Christian Ethics Today A Journal of Christian Ethics Volume 12, Number 5 Aggregate Issue 62 Christmas 2006

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’” Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23

“No one can celebrate a genuine Christmas Without being truly poor. The self-su"cient, the proud, those who, because they have everything, look down on others, those who have no need, even of God— for them there will be no Christmas. Only the poor, the hungry, those who need someone to come on their behalf, will have that someone. That someone is God, Emmanuel, God with us. Without poverty of spirit there can be no abundance of God.” —the late Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador A JOURNAL OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS VOLUME 12 NUMBER 5 AGGREGATE ISSUE 62 CHRISTMAS 2006

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23

Solstice Foy Valentine ...... 3

EthixBytes ...... 4

The Role of Religion in Politics Barack Obama, U.S. Senator for Illinois ...... 5

The Haggard Affair: Overlooked Issues Joe E. Trull ...... 9

A War of Words About War Adam C. English ...... 12

Democracy in Iraq: Is It Possible? Charles Luke ...... 16

Is There A War On Christmas? J. Brent Walker ...... 17

Evangelicals and Election Day Martin E. Marty ...... 18

Why Pastors Dread Talking About Money Tarris D. Rosell ...... 19

Let’s Kill the Death Penalty Tom Teepen ...... 21

A Letter To Fellow Baptists David Scholar ...... 22

CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND THE MOVIES David A. Thomas ...... 23 Earthcare: An Inconvenient Truth (2006) ...... 23 Christmas Eve: Joyeux Noel (2005) ...... 25

POETRY ...... 27 An Alternative To War Jerry L. Barnes ...... 27 CHRISTMAS, 2006 Al Staggs ...... 28 Hubris Is a Fortress James A. Langley ...... 29

INDEX OF VOLUME 12, ISSUES 58-62 ...... 30

KUDZU by Doug Marlette www.dougmarlette.com

Editor: Joe E. Trull Publisher: Christian Ethics Today Foundation, 9608 Parkview Court, Denton, TX 76207 (940) 262-0450; Cell: (940) 230-6931 CHRISTIAN ETHICS TODAY is produced in the U.S.A. and is published five times annually and mailed from Dallas, Texas, where third-class postage is paid. Articles published in CET reflect the views of the authors and not necessarily the viewpoint of CET or the Editor. Send corrections and change of addresses to P.O. Box 1165, Argyle, Texas 76226.



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50%": Solsticexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Byxxxxxxxxxxxxx Foy Valentine, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Founding Editor

Note: This Christmas article pub- ticularly cognizant of the winter sol- birth. Wide, and often wild, specula- lished in December, 2005, was Foy stice. Far more than their southern tions about the date went on for many Valentine’s last before his death on European neighbors in Greece, Italy, decades. Finally, however, the rather January 7, 2006, and it represents his and Spain, those early Anglos focused arbitrary date of December 25 came to rare talent as a true wordsmith. on December 25 as a time for special be generally accepted as a good time to celebration. The long winter nights mark the anniversary of his birth. ike Jerome Kern’s ole man river were beginning to be gradually short- Because it was tied so closely to the Lthat “jus’ keeps on rolin’ along,” ened and the days began to grow grad- time of the winter solstice, there was old man sun just keeps on running ually a little longer. Darkness began general satisfaction about the timing; its successive journeys across the sky, to be overcome by light. Cold began and the old customs and policies and east to west, day in and day out, from to give way to the sun’s welcome practices gradually segued into today’s winter through spring to summer and warmth. Accordingly the solstice was Christmas celebrations. then through fall and back again to celebrated with bonfires, merrymak- Our Christian beliefs related to winter, so on and so forth. ing, feasts, and non-lite versions of Mary and Joseph, the incarnation, the Now, in this circadian rhythm there mead. The festivities were apparent- actual birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the is, as we all have been taught, a winter ly not unlike those of other cultures shepherds keeping watch over their solstice and a summer solstice with around the world. flocks by night, the guiding star and points in between which observers of As Christianity spread, the former- the visit of the wise men with their gifts such natural phenomena have named ly pagan celebrations related to the of gold and frankincense and myrrh for the vernal equinox and the autum- winter solstice came to be gradually the new born baby Jesus were all meld- nal equinox, spring and fall. Of all appropriated as a natural occasion for ed into the winter solstice celebrations these observable events, none is quite celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. which were already in place. Old pagan as portentous as the winter solstice. Within a few hundred years after his festivities marked by feasting, lighted Which at last gets me somewhat closer advent, there was absolutely no con- candles, the giving of gifts, singing, to a point which is loosely lodged in sensus as to the actual date of Jesus’ (continued on page 8) my little mind. We’re not there yet, to be sure, but we’re moving on. Solstice means literally sun stand- NOW AVAILABLE! still. It is a stage in the sun’s apparent movement in which the days in the Every Issue of Christian Ethics Today winter stop getting shorter and begin On One CD Indexed by Subject and Author! again to get longer and conversely, of course, in which the nights stop get- How would you like to have Issues 1-58, the first issue in 1995 through the ting longer and begin again to start Winter Issue in 2006 (the Foy Valentine Memorial Edition), indexed by Subject getting shorter. The winter solstice and Title? is reached each year in the northern One of our strong supporters, Burton Patterson of Ft. Worth, has made hemisphere about December 22, possible the production of 1000 of these CDs for our readers and for university, while the summer solstice occurs seminary, and church libraries. about June 22. As a Thanksgiving letter to all of our readers announced, any gift of $50 or All around the world ancient more for the basic ministry of Christian Ethics Today entitles you to this valuable observers marked the solstices care- CD. All proceeds are used to support our basic Journal budget of $85,000. fully and with astounding accuracy. Most of our 5000 subscribers do not have the early editions when Foy Anasazi, Olmecs, Mayans, Aztecs, Valentine was editor (in 1995 we had about 500 readers and in June, 2000, Incas, Babylonians, Chinese, Greeks, when Foy retired as editor, we had about 2000 readers). Persians, and Romans all seem to have This CET CD (1995-2006) also will be provided to numerous education- found special ways to mark the winter al and religious libraries, so order yours soon. The CD would make a unique solstice with celebrations. Christmas gift (ask us about extra copies). The early inhabitants of the small- You may order your CD either by returning the form in the letter mailed to ish island that was to become known you in mid-November, or write or call us (see back page for our numbers). ■ as England seem to have been par-

