Christian

I just learned that Barack Obama and John McCain will appear together on the same stage for the first time in the presidential race.  What is the incredible force bringing them together? Evangelical megachurch leader and best-selling author Rev. Rick Warren. The forum at Saddleback Church will also be co-sponsored by Faith in Public Life.

Mr. Warren, the author of the best-selling book “The Purpose-Driven Life,” said he had called each man personally to invite him to his event, which will focus on how they make decisions and on some of Mr. Warren’s main areas of focus, like AIDS, poverty and the environment.

[...] Mr. Warren said he would devise his questions with input from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders associated with [Faith in Public Life].

In the tradition of the courageous Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German Christians have authored one of most challenging declarations against economic wars. They dare say: "As baptized Christians we therefore solemnly declare: Whoever prays for soldiers but, at the same time, supports military doctrines for the advancement of economic objectives, commits blasphemy. Those who use national economic objectives to justify military actions no longer adhere to the Gospel and separate themselves from the community of the faithful."

As of late I have a had a terrible bout with writer's block. I have listened to enough gospel and Jazz that I started getting Jesus and Thelonius Monk mixed up It is at times like this that I question my calling. Maybe I am in the wrong work. I mean preachers are getting into all kinds of political trouble these days. Two of my colleague that I count as friends: Rev. Wright and Father Phlager have received public lashing for being critical of American politics and politicians.

Yet an unrelenting war wages on the precious people of Iraq. While only a few religious groups, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Olive Branch Interfaith Peace Partnership, Christian Peace Witness for Iraq, the Catholic Workers, have placed at the center of their faith witness ending the war. For the most part, churches have been weak at best and cowardly on the war question. So on one hand if you are pastor who has anything critical to say about politics you are demonized, and on the other if you remain silent in the face of deafening violence, you are a coward.

Below is one attempt to push congregations from cowardice to conscience. I am not sure what is brave or cowardly but when I am asked the question by my five children what did you do to end the war in Iraq? I will say: I organized, marched, preached, went to jail, and wrote... (I hope.)