the day the Just War tradition died
generations of ethical thought overthrown with a single tweet
Traditionally, the United States has followed (or at least aimed to follow) the principles of the Just War tradition. We have used these guiding principles to bring focus and restraint to our warfighting through the years. Of course, there are specific instances of when we have failed to follow them--firebombing German cities, dropping . . .
Posted in: chaplaincypoliticstheologywar
Luther on righteous government
theology quote of the week
Since the beginning of the world it has been true, and it remains true, that spiritual and temporal authority are more often given to the Pilates, Herods, Annases, and Caiaphases than to godly men such as Peter, Paul, and others. There are always more evil men than godly ones in the government as in all other estates. Moreover, . . .
Evangelicals, transgender, war, and sin
we're barking up the wrong tree
Today the President tweeted that "the United States Government will not accept or allow… Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military.” As expected, response from Evangelical Christians has been swift and overwhelmingly supportive. Our fixation with sexual sins continues to take the forefront of almost . . .
Trump's inauguration: his call for jihad
the perpetuation of unChristian American exceptionalism
Along with much of the world, I watched this morning as Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. We watched with baited breath, wondering what he would say and how he would act after such a divisive and vitriolic election. We wondered if he would seek to unite America and be a harbinger of peace to the world or if . . .
peaceful transition: election perspective
thoughts on how amazing this tumultuous nation really is
From the reaction of friends, family, co-workers, and social media, much of America and the world woke up in shock at the results of our Presidential election. I freely admit, I was one of many who didn’t think Donald Trump had a snowball’s chance of winning the election. I’m not excited about his Presidency. I admit that I supported neither . . .
Posted in: politics
our illegal was against ISIS
why Congress and the President need to take accountability
As a chaplain, I’m a theologian, not a lawyer. But as a commissioned officer, I’m also trained in military strategy, political science, and the ins-and-outs of making war. I have master’s degrees in both theology and military science but not law. Clearly, I am more interested in the philosophy of war—especially the notion of a just war—than I . . .
the cross as misfortune
"Suffering" is not a very popular word in the vernacular of contemporary American Christianity. Oh sure, we talk about 'suffering' and 'persecution' from time-to-time, even in our own cultural context, but can be we honest for a minute and admit that such things have really no part our American Christian experience? . . .