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 EthixBytes A Collection of Quotes Comments, Statistics, and News Items

“It would disturb me if there was a ❖ billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and wedding between the religious funda- “Corporate America is deliberately 20 minutes, at the rate our government mentalists and the political right. The destroying the middle class to support is spending it!” CDoremus Email . hard right has no interest in religion its globalized greed.” ❖ except to manipulate it.” CNN Financial Journalist Lou “America is becoming known as a Rev. Billy Graham, Parade (1981). Dobbs in his book, The War on the nation of gluttony and obesity, and ❖ Middle Class. churches are a feeding ground for this “When Christians claim special ❖ problem.” knowledge of God’s truth, when they “Iraq’s health minister estimated that Purdue sociology professor Ken advance wedge issues, when they 150,000 civilians have been killed in Ferraro, who also noted 27% of Baptists divide America between ‘people of the war—about three times higher are obese (the most overweight group). faith’ and their ‘enemies,’ Christians than previously accepted estimates.” Chicago Sun Times, 8/25/06. become not the means of peace but Assoc. Press, (11/9/06). ❖ the cause of conflict.” ❖ “The U.S. last year produced nearly Former Senator John Danforth (R- “From 1979 to 2001, the after-tax half of the weapons sold to militaries MO) in Faith and Politics . income of the top 1% of U.S. house- in the developing world.” ❖ holds soared 139%, while the income Sojourners Online (11/13/06). “I’m not calling for or predicting the of the middle fifth rose only 17% and ❖ end of conservatism, . . . but we may the income of the poorest fifth rose “That cannot be true religion that be seeing the downfall of movement only 9%. Last year American CEOs needs carnal weapons to uphold it.” conservatism—the potent alliance of earned 262 times the average wage of Roger Williams, The Bloody Tenet wealthy individuals, corporate inter- the worker—up tenfold from 1970.” of Persecution. ests, and the religious right that took James Kurth, Dallas Morning ❖ shape in the 1960s and 1970s” News, (10/15/06). “An assessment of terrorism by Paul Krugman, New York Times ❖ U.S. intelligence agencies (National columnist on the Nov. 7 elections. “Asymmetrical warfare against the Intelligence Estimate) has found that ❖ government.” the U.S. invasion and occupation of “The debate is over. The science is The Pentagon’s “double-speak”definition Iraq has helped spawn a new genera- clear: Secondhand smoke is not a for attempted suicides at Guantanamo tion of Islamic radicalism and that the mere annoyance, but a serious health prison. overall terrorist threat has grown since hazard.” ❖ the Sept. 11 attacks.” U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona. “There are 37 million US Americans Report released by the House ❖ who live below the poverty line, and Intelligence Committee (9/20/06). “National Christian leaders received 13 million of them are children. 45 ❖ hugs and smiles in person and then million US Americans have no health “A pacifist is a person who realizes that were dismissed behind their backs and insurance. More than two billion in striking another, you harm yourself described as ‘ridiculous,’ ‘out of con- people on the planet live on less than more—this is the moral consequence trol,’ and just plain ‘goofy.’” US $2 a day. We spend a billion dol- of violence.” David Kuo, conservative Christian lars a week on the war in Iraq. . . . We Ethicist John Howard Yoder. who helped run the White House’s Office spend more on our prisons in the US ❖ of Faith-Based Initiatives, in his book than we do on education.” “Preach the gospel at all times; when Tempting Faith. W. Kenneth Williams, Baptist necessary, use words.” ❖ Peacemaker (Fall, 2006). St. Francis of Assisi. ■ “I have it out there proudly because those ❖ who messed the name [Baptist] up have “How much is a ‘Billion’? A billion taken it off their churches. . . . if for no seconds ago it was 1959. A billion other reason, truth in advertising.” minutes ago Jesus was alive. A billion Dr. Bill Self, Pastor of John’s Creek hours ago our ancestors were living in Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA (Baptists the Stone Age. A billion days ago, no Today, 11/06). one walked on earth on two feet. A



