...you can't fight and win a "war on terror." Terrorism is a method, not a country or ideology. I once heard it said that fighting a war on terror is like having the flu and declaring a war on sneezing: you're only attacking the symptoms. As long as there have been people, there has been terrorism.
Read the rest here.
Well, Scotty, I imagine you knew I'd say something to this effect:
ReplyDeleteI'll listen to the opinion of theologians on political matters as soon as they all get degrees in politics.
You should see what I put up with in my text study group. You'd think they thought they were some sort of lobby group rather than a church intent on saving souls.
So only politicians get to discuss politics? That's not at all what I think you mean, is it?
ReplyDeleteWe're all lobbyists in this country; the problem is that some of us get paid to do it. But regardless of what you think about what's happening in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world, the "war on terror" cannot be won. The war on these SPECIFIC terrorists may be won, but it won't stop terrorism. It may actually increase it.
I only wonder: if our nation spent 25% of our military budget on development and relief in third world and developing countries, would the world still be so 'envious of our freedom,' as President Bush likes to claim? Or would they see us as a nation dedicated to the well-being of the entire world. This not a Republican or Democrat failing - it is nationwide over the past 50 years. I think this is what the author of the article was saying: note that he never once criticized the Bush administration by name, only the war that is currently being waged and is going so very, very poorly.
Hey Scotty,
ReplyDeleteJust two things (since I realize this is way down on your blog page now):
First, I wasn't talking about politicians. I was talking about those with degrees in politics. I realize that everyone is a lobbyist in our country -- as it should be. I just get irritated when those with degrees in other areas fancy themselves to be experts in political science, as though a theology degree somehow makes them more skilled than the average joe or as skilled as a political scientist. We might as well practice medicine while we're at it.
Second, I'm even more irritated when the church (or certain figurehead leaders of the church) do political things that alienate those who disagree politically and lose souls in the process.
But, I'm sure these are all conversations we've had before. Nothing new here. Just perhaps some increased irritation and surliness on my part by actually being out in the midst of such people and being a leader in a national church led by one at the top.