A Christian view of militarist civil-religious holidays

Scott Ritsema
CIVICS NEWS.com
Wednesday, July 4, 2008

July 4th need not be a celebration of the American Empire. Unfortunately it often becomes one. A celebration of independence, self-determination, and consent of the governed, becomes a celebration of imperial domination under the guise of "honoring the soldiers."

America's soldiers are brave men of principle, willing to die for what they believe in. But is the military currently “defending our freedom”? Or are our good troops being used as instruments of injustice?

This past weekend I witnessed Christians sing “songs of praise” to “thy name.” But it wasn’t the name of God we were praising. (Read Lawrence Vance’s spectacular article on the subject.)

Henry Kissinger once called military men, “dumb, stupid animals to be used” as pawns for foreign policy. Likewise, Nazi, Herman Goering recognized that common people will not see the need to fight in wars that their government proposes. He stated:

Why, of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally the common people don't want war neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

We disapprove of Christian pulpits being used to disseminate the myth that a cruel American empire needs to exist as a guard to “protect our freedom.” We also disapprove of covering up the cruelty of the empire and repeating the propaganda that perpatuates that empire.

We attempt to be peacemakers, and we urge Christian leaders to preach Jesus’ clear teaching on this subject. Christian militarism is a self-contradictory concept and it is offensive to those who take Jesus' words seriously.

We will remember and honor the sacrifice of brave men, and we will support the troops by speaking out against the evils that have been done both to them and through them.

We want the name of Jesus to be completely removed from all associations with military conquest. The Prince of Peace calls for loving our enemies, and turning the other cheek. Christians are expected to submit to our government (the Constitution), which gives governing officials the authority only to defend the country, and that only with a Congressional declaration of war. At most, a Congressionally-declared war truly waged in self defense can be supported by Christians. Any other type of war is rightly opposed. Likewise, patriotism is measured by loyalty to the Constitution and our founding principles, not by support of a misguided empire.

On patriotic holidays, Christians participate in a civic religion that is not consistent with being faithful followers of Jesus. What you see in many churches on such holidays is not biblical Christianity. The main tenet of this civil religion is honoring military exploits under the guise of honoring fallen soldiers, while perpetuating the myth that the soldiers are “defending our freedom.” This article at LewRockwell.com addresses this myth. Read it in full; it is extremely important.

The addressing of this myth is not intended to take away one ounce of recognition from soldiers for the sacrifice that they have made in giving their lives for what they believe. Their level of principle/bravery does not hinge upon the integrity of their leaders. While the Lew Rockwell article might be hard for some to read, I fear that more damage will be done if these issues aren’t directly confronted. Clichés about how we need an oppressive empire to defend our freedom must end. And ignorance of its oppressiveness must also end. Otherwise, our brave soldiers will continue to die, and millions more human beings abroad will continue to die. Blessed are the peacemakers.

Don't forget to read the article in its entirety.