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50%": The Role of Religion in Politics By Barack Obama, U.S. Senator for Illinois

Note: This article is adapted from of our personal beliefs—constitution- ported by a recent study that shows the Keynote Address delivered on al principles tie our hands. At worst, Americans have fewer close friends and June 28, 2006, in Washington, D.C. there are some liberals who dismiss confidants than ever before. And so at the Sojourners/Call to Renewal religion in the public square as inher- they need an assurance that somebody Conference and may be found in its ently irrational or intolerant, insisting out there cares about them, is listening entirety at http://obama.senate.gov/ on a caricature of religious Americans to them—that they are not just des- speech. that paints them as fanatical, or think- tined to travel down that long highway ing that the very word “Christian” towards nothingness. oday I’d like to talk about the con- describes one’s political opponents, I speak with some experience on Tnection between religion and pol- not people of faith. this matter. It wasn’t until after col- itics and perhaps offer some thoughts Now, such strategies of avoidance lege, when I went to Chicago to work about how we can sort through some may work for some progressives. But as a community organizer for a group of the often bitter arguments that over the long haul, I think we make of Christian churches, that I con- we’ve been seeing over the last several a mistake when we fail to acknowl- fronted my own spiritual dilemma. I years. edge the power of faith in people’s was working with churches, and the I do so because, as you all know, lives— in the lives of the American Christians who I worked with recog- we can affirm the importance of pov- people—and I think it’s time that we nized themselves in me. They saw that erty in the Bible, and we can discuss join a serious debate about how to I knew their Book and that I shared the religious call to address poverty reconcile faith with our modern, plu- their values and sang their songs. But and environmental stewardship all ralistic democracy. they sensed that a part of me that we want, but it won’t have an impact If we’re going to do that then remained removed, detached—that I unless we tackle head-on the mutu- we first need to understand that was an observer in their midst. In time, al suspicion that sometimes exists Americans are a religious people. I came to realize that something was between religious America and secular Ninety percent of us believe in God, missing as well—that without a vessel America. 70 percent affiliate themselves with for my beliefs, without a commitment For some time now, there has been an organized religion, 38 percent call to a particular community of faith, plenty of talk among pundits and poll- themselves committed Christians, and at some level I would always remain sters that the political divide in this substantially more people in America apart, and alone. country has fallen sharply along reli- believe in angels than they do in evo- As the months passed in Chicago, gious lines. Indeed, the single biggest lution. This religious tendency is not I found myself drawn—not just to “gap” in party affiliation among white simply the result of successful market- work with the church, but to be in Americans today is not between men ing by skilled preachers or the draw the church. For one thing, I believed and women, or those who reside in so- of popular mega-churches. In fact, it and still believe in the power of the called Red States and those who reside speaks to a hunger that’s deeper than African-American religious tradition in Blue, but between those who attend that—a hunger that goes beyond any to spur social change. Because of its church regularly and those who don’t. particular issue or cause. past, the black church understands in Conservative leaders have been all too Each day, it seems, thousands of an intimate way the biblical call to feed happy to exploit this gap, consistently Americans are going about their daily the hungry and cloth the naked and reminding evangelical Christians that rounds—dropping off the kids at challenge powers and principalities. Democrats disrespect their values and school, driving to the office, flying to And in its historical struggles for free- dislike their church, while suggesting a business meeting, shopping at the dom and the rights of man, I was able to the rest of the country that religious mall, trying to stay on their diets— to see faith as more than just a com- Americans care only about issues like and they’re coming to the realization fort to the weary or a hedge against abortion and gay marriage; school that something is missing. They are death, but rather as an active, pal- prayer and intelligent design. deciding that their work, their pos- pable agent in the world. As a source Democrats, for the most part, have sessions, their diversions, their sheer of hope. Perhaps it was out of this taken the bait. At best, we may try to busyness, is not enough. They want intimate knowledge of hardship—the avoid the conversation about religious a sense of purpose, a narrative arc to grounding of faith in struggle—that values altogether, fearful of offending their lives. They’re looking to relieve the church offered me a second insight. anyone and claiming that—regardless a chronic loneliness, a feeling sup- You need to come to church in the first

