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Why are these stories important?
We underestimate the role of environmental forces at work in our lives. In combat, you cannot predict with any certainty how you will act when your life is in extreme jeopardy and your friends have been gravely injured and killed. There can be a second's difference between a cowardly or heroic act. If you are in combat more than a few seconds, you will most likely have opportunity to display both.

Most of us cannot imagine ourselves acting in inhumane ways. Scripture refers to such presumption as "self-righteousness." Because we are good, decent, moral, born-again Christians, we think we would never participate in the evils that the battlefield holds. Combat, to many Americans, involves identifiable soldiers killing each other until some side "wins." This is sometimes true, but the reality of warfare is that given enough time in combat, most soldiers will be faced with moral choices that will take a lifetime to untangle.

Following my return from Vietnam I spent most Sunday mornings in a church pew wondering, "What does this have to do with what I saw and did in Vietnam?" This was especially true on one of many anniversary dates such as June 19 (first time I got shot at), June 23 (longest night), August 16 (two friends killed), November 22 (date I was wounded), etc. Since leaving Vietnam 36 years ago, I have rarely attended a Sunday school or church service where specific questions have been raised, let alone discussed, that addressed the events of my tour. Somehow I believe we Christians do not want to be soiled by the brutality of the battlefield, even though we are forced to confront our own involvement in the war as we pay taxes, vote, watch television, and occasionally have firsthand contact with survivors of combat. There is enough blood for all of our hands.

What are we to do?
It is the political leadership of this country who must ensure that whenever we engage in armed conflict, the "realistic" ends will justify the ugly means. It is the military's job to provide leadership, training, and, when necessary, ensure that soldiers make the best choices in impossible circumstances.

When soldiers finally return from war and we hear their stories, Christians can be more active. We must grasp the emotional and spiritual significance of combat for the veterans we meet. Most will move forward with their lives, but some must deal with their numbness and callousness, others may struggle with survivors' guilt, and some may remember too much, while others will remember too little. Each will be in a different place. Only God knows the actual path each will follow. It is our responsibility as family members, friends, and churches to provide refuge for understanding, reflection, and healing throughout their lives.  

Patrick Stone is a psychology professor at George Fox University. He has worked extensively with Vietnam veterans.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Stone is author of:

Speaking Out
Post-Traumatic Faith | Understanding the plight of Christians who have killed in combat. (May 9, 2006)

Also posted today is

Beyond Yellow Ribbons | Become a blessing to a military family. A CT editorial

Veteran Ministry | How churches can help soldiers and their families readjust after combat.

More coverage of the war is available from our full coverage area.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs runs the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The Iraq War Veterans Organization has links to resources and articles on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

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June (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50