Can a 'Holy War' Be Justified, if Not 'Just'?

Is there such a thing as a 'just war'? In his Nobel speech, was President Obama right to speak in these theological terms about war? He also stated that 'no holy war can ever be a just war.' Do you agree or disagree?

President Obama's acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize was filled with truths- some of them surprising and others difficult to hear, but perhaps none that I want to be true more than the president's statement that "no holy war can ever be a just war". Oh, how I want to believe that truth with all my heart!

The reality is that this truth is not as "black and white" as our president might like it to be. By his own arguments, there may be times when a holy war can be justified, or justifiable. The president believes that there are occasions when force can be justified on humanitarian grounds. He seems to understand that there are people of faith who believe there is no such thing as a "just war", and yet the reality is that there have always been and always will be “wars and rumors of wars… for this must take place.” (Matthew 24:6)

One definition of Holy War is "a war declared or fought for a religious or high moral purpose, as to extend or defend a religion." As a member and faith leader of the United Church of Christ, I must agree that any war fought to elevate one religion over another, or to suppress one religion in favor of another, is, as the president asserts, wrong. But what about defending a religion or religious rights?

In the past week, millions of Jews began their celebration of Hanukkah, in remembrance of the miracle that took place during just such a rebellion when the Maccabees fought to restore religious rights to the Hebrew people. Was that not a just holy war? If religious freedom were lost in this country, would that not be just grounds for fighting? It’s not simple enough for a blanket statement such as the one President Obama offered in his speech. I suspect he knows that.

Holy war is also defined as "any war fought by divine command or for a religious purpose". It would be safe to say that the truth the president spoke "lives" in dichotomy with a number of conflicting realities, not the least of which is that the Hebrew Testament is filled with examples of wars that were fought "at God's command". The president acknowledges that simply desiring peace will not be enough to achieve it, for as he says: "Make no mistake: evil does exist in the world."

The president acknowledges the hardest truth of all: “…we will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes. There will be times when nations… will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified.”

The prophet Isaiah informs us that a “new age” will come— the age of peace, when swords will be beaten into ploughshares and spears will become pruning hooks; “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)

Until that time, the world looks to its leaders to use restraint, govern with wisdom, and practice peace.

The Gasp Heard Round the World

President Barack Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. It is reported that this was unexpected, taking both the White House and the world "by surprise". Reporters indicate that a gasp could be heard in the room as his name was announced because he had not even been "on the radar" as a possible nominee.

Rush and Glen will have a lot to talk about today. According to a London correspondent on CNN's "American Morning" show, the Brits "choked on their tea" when they heard his name, and the International press is already weighing in on whether he deserves the award or not. Ed Rollins, CNN's Republican Consultant, on the same program, wondered if the Nobel Prize was the president's "consolation prize" for losing the bid for the 2016 Olympics. Gasp!

"But I don't mean any disrespect to the president", he repeatedly assured viewers.

The Taliban is reported to be outraged by this development because they say that the president has not done anything to promote peace in the Middle East. (I predict this will be something else that the "terrorists" of talk radio will have in common with the real terrorists in the world.) Gasp!

CNN's team of reporters indicated that now the pressure is on for President Obama to live up to the expectations of the award. Really? As though the pressure wasn't on him before this? This is news?

The award was given to honor his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." I, for one, have hope in my heart this day, that one day Isaiah's vision of "The Peaceable Kingdom" will find reality on earth... that the lion shall lie down with the lamb... If peace is to become reality, it begins one person at a time doing our part.

Mr. President, someone clearly believes in your efforts. There will be critics, naysayers, scorners and scoffers. Please do not let their malice divert your focus. There will be those who laud you with praise and honor. Please do not let the glory get in the way of your "extraordinary efforts" towards peace.

Just keep faithfully working to bring people together in conversation. Be encouraged and empowered to continue raising your voice to promote peace and understanding in the world. Be true to who you were created to be. Thank you for doing your part. I pray that the rest of us can and will do ours.