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 place precisely because you are first of our obligations towards one another; search of the perfect 10-point plan. this world, not apart from it. You need when we shy away from religious ven- They are rooted in both societal indif- to embrace Christ precisely because ues and religious broadcasts because ference and individual callousness—in you have sins to wash away—because we assume that we will be unwel- the imperfections of humanity. you are human and need an ally in come—others will fill the vacuum, Solving these problems will require this difficult journey. those with the most insular views of changes in government policy, but it It was because of these newfound faith, or those who cynically use reli- will also require changes in hearts and understandings that I was finally gion to justify partisan ends. a change in minds. I believe in keep- able to walk down the aisle of Trinity In other words, if we don’t reach ing guns out of our inner cities, and United Church of Christ in Chicago out to evangelical Christians and that our leaders must say so in the face one day and affirm my Christian faith. other religious Americans and tell of the gun manufacturers’ lobby—but It came about as a choice, and not an them what we stand for, then the Jerry I also believe that when a gang-banger epiphany. I didn’t fall out in church. Falwells and Pat Robertsons and Alan shoots indiscriminately into a crowd The questions I had didn’t magically Keyeses will continue to hold sway. because he feels somebody disrespect- disappear. But kneeling beneath that More fundamentally, the discom- ed him, we’ve got a moral problem. cross on the South Side, I felt that I fort of some progressives with any There’s a hole in that young man’s heard God’s spirit beckoning me. I hint of religion has often prevented heart—a hole that the government submitted myself to His will, and ded- us from effectively addressing issues alone cannot fix. icated myself to discovering His truth. in moral terms. If we scrub language My Bible tells me that if we train That’s a path that has been of all religious content, we forfeit the a child in the way he should go, when shared by millions upon millions of imagery and terminology through he is old he will not turn from it. So Americans—evangelicals, Catholics, which millions of Americans under- I think faith and guidance can help Protestants, Jews and Muslims alike; stand both their personal morality fortify a young woman’s sense of self, some since birth, others at certain and social justice. Imagine Lincoln’s a young man’s sense of responsibility, turning points in their lives. It is not Second Inaugural Address without and a sense of reverence that all young something they set apart from the rest reference to “the judgments of the people should have for the act of sex- of their beliefs and values. In fact, it Lord.” Or King’s “I Have a Dream” ual intimacy. is often what drives their beliefs and speech without references to “all of I am not suggesting that every their values. God’s children.” Their summoning progressive suddenly latch on to reli- That is why, if we truly hope to of a higher truth helped inspire what gious terminology—that can be dan- speak to people where they’re at—to had seemed impossible, and move the gerous. Nothing is more transparent communicate our hopes and values in nation to embrace a common destiny. than inauthentic expressions of faith. a way that’s relevant to their own— Our failure as progressives to tap Some politicians come and clap—off then as progressives, we cannot aban- into the moral underpinnings of the rhythm—to the choir. We don’t need don the field of religious discourse. nation is not just rhetorical, though. that. In fact, because I do not believe Because when we ignore the debate Our fear of getting “preachy” may also that religious people have a monop- about what it means to be a good lead us to discount the role that val- oly on morality, I would rather have Christian or Muslim or Jew; when ues and culture play in some of our someone who is grounded in moral- we discuss religion only in the nega- most urgent social problems. After ity and ethics, and who is also secular, tive sense of where or how it should all, the problems of poverty, racism, affirm their morality and ethics and not be practiced, rather than in the the uninsured, and the unemployed values without pretending that they’re positive sense of what it tells us about are not simply technical problems in something they’re not.



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50%": What I am suggesting is this: secular- of good will? It’s going to take more survive its application? ists are wrong when they ask believ- work, a lot more work than we’ve done This brings me to my second point. ers to leave their religion at the door so far. The tensions and the suspicions Democracy demands that the religious- before entering into the public square. on each side of the religious divide will ly motivated translate their concerns Frederick Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, have to be squarely addressed. into universal, rather than religion- Williams Jennings Bryant, Dorothy I want to look at what conservative specific, values. It requires that their Day, Martin Luther King—indeed, leaders need to do—some truths they proposals be subject to argument, and the majority of great reformers in need to acknowledge. amenable to reason. I may be opposed American history—were not only For one, they need to understand to abortion for religious reasons, but motivated by faith, but repeated- the critical role that the separation of if I seek to pass a law banning the ly used religious language to argue church and state has played in pre- practice, I cannot simply point to the for their cause. To say that men and serving not only our democracy, but teachings of my church or evoke God’s women should not inject their “per- the robustness of our religious prac- will. I have to explain why abortion sonal morality” into public policy tice. Folks tend to forget that during violates some principle that is acces- debates is a practical absurdity. Our our founding, it wasn’t the atheists sible to people of all faiths, including law is by definition a codification of or the civil libertarians who were the those with no faith at all. morality, much of it grounded in the most effective champions of the First This is going to be difficult for Judeo-Christian tradition. Amendment. It was the persecuted some who believe in the inerrancy of Moreover, if we progressives shed minorities, it was Baptists like John the Bible, as many evangelicals do. But some of these biases, we might rec- Leland who didn’t want the estab- in a pluralistic democracy, we have no ognize some overlapping values that lished churches to impose their views choice. Politics depends on our abil- both religious and secular people on folks who were getting happy out ity to persuade each other of common share when it comes to the moral and in the fields and teaching the scripture aims based on a common reality. It material direction of our country. We to slaves. It was the forbearers of the involves the compromise, the art of might recognize that the call to sacri- evangelicals who were the most ada- what’s possible. At some fundamental fice on behalf of the next generation, mant about not mingling government level, religion does not allow for com- the need to think in terms of “thou” with religion, because they did not promise. It’s the art of the impossible. and not just “I,” resonates in religious want state-sponsored religion hinder- If God has spoken, then followers are congregations all across the country. ing their ability to practice their faith expected to live up to God’s edicts, And we might realize that we have the as they understood it. regardless of the consequences. To base ability to reach out to the evangelical Moreover, given the increasing one’s life on such uncompromising community and engage millions of diversity of America’s population, the commitments may be sublime, but to religious Americans in the larger proj- dangers of sectarianism have never base our policy making on such com- ect of American renewal. been greater. Whatever we once were, mitments would be a dangerous thing. Some of this is already beginning we are no longer just a Christian Finally, any reconciliation between to happen. Pastors, friends of mine nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a faith and democratic pluralism requires like Rick Warren and T.D. Jakes are Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a some sense of proportion. But a sense wielding their enormous influences Hindu nation, and a nation of non- of proportion should also guide those to confront AIDS, Third World debt believers. who police the boundaries between relief, and the genocide in Darfur. And even if we did have only church and state. Not every mention Religious thinkers and activists like Christians in our midst, if we expelled of God in public is a breach to the our good friend Jim Wallis and Tony every non-Christian from the United wall of separation—context matters. It Campolo are lifting up the biblical States of America, whose Christianity is doubtful that children reciting the injunction to help the poor as a means would we teach in the schools? Would Pledge of Allegiance feel oppressed or of mobilizing Christians against bud- we go with James Dobson’s, or Al brainwashed as a consequence of mut- get cuts to social programs and grow- Sharpton’s? Which passages of scrip- tering the phrase “under God.” I didn’t. ing inequality. Across the country, ture should guide our public policy? Having voluntary student prayer individual churches like my own and Should we go with Leviticus, which groups use school property to meet your own are sponsoring day care pro- suggests slavery is okay and that eat- should not be a threat, any more than grams, building senior centers, help- ing shellfish is abomination? How its use by the High School Republicans ing ex-offenders reclaim their lives, about Deuteronomy, which suggests should threaten Democrats. and rebuilding our gulf coast in the stoning your child if he strays from So, we all have some work to do aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. the faith? Or should we just stick to here. But I am hopeful that we can The question is, how do we build the Sermon on the Mount—a passage bridge the gaps that exist and over- on these still-tentative partnerships that is so radical that it’s doubtful that come the prejudices each of us bring to between religious and secular people our own Defense Department would this debate. And I have faith that mil-

