubling aspects of this worship of killing is that it is practiced in many so-called houses of God. This is a contradiction almost beyond description. Many churches across the land, and many so-called Christians take a backseat to no one when it comes to supporting the troops and the wars they fight. They fill the pews, and pray that their side be victorious in battle. They pray for the defeat of those warred against, and pray for their death. They pray for the armies to stand strong, and never relent in their effort to destroy the enemy. They pray that God be with the troops, and that God be on our side!
Mark Twain’s "The War Prayer" is a most appropriate description of the despicable behavior practiced by those who pretend to be holy, and who at the same time worship aggressive wars of destruction and death.
"O Lord our Father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth to battle – be Thou near them! With them – in spirit – we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe. O Lord our God, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief; help us to turn them out roofless with little children to wander unfriended the wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sports of the sun flames of summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it – for our sakes who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with their tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet! We ask it, in the spirit of love, of Him Who is the Source of Love, and Who is the ever-faithful refuge and friend of all that are sore beset and seek His aid with humble and contrite hearts. Amen.
I was taught that all on earth are made in God’s image. I was taught the Golden Rule. I was taught that life is sacred, and that we should love our neighbor. None of us are perfect, but why do so many wish harm on others? Why do so many revel in the slaughter of our fellow human beings? Why do so many cheer on the battle? Why do so many applaud when the bombs rain down? Why do so many pray to God for unmerciful war?
In the United States, war has become a constant. War is a part of our everyday lives, and it is difficult to even imagine peace. A better way is to be unable to imagine war!
The evil controllers of this country, and their military are waging many wars today. Many more are being planned. None are warranted, and none are necessary. All are criminal. Will this madness ever stop? Will the killing ever end? Can human decency ever replace the wanton desire for the carnage of war?
War is evil. It is the essence of darkness. It is immoral. It contradicts all that is right. War is ungodly because its aim is the destruction of mankind. War is unholy, and God is not on our side!
Gary D. Barnett [send him mail] is president of Barnett Financial Services, Inc., in Lewistown, Montana.
© 2011 Copyright Gary D. Barnett- All Rights Reserved
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