On War

War is scary for everyone, but especially for children who grow up scurrying for shelter when they hear air raid sirens, seeing buildings collapse, and suffering the loss of their own legs or parents. It also is scary when children can't walk or take a bus to school, walk through their neighborhoods, use a washroom, take an elevator, or check the Internet without worrying that a bully will block their way, punch them, steal their possessions, abuse them in social media, or shoot them. As General Sherman observed during the War between the States, "War is hell."

Would that everyone would take to heart the line of a song that says, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

The Society of Friends, known as Quakers, does take this line seriously and members refuse to fight in any war. Others recognize a variety of motivations that justify war as a proportional response to injustice. A country invaded by another country needs to defend itself and protect its citizens. A race of people threatened with extinction should fight to survive. Less justifiable, a strongman decides to take what he wants from the weak. Believers in one religion or way of life seek converts by force.

The spectrum of conflict stretches from diplomacy to economic sanctions to nuclear war. Luke writes in the New Testament about a king who, before going to war against another king, sits down with his counselors and decides if he can defeat twenty thousand with his force of ten thousand. Deciding he can't, he sends a diplomat to offer terms of peace, while the enemy is "a great way off." Other strategists suggest offering an enemy a "golden bridge," a way to save face without going to war. Between World War I and World War II, some believed the pressure of public opinion could keep warmongers in check. Others argue that weakness creates a vacuum that the strong are eager to exploit. And still others observe that an arms race can set off a war not only by choice but even by chance.

We've seen a variety of conflict methods used against and by the United States in recent years.
There was the surprise attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. A diversion enabled troops to enter Osama bin Laden's compound and kill him. Informers were paid to lead the Special Forces that captured Saddam Hussein. Bombs have been carried on and brought down civil aircrafts. New weapons, drones, have been developed to target enemies.

Children think about war, as we know, when we ask them to draw pictures about their feelings. It's always time to talk to youngsters about the importance of respecting others the way they want to be respected, the importance of standing up for themselves, and the importance of praying for peace.