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 lions of believing Americans want that to happen. No matter how religious Solstice they may or may not be, people are (continued from page 3) tired of seeing faith used as a tool of attack. They don’t want faith used to decorated evergreen trees, yule logs, from each” and my Merriam Webster’s belittle or to divide. They’re tired of and rejoicing were all assimilated into Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition hearing folks deliver more screed than our Christian celebrations related to further obfuscates the subject by defin- sermon. Because in the end, that’s not the birth of Jesus Christ. ing solstice as “either of the points how they think about faith in their Why not? on the ecliptic at which its distance own lives. Our great and good God who from the eclestial equator is greatest Many Americans are looking for kindled the fire in the sun, who tilted and which is reached by the sun each a deeper, fuller conversation about the earth on its axis, who started it to year about June 22 nd and December religion in this country. They may spinning, and who ordained its orbit 22 nd .” not change their positions, but they around the sun is the same great and Well, DUH. I really didn’t want to are willing to listen and learn from good God whose redeeming grace in know that much about the solstices. those who are willing to speak in fair- the fullness of time manifested itself in Still, without benefit of a graduate minded words, those who know of the the incarnation, a baby in a manger. degree in astronomy, we can celebrate central and awesome place that God In celebrating Christmas, there is the handiwork of God in fixing the holds in the lives of so many, and who a good reason to be still a while and solstices as he has done; and we can refuse to treat faith as simply anoth- ponder the wonders related to the celebrate the hard work of scientists in er political issue with which to score natural phenomenon of the win- trying to help us understand the gen- points. ter solstice. Christians can not only eral workings of the system. I have a hope for America that we affirm but also celebrate the astrono- At this special season, then, con- can live with one another in a way that my, mathematics, science, and all the sider a couple of closing thoughts. reconciles the beliefs of each with the impressive learning that explains the Celebrate the solstice. It’s Creator good of all. It’s a prayer worth pray- solstices. The Encyclopedia Britannica has given humanity a fantastic gift. ing, and a conversation worth having elucidates the matter: “Each solstice is To this gift we have attached all man- in this country in the months and upon the ecliptic midway between the ner of accouterments and appendages years to come. ■ equinoxes and therefore 90 degrees which we do not necessarily have to reject or even complain about and, indeed, to which we may rightly say a FRIENDS OF FOY VALENTINE joyous YES: Christmas trees, colored lights, fruitcakes, fireworks, roast tur- MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND keys and figgy puddings, peppermint candy, roaring fires, and Santa’s ubiq- A few months after Foy Valentine’s sudden death on January 7, 2006, uitous Ho-Ho-Hos. several of Foy’s closest friends established a memorial endowment fund Focus on the incarnation of God to provide long-term support for the Journal he founded. One of Foy’s in Christ Jesus. In Christ Jesus, God deepest concerns these last ten years has been the financial base for means to be reconciling the world to Christian Ethics Today. himself. Dayspring from on high has Foy insisted (and the present editor concurs) that the Journal should visited us. Humanity itself has been always be sent, free of charge, to anyone requesting it, as long as “financ- touched with a miracle. It is the mira- es and energy allow!” The CET Board feels only the interest accrued cle of redemption, of new heavens and from this fund, and only then if absolutely necessary, will undergird the a new earth. So, at this solstice season, basic budget (now at $85,000 annually). “Remember Jesus Christ” and mind As of December, 2006, 93 persons have given $159,325 to the him. FFV fund, including these friends who contributed since the last issue: Merry Christmas. ■ Buckner Fanning, Richard Kahoe, and Larry McSwain. If you have not contributed, please consider helping to fulfill Foy’s dream of a Journal “to inform, inspire, and unify a company of individu- als and organizations interested in working for personal morality and public righteousness.” For this special gift and for your regular support of the basic bud- get needs of Christian Ethics Today , we give thanks. Without YOU the Journal would not be possible. (All gifts are tax deductible) ■



