Friends, you know from reading my posts that I often focus on topics of war. Please understand that I find this topic one of the most perplexing topics of human existence. And, I cannot pretend that all of my guidance has thus far been, or will in the future be right with God. My goal is to correctly point you to his sacred Word, as the answer. Forgive also the fact that I am still learning. Absolute pacifism, can stem from cowardice, and so while my ideals and hopes for my brothers and sisters always lean toward pacifism, I would be wrong in condemning the actions of military leaders of my country or those of other peace and God loving countries as people. The reason prayer is so important, is because those who have power over lives, need the guidance of God… particularly when they are called upon to make decisions regarding war. The solutions in conflicts, enable us to act with the noblest of possibility, in furthering peace.
When we go to war with ISIS… which has already begun both in spirit and action, [a group which has clearly defined itself one that opposes Christianity and Christian nations], our military leaders might heed, best countering that evil by observing Deuteronomy 20. Consult with the priests, clergy and Pope Francis to give their guidance credence over mine however. If in fact ISIS and groups sharing its belief system continue to martyr our brothers and sisters, then I point our military leaders to Deuteronomy 20 lest we continue to permit martyrdom [which too is a choice]. As outlandish as it may seem, there may still be a place for Guantanamo Bay Cuban prison; and places like it around the world. Deuteronomy instructs the children of God to make a peace offering to our enemies. The ISIS commanders must know that their group should be given an opportunity to be imprisoned and put to work, before giving up to being killed in their defiance of peace. And, we should permit our own soldiers to discharge from their post if they are “afraid or fainthearted”. The surrender of ISIS and groups like it is a hope of mine, and Guantanamo Bay Cuba may be the destination required still, for their capture if their lives are to be spared. That would call for an expansion of such facility. Ultimately, we should study the Gospel and this Book if that is an action we take in war. I hope that in this posting, I can humbly point all leaders to this.