I heard a journalist use the phrase “antediluvian theocracy” the other day. I had some general notion of what a theocracy was, but wasn’t remembering what the word antediluvian meant. Looking it up, I discovered it means the time period between the biblical “fall” and the biblical “flood.” The journalist was using the phrase to describe the government of Iran, and how out of touch they were with the 21st Century. They were implementing policies, and controlling their population with threats of violence, based on truly ancient religious ideas and values.
I’m not sure they want to retreat as far as the Iranian theocrats, but the intent of Christian Nationalists in this country seems similar. They do seem to have a picture of a forgotten time, when God, and their religious ancestors were in charge, and all was right with the world; and these nationalists would like a government that implements their values and sense of righteousness. Even though Trump might have other disqualifying characteristics, they see him as a savior for the possibility of their dream.
It’s likely most people have a picture of a golden age like the Nationalists, especially as life becomes more complicated and threatening.
Unfortunately, a golden age is not created by violence. Killing a theocrat in Iran doesn’t destroy theocratic ideas. Bombing a country doesn’t usher in a golden age. And as much as President Trump might pretend otherwise, might does not make right.
The numbers have increased as the bodies have been pulled from the rubble. The latest report is 148 have been killed and 95 wounded at the girls elementary school at Minab in southern Iran. That means 296 parents are grieving the loss of their children. That means 1,184 grandparents are grieving the loss of their grandchildren. That means untold numbers of friends and extended family members are in shock at this unexpected horror. Will these folks thank our president, for taking out their autocratic ruler?
In military terms it’s called “collateral damage.” We don’t intend to kill children, but in war “things happen.” Maybe a missile is misguided or a bomb is dropped in the wrong place. In war you can’t predict every move and avoid every mistake. And once the first round begins, it’s hard to know when the last one will stop.
It’s not just the dead and dying in Iran. Nine people are dead in Pakistan and 32 others are injured after demonstrations at the American embassy protesting our military action in Iran. Iran has responded to Israeli and American attacks with missiles aimed at other mid-eastern countries and their U.S. airbases, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Dubai. People are dying there. The strait of Hormuz will likely be closed by Iran, shutting off a quarter of the world’s oil and gas supply. Russia and China stand uncomfortably on the sidelines, condemning U.S. and Israeli actions. The likelihood of a long and treacherous war involving several countries appears to be a good possibility. Speaking of likely American casualties our President reminds us, in war “things happen.” Speaking in his USA cap, he reminds us that casualties often happen in war and “with God’s help our forces will prevail.”
Like our South Dakota Senators (especially Sen. Rounds, who vocally supported the presidents’ war-making), I hate to disagree with my president. But God does not help one country make war on another. At least not the God of the New Testament. Remember there, “God is love.”
I fear that some men have to prove their manliness to themselves. They may try to do that by having many sexual partners before marriage, and then several wives they eventually divorce. They might even be into pedophilia. If they have enough money and the right connections, they will even use children to satisfy their lust and quest for power over others. They can also prove their manliness through warfare, not necessarily participating in it, but having the power to initiate it.
Peace-making requires humility. It requires a willingness to listen. It requires time and energy. It requires a willingness to trust. It sometimes fails. But it requires tenacity and a willingness to try again. Would that we had more peace-makers in positions of trust and authority, instead of those who more easily move the world into violence. May God have mercy.
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