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50%": xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxThe Haggard Affair: Overlooked Issues xxxxxxxxxxxxxBy Joe E. Trull, Editor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

s there anything left to say about problem. Reliable research over the last “The pitfall with the megachurches . . Ithe Haggard affair? Probably you two decades verifies that sexual abuse . is it’s so easy for a person to consider are weary of the story, broadcast for by clergy has reached “horrific propor- him- or herself above accountability,” weeks by the media. The mega-church tions:” 12-13% of ministers admit to Martin said. “If that accountability is pastor and president of the National sexual relations with church members absent or reduced, then trouble is on Association of Evangelicals (NAE) who and another 37-39% acknowledge sex- the way.” resigned both positions after a former ually inappropriate behavior. 4 The elders of Haggard’s 14,000 male prostitute charged that month- The purpose for noting these over- member church seemed to turn the ly for three years Rev. Ted Haggard looked issues is to assist clergy, laity, matter over to an “Overseer Board,” had met him in a hotel room, where and churches to better address clergy made up of clergy from various church- Haggard also acknowledged buying sexual misconduct. Major reasons for es around the country—pastor-friends crystal meth from the gay man. failure are: (1) a lack of understanding from Louisiana to California to Arizona. My first response was a mixture of of the nature of the problem; (2) a fail- To their credit, the Board did issue a Grief—Disappointment—Sadness— ure to initiate prevention strategies; and public statement that Haggard “has and Concern. (3) inappropriate responses when mis- committed sexually immoral conduct” On my desk are ten reports, rang- conduct occurs. 5 Noting certain mis- and agreed with him that he should be ing from the Religious News Service to taken ideas and inadequate responses dismissed. My question: How can min- Newsweek magazine. I have read them in the Haggard affair will illustrate the ister-friends who live hundreds of miles all. Yet, something troubles me deeply. importance of properly understanding away oversee this pastor or adequately In all these accounts—both secular and confronting clergy sexual failure in investigate charges of misconduct? and religious—key issues have been any church. Limited Liability. Many have omitted or misunderstood. Issues vital Although news reports never give noted the discrepancies between Ted for understanding, preventing, and the complete story, and although inves- Haggard’s confession, the claims of the responding to clergy sexual misconduct tigations continue into the extent of Ted accuser Mike Jones, and the conclusions were overlooked or sometimes misin- Haggard’s misconduct, the information of the church and its members. Policies terpreted. in the media thus far reveals a number and procedures for churches investi- Ministerial ethics has been a lifetime of mistakes by the church, its members, gating charges of clergy malfeasance interest. During twenty years as a pas- and interested parties. Though unin- demand full disclosure of the truth. tor, I witnessed numerous moral fail- tentional and well-motivated, these This is absolutely necessary for all par- ures of friends and colleagues. Fifteen mistakes made ministerial misconduct ties involved, especially for the church. years of teaching Christian ethics fol- a greater possibility and damage to the Without a public disclosure of the facts, lowed, including the development of a church and to individuals much more the church will suffer, yielding to gos- course in ministerial ethics and a basic probable. sip, misinformation, and often the re- textbook. 1 Superficial Accountability. The victimizing of the falsely accused, or In 1998, Texas Baptists appointed a most obvious failure of New Life the victim, and always the perpetrator’s 15-member committee to study Clergy church, and one common to most family. Sexual Misconduct and to bring a report megachurches, is the lack of account- Did Pastor Haggard sin? Yes. He to the convention about responding to ability. Major denominations vet clergy agrees as does his investigators. But this increasing problem. I was asked credentials and have elaborate systems what exactly was the pastor’s sin? to serve as consultant, doing the basic of guidelines, policies, and procedures Original denials followed by vague gen- research for the educational materials, that, to a large degree, protect parishio- eralities only confuse. His admission to as well as assisting in the production of ners and discipline errant ministers. a “massage” from a male escort in the a 45-page booklet. 2 However, for evangelical mega- hotel room and to “buying drugs but Thus by experience, training, and churches with superpastors, it is differ- later throwing them away” (remember, focus of study, clergy sexual miscon- ent. Ministers are celebrities who have this admission was from the front seat duct has been a central concern, leading little or no oversight, other than boards of his auto, with his wife by his side and to numerous conferences and speaking stacked with relatives, friends, and per- two children in the back seat), confuses engagements. 3 Most ministers and laity, sonal lawyers who wouldn’t dare con- more than clarifies. What are church especially in Baptist/evangelical circles, tradict the pastor, notes Bill Martin, a members to believe about their pastor? are shocked to learn the extent of the Rice University expert on evangelicals. Full disclosure is a must.

