In a recent speech before the NRA, Sarah Palin boasted that she would not “coddle” America’s adversaries if she were running the country. To resounding applause, Palin declared that under her administration, enemies would “know that waterboarding is how we baptize terrorists.”
Joe Carter of the Gospel Coalition writes an excellent response to Palin’s foolish words, and concludes by saying that “our enemies need to accept Jesus and to be baptized by water and the Spirit. That is the Christian way, not as Palin would have it, to have our enemies fear a pagan god and have their spirit broken by water.”
Rod Dreher of The American Conservative also points out that Palin’s views more resemble the terrorist (!) Jacobins of the French Revolution than the traditional conservatism Palin ostensibly espouses.
Palin’s remarks should cause Christians—especially those in the military—to evaluate our own affiliations and allegiances. Are we willing to stand with the Prince of Peace, even if it means looking weak to the world? Or are we more comfortable among political ideologies that baptize violence?<>
We agree. We agree. But I’ve got to press you because we agree… I work for the United States military. What are you specifically and practically advising me that I do?
Hi Ray–thanks for visiting.
I think the onus is not only on laypeople in military jobs, but also on church leaders. Pastors and elders need to wisely shepherd those in the military (and law enforcement) and make them aware of scriptural teaching on issues of war, power, justice, etc. as well as the broader Christian ethical/just-war tradition as it pertains to these issues.
But it’s also incumbent on those in military/law enforcement positions to understand, for starters, that the chain of command stops with Jesus, that they shouldn’t obey all orders without question, and that doing evil that good may come is not an option for a Christian. So some penetrating questions need to be considered: (How) does my Christian faith inform my vocation? Am I acting and speaking as salt and light in my role, even if it means being reviled? Am I prepared to (peacefully) refuse to carry out an order that violates my conscience or God’s word? Are the goals and principles of American foreign policy something a Christian should sign up to advance?
For some (I don’t say all), the answers to these questions might mean they cannot be faithful to Christ and remain in their current vocation. More practical implications could be unpacked, and wisdom obviously needs to be used in every circumstance, but that’s a start anyway. Thank you for your comment.
I do not believe in a clergy/laity divide. I do not believe my job is secular. I do agree that sometimes a vocation is incompatible with following Christ. God has not yet called me away from this job, though I always “extend” as much as possible (leaving the door slightly more open to leave) when it is normative in my vocation to renew the contract. The advice of John the baptizer often echoes in my mind: “…be content with your pay.” I also try to consider how my Christian faith FORMS my vocation. But I must admit that though I have been justified for a long time, like most coming from my tradition, I am juvenile when it comes to removing the barrier between my previously sacred and secular places. To be practical, I have had the opportunity to refuse to falsify official documents and reform corrupt practices. I am amazed at how often I am required to “counsel” my peers and be pastoral. And I am also well aware of nationalistic idolatry that runs deep. I’ve been among the first members to voice concern over Memorial Day church services. To my surprise, while living overseas, it is overwhelmingly my believing acquaintances that have demeaned exceptional human beings of another nationality by demonstrating American exceptionalism…
Thank you for replying to me personally and clarifying. I think I hear your advice and I will continue to try to listen.