Fear, Hatred, and War: A Brief Reflection

As I read the appalling and deeply disturbing account of former UN Ambassador Nikki Hailey’s act of signing bombs that were destined to be used against the people of Gaza, my heart sank and anger arose. To write such statements like “Finish them!” is beyond horrendous. I remember being appalled when I was a military chaplain and read accounts of other chaplains writing scripture verses on munitions that were used against the “enemy” in Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Iraqi Freedom. Really chaplains? Really ambassador? How does this in any way, shape, or form represent the Constitution of the United States that we swore to protect and defend? How could these actions possibly represent our calling?

Returning to the story about the actions of former Ambassador Hailey: What happened on October 7, 2023 when Hamas was a gross, immoral, and inexcusable violation of international law. The Netanyahu regime’s response is also a gross, immoral, and inexcusable violation of international law. In all of my studies in the rules of war that I did during my time as a USAF Chaplain, these actions are against all of the standards and laws of armed conflict.

How have we come to the point where such actions like these are called patriotic? How does one justify the wholesale slaughter of innocent women, and children? I really don’t know how this has happened. I do know that this isn’t what the Jesus whom I follow calls us to do. In his book New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton wrote The root of all war is fear: not so much the fear men have of one another as the fear they have of everything. (p. 112)

Hatred is born of fear and I see this being manipulated and used in both political and religious discourse via media, social media, and in basic human interactions. Another spiritual mentor of mine had the following to say about hate.

Hate is another of the hounds of hell that dog the footsteps of the disinherited in season and out of season. During times of war, hatred becomes quite respectable, even though it has to masquerade often under the guise of patriotism. — Howard Thurman (Jesus and the Disinherited, p. 64)

There are no easy answers to the questions that bubble up from the very center of my being. It is tempting to say: “Hey Michael, you are retired from the military and from the pastorate; let others take up these issues and concerns.” But I can’t do that and continue to say that I am a Christ-follower. While this blog won’t reach a huge number of people, I do hope that it helps those who do read it to know that they aren’t alone.

My prayer is that we can each do what we can to make a difference in our own lives and neighborhoods. In the words of that old campfire song: It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around, will warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it. You’ll want to spread, to everyone, you’ll want to pass it on. Dear reader, will you join me in making a difference right here and right now by sharing that divine spark of love?