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 Atmosphere of Denial. Common Rev. Anderson’s assumption is blatant- enough of them are true that . . . I have to all charges of sexual misbehavior ly naïve in the face of the facts—about been removed from ministry.” To be a by ministers is the response of deni- 12% of his members (over 500) are Christian is “to be in a constant state of al. Church members rally to defend probably involved in a sexual affair war.” their preacher. Initially the victim is with a church member and as many as I remember Jimmy Swaggart’s blamed—“she seduced our pastor” or 15,000 might admit to “sexually inap- description of his regular meetings “he is lying!” Sometimes if the charges propriate behavior.” with a prostitute in New Orleans. After prove to be true, the pastor’s wife may Most grievous to me is the state- each visit, he confessed that he would be blamed as an “inadequate spouse ment by Gayle Haggard, the pastor’s repent and feel forgiven and assume he or sexual partner.” Even the church is wife (and who of us is not sympathetic was cured. But in a few weeks Swaggart accused of “overworking” the minister for her and feels her grief?). In a humor- would be back at the motel, watch- to the point of vulnerability. ous comment to the church’s women, ing the exotic dancer. Is there a flawed Any and all of these may be true, she noted those who thought her mar- theology that convinces some min- but the minister cannot escape respon- riage was “so perfect I could not relate isters that they need only to “repent” sibility—the ordained is in the position to women who are facing great diffi- and “pray” to solve this problem. Is the of power in any relationship and he or culties know that this will never be the problem simply an “attack of Satan” she must know and keep the boundar- case.” She closed by pledging her com- or the work of “demons,” rather than ies of ethical sexual conduct. Yet denial mitment to her husband: “My test has one’s own human nature and inner is the pattern. begun; watch me. I will try to prove weaknesses? Initially, Haggard denied the rela- myself faithful.” Where did that idea Myopic Restoration. According to tionship, but when evidence proved he come from? Although I understand her an Associated Press story, restoration had met the male prostitute monthly mixed feelings, is not denial obvious? will include “prayer, and perhaps the in a hotel room and bought drugs from Flawed Theology. A footnote to laying on of hands. There will be coun- him, the three-year leader of the NAE the entire sordid affair is what seems seling and a confession. And there will expressed sorrow for being a “deceiver to be evidence of a flawed theology. be advice, confrontation and rebuke and liar.” In a letter to his church, he Since reading a profound theological from ‘godly men’ appointed to oversee expressed sorrow and disappointment explanation by Roger Olsen (Truett the spiritual ‘restoration’ of the Rev. for “the betrayal and hurt [and] the Seminary professor) in Christianity Ted Haggard.” Haggard has agreed to horrible example I have set for you.” Today , which linked the flawed theolo- a process “that could last as long as five Yet he continued to deny a sexual rela- gy of Pentecostalism (his own heritage) years.” tionship or drug use. with the moral downfall of ministers Who are these “counselors” who The new interim president of the like Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker, I will oversee the restoration process? Are NAE, Leith Anderson (pastor of a have reflected on his thesis. (And let me they trained, experienced, and skilled Minnesota Baptist megachurch), added add that I know many more Baptists in this special area of clergy sexual to the denials. “Most evangelicals . . . than Pentecostals who have fallen!) abuse and misconduct? Are they aware will understand that if there are 45,000 Listen to these comments by Ted of the nature of clergy sexual failures, churches [in the NAE], that 44,999 of Haggard: “I have fought these demons and the difference between wanderers them have leaders that did not misbe- all my life. …There is a part of my (one-time offenders), predators (socio- have and that one person misbehaved life that is so repulsive and dark that pathic manipulators), pedophiles, and and that that is an anomaly.” While I I have been warring against it for all homosexuals? Do they understand that would agree that the majority of min- of my adult life. . . . The accusations clergy sexual exploitation is not primar- isters are not guilty of sexual deviance, leveled against me are not all true, but ily about sex—it is an abuse of power



