Onward Christian Soldiers

Be sure and read this disturbing article from the LA Times. Once again a group of American evangelicals are attempting to "take back" something else for Christ. This time it just so happens to be the military. I understand that war is certainly a place where hopelessness and man's inhumanity to man is seen vividly, driving otherwise oblivious young men and women to attend chapel services and so on. I also understand that there is a chaplaincy program that exists for just this purpose. But honestly, sending "care packages" filled with Bibles and video games about the Rapture seems terribly inappropriate. There are apparently a significant amount of Christians that must sanctify everything including the current war in Iraq. The war in Iraq is not a holy war with a Christian nation fighting under the Chi Ro against the Mohammaden infidels. The war instead, consists of men and women bearing the literal sword under the orders of the civil magistrate. As a Christian I am obviously in full support of the chaplaincy being there to comfort the soldiers and share the hope and comfort that is the Gospel of Christ. What I oppose is the blatant disregard of not only the United States Constitution but of decent graciousness and respect owed to even our unbelieving neighbors. May the church not only pray for the soldiers, but also for the significant number of evangelicals who feel it is necessary to send packages that consist of eschatological scare tactics to already stressed and burned out soldiers. May the American church seek wisdom in discerning that this current war is many things, but religious it is not. After all, "we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." As the author of the piece so lucidly puts it,

It's time to actively strip the so-called war on terror of its religious connotations, not add to them. Because religious wars are not just ugly, they are unwinnable. And despite what Operation Straight Up and its supporters in the Pentagon may think is taking place in Iraq, the Rapture is not a viable exit strategy.

Also, I understand the picture isn't really relevant or appropriate it's pretty dang funny.