I was sitting in class at training in LA today and saw a book on the bookshelf titled WWJD?…pretty cliche, yes, but I was reading God’s Politics, by Jim Wallis, earlier this evening and I kept thinking about some fun bumper stickers relating to the whole WWJD idea. For example, “Who Would Jesus Bomb?” or “Who Would Jesus Torture?” In the past, I probably would have looked at those bumper stickers and disregarded their sentiments and labled their drivers as leftist whackos. But I really think about those questions and I say, ”Ya, who would Jesus bomb and who would he torture?” And I begin adding questions like ”who would Jesus kill?” and “who would Jesus fight?” – When the Pharisees, trying to trap Jesus, brought him the woman caught in adultery, Jesus defended life, even when the “law” required that it be taken. When Jesus was being arrested he made Peter put back his sword, and as he was questioned by Pilate he told him that his followers would not fight to prevent his execution because his kingdom was not of this world. And ultimately, when Jesus “looked evil in the face” (as Shane Claiborne likes to put it) he didn’t try to exterminate it by bombing it or physically combating it in any way. Like a sheep he was led to be slaughtered and sacrificed, and he called us to that same sort of sacrifice – to bear that same cross, unjustly given to him by the empire of the day.
It’s hard for me anymore to think that this kingdom that Jesus so peacefully and sacrificially inaugurated could ever be advanced by smart bombs, laser guided missiles, M16s, or hand-to-hand combat. Also, I can’t imagine that if Jesus’ declaration of “my kingdom is not of this world” is true, that he would have us deal as the kingdoms of this world deal; dealing arms or dealing untold innocent causalities in the name of ridding the world of evil. Life seemed to be so precious to Jesus that his teachings aimed at preserving it at all costs, not just at most costs. He taught us never to resist an evil person, to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies as ourselves, to pray for our enemies, and to do things for the “least of these” as we were doing them unto Jesus himself. He taught us how to preserve life and about how it can be transformed through him. He did not teach us about preemptive war, or even just war for that matter.
These are just some thoughts that have been bouncing around in my head for the last few months or so. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
