Who Would Jesus Bomb?

Published July 28, 2007 IN THEORY Is there a Moral Defense for Nuclear Weapons? Q: An ecumenical group of Catholics, Evangelicals, Episcopal bishops and Muslim leaders has signed a statement that affirms the value of diplomacy in talks over stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. Yet, in our own country, such weapons stand as a military defense. Is there a moral defense for nuclear weapons? A: WWJB? Isn’t that what it’s all about? Who would Jesus bomb? And if we can answer that question, then the logical next step is to discuss weaponry, nuclear or conventional? Somehow we want to believe that nuclear weapons are more destructive than other weapons, but they are not. When you factor in the emotional and psychological scaring that goes with the destruction and havoc brought by weapons, you understand that all weapons have the same destructive power. Fall out from nuclear weapons may linger, but the lasting effects of bombs and torture on the human psyche is transferable through generations as hatred is kindled and explodes in a variety of forms of violence and terror. A few years ago, we went on a hunt for “WMD” in Iraq, while it escaped us that the biggest weapon of mass destruction was the totalitarian regime which implemented torture and killings. If you think about it, the actions of that regime, in fact, had both short and long term physical and psychological effects on the victims. The bigger discussion here is that of “just war.” Is there such a thing? St. Augustine introduced the conversation to the Western church. We in Eastern Christianity have not develop this discussion to the extent Augustine did which might explain the proliferation for massacres and even genocide in our pockets of the world. Is there a time when the violence, war and nuclear weapons are justified? The truth is, when we look at this topic from a religious perspective, and in particular a Christian one, there is only one answer. It’s based on the reality that for God all wars are civil wars. Ultimately, we need to go one step further and say there is no defense for weapons of any sort. Unfortunately, we’re not all on the same playing field. This discussion is absurd for too many people. For that reason, the actions of this interfaith group of leaders are truly commendable. These are the first steps toward peace. Our prayers should be with them and for our world. Fr. Vazken Movsesian Armenian Church In His Shoes Mission