Arecent survey offers evidence that American churchgoers and clergy recognize the complexities and ambiguities of the war in Iraq.
While 57 percent of those who attend church at least once per month say they are hearing about the war from their clergy, only 21 percent said their clergy have communicated a position for or against the war—7 percent said their clergy had spoken in favor of the war, while 14 percent said their clergy were against the war. Some 37 percent had spoken about the war without taking a position, and 41 percent had not mentioned it at all.
The survey, conducted March 13-16 by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, was completed before the hostilities began last week. Undoubtedly more clergy spoke about the war last Sunday, since it was by then a current reality.
But the nation's clergy have clearly changed since the days of the Vietnam War when voices of "My country right or wrong" clashed with voices of "War—what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!"
Today, most clergy are more nuanced in their positions.
The survey shows that only a small minority (15 percent) of Americans believe that war is never justified. The question for the 85 percent: Is this war justified?
There has clearly been a reluctance to label this "a holy war" or to claim that "God is on our side" and against the Iraqi people. Neither President Bush nor the nation's clergy are presuming God's preference for one nation over another.
In fact, many clergy have not felt the obligation to pronounce this war justified or unjustified. The war is now simply a tragic fact, and a reason to pray.
Pastor Doug Osness of Centennial Community Church in Denver, Colorado, was no doubt representative of many U.S. clergy yesterday, when he invited the congregation to pray for the nations involved in the war, for the leaders and military personnel of the Coalition forces, "and for the Iraqi people who are carrying the heaviest burden in this conflict."
If for 85 percent of Americans, war is sometimes a tragic necessity, there is certainly unanimity among the clergy that their churches can pray that the war will be short, and that peace and justice will prevail, recognizing that all nations stand under the love and judgment of God.
CT Classic: Weeping over Baghdad | Desert Storm cost Iraq thousands of lives. At its conclusion, a Christianity Today editorial called for the church to deal with the living souls that remained. (March 21, 2003)
War Could Reduce Holy Land's Christian Presence | Palestinian bishop fears current hostilities could continue a trend that sees Christians forced out of the area altogether. (March 21, 2003)
Weblog: Clergy Respond to Bush's Ultimatum to Saddam | Plus: Banning hot cross buns, Slate says Rick Warren "does a subtle violence to the rigors of belief," and other stories from online sources around the world. (March 18, 2003)
A downloadable Bible study on the implications of war with Iraq is available at CurrentIssuesBibleStudy.com. These unique Bible studies use articles from current issues of Christianity Today to prompt thought-provoking discussions in adult Sunday school classes or small groups.
With corporate consolidation in worship music, more entities are invested in the songs sung on Sunday mornings. How will their financial incentives shape the church?
One formed me. The other entertained me.
With corporate consolidation in worship music, more entities are invested in the songs sung on Sunday mornings. How will their financial incentives shape the church?español
Not everything that’s a sin is a crime—let alone one punishable by death.
Unless seminaries leave the ivory tower for local leaders in the public square. Like these ones have.
