War, Peace, and the Bible

In the 1986 film, The Mission, Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro play the central characters in a saga about the church, a mission, and a native people. Irons plays Father Gabriel, who is committed to nonviolence. De Niro plays Rodrigo Mendoza, a former warrior haunted by his sin and now a faithful follower of the Church. The film documents their tension-filled yet deep relationship. In the end, both have to make a decision as the mission where they live and work is scheduled for destruction and relocation. Father Gabriel chooses nonviolence to combat the forces of evil; Mendoza chooses to fight for the rights of the natives. Most of us don't need Hollywood to bring the issues of war and peace home for us. As people of faith, we are faced daily with our participation in violent actions, our willingness to allow violence in the world to continue, and our response to violence in our lives. The Bible does not give us an easy answer. Sometimes we hear ancient Israel on its march through the promised land. Other times we hear Jesus unwilling to raise a hand against those who persecuted and ultimately killed him. There are days when we can side with the psalmist, who lashes out in anger against his enemies. Other times, we know Jesus was right that we should not return violence for violence, that we must pray for our enemies, and that we must love even those who do not love us. How can we do these things? Is there a place for war and violence in our faith? As you read, study, and contemplate these sessions, take time to look deeply within yourself. Although it is difficult, self-examination can enable our learning and activate our engagement with the world and our faith.