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50%": in a highly destructive manner? sometimes longer. In the Afterchurch of this impact the gay community? The news reports indicate the ones I pastored, we were still struggling with One news story carried a statement overseeing restoration are fellow-mega- some aftereffects in the fifth year after made by Mike Jones to reporters: “I pastors—two are mentioned, Jack the event. am sad for [Haggard] and his fam- Hayford of The Church on the Way in Wounded Victims. Clergy sex- ily. I know this is a tough day for him Van Nuys, CA, and Tommy Barnett of ual misconduct is often one of those also. I wish him well. I wish his family First Assembly of God in Phoenix. Both secrets of church life concealed from well. My intent was never to destroy declined to discuss Mr. Haggard’s pro- public scrutiny. A “code of silence” his family. My intent was to expose a gram. If experienced counselors trained is sometimes enforced. Most people hypocrite.” for counseling clergy with these specific deny or ignore an incident. But this is Yes, both Ted and Mike are facing problems are not used, rehabilitation is destructive. the dark side of their humanity. Both unlikely. The focus of attention is usually on need what only God and the people of Afterchurch Realities. A pastor in the minister. Colleagues and parishio- God can offer—prayer, grace, and hope the Northwest, who served a congrega- ners either come to his defense, or if for a better tomorrow. In the midst of tion after the previous minister’s moral guilty, offer empathy and grace. Not a this sordid affair, let not the church downfall, wrote his D.Min. dissertation few find in time their sadness turns to or its leaders overlook issues that may on the “Afterchurch.” I have also been anger and resentment. well determine the ultimate healing and pastor of an “Afterchurch,” and I verify But there are many other overlooked health of a great host of people who his conclusions about the difficult and victims. What about the minister’s have suffered the pains of this ministe- long process of ministering to a congre- spouse? The wife is devastated—her rial failure. ■ gation after their pastor has been guilty marriage is in jeopardy, her calling and of sexual misconduct. ministry dissolves, her children are ask- 1 Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation It appears New Life Church, like ing questions, her days in the parson- for Church Leaders 2nd Ed (Grand most congregations who face ministe- age are numbered, the family income Rapids: Baker Academic, 2004) is rial failure, is on the verge of several is affected, and most of all, she asks, co-authored with James E. Carter. mistakes. First, they immediately called “Who is this man I married?” 2 Broken Trust: Confronting Clergy T.V. pastor Ross Parsley as “worship It is not uncommon, by the way, Sexual Misconduct , Dallas: Christian pastor.” With high-sounding com- for children in this marriage to rebel Life Commission, Baptist General ments, he called on the people “when against God and church, often indulg- Convention of Texas, 333 N. tragedy and crisis strikes” to “truly ing in risky behavior—drugs, illicit sex, Washington, Dallas, TX 75246. The decide if you are a worshipper of the and heavy drinking. new chapter (7) in the second edi- most high God.” Other ministers also feel the impact tion of the text Ministerial Ethics is Now all I know about Parsley is of ministerial immorality. Like waves an expansion of my basic research what I have seen on T.V. (and that is from the wake of a passing ship, cler- and writing for this booklet. bad enough), but this comment proves gy sexual misconduct washes muddy 3 In 2006, the author has addressed to me he doesn’t have a clue as to the waters across the reputation of minis- this subject at ministerial ethics con- needs of this Afterchurch. New Life try at large. Indeed, all ministers and ferences at Truett Seminary/Baylor needs a pastor who can help them churches are hurt, when one minister and the McAfee School of Theology/ deal with their grief and confusion as fails. Mercer, as well as to 12 colleges and they face one of the greatest tragedies Tony Campolo notes another universities since 2000. of their life—not a sermon on being important truth. After we get over our 4 See Trull and Carter, Ministerial faithful! anger and prayerfully weep for brother Ethics, 164-165. Equally disturb- A church statement also said that Ted, his family, and the congregation, ing is the fact that this rate of abuse Parsley will lead the church “until a per- we must not overlook the suffering of among clergy generally exceeds the manent replacement for Mr. Haggard Mike Jones, the male prostitute who client-professional rate for physi- is chosen by the end of the year.” blew the whistle on Haggard. On a cians and psychologists. Someone assumes that as soon as a new blog site ( belief.net.com, Nov. 9, 2006), 5 See Broken Trust, 23-42 for specific pastor comes (in two months!), the cri- Campolo notes, “It is all too easy to suggestions and sample policies and sis will be passed and the church will ignore the suffering of Mike Jones . . . procedures for churches. move on as if nothing has happened. [he] will also be hurt. His life will never Dream on. be the same. He will always be scorned Anyone who has dealt with an and a marked man.” Afterchurch will verify that it takes Campolo than asks some tough just as long for church restoration, as questions: What drove him into pros- it does for the offending pastor. Often titution? Does the church bear any a church is in turmoil for 2-3 years, responsibility toward him? How will all

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 A War of Words About War Adam C. English, Assistant Professor of Religion $BNQCFMM
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lasdair MacIntyre’s opening par- country with remarkable courage and wisdom and advice in times of crisis. Aable in After Virtue has enjoyed patriotism. When this happens, Christian leaders amazing staying power among moral So, in response to this burst of often feel obliged to respond in a non- philosophers. I wish I had a dollar for moral language and action, the time sectarian, and sometimes even non-reli- every time it has been retold. Repeated has come to ask if MacIntyre’s vision gious fashion, so as to reach the broadest in numerous contexts, the parable tells still represents reality. Is there real audience possible. Two examples of this of a civilization that destroys the dis- moral fiber in America today? Is there approach are Jean Bethke Elshtain, the cipline of science and rids itself of sci- a “common good” toward which most Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor of entists, but continues to circulate the citizens are working, or is there no Social and Political Ethics at University vocabulary of science. In so doing, the agreed upon goods worth pursuing, of Chicago, and George Hunsinger, the people of this civilization mistake the except the personal advance of the Hazel Thompson McCord Professor use of certain terms and phrases for the individual? Is there a viable, public of Systematic Theology at Princeton actual practice of science. The long- moral tradition that is shaping virtues Theological Seminary. Both are pub- standing assumption is that this parable and values of the “average American” lic intellectuals of enormous prestige. in some way describes the American (if there exists such a species to begin Both have written numerous articles state of affairs with regards to the dis- with) or have relativism and individu- and essays on the current U. S. policies cipline of morality. MacIntyre’s point is alism reduced all virtues and values to in Iraq and Afghanistan; in fact, from that the language of right and wrong is personal preferences? February to April of 2004, they carried still with us, but the practice of virtues The initial premise of this essay on an exchange over these issues in the has long been forgotten. His assessment is that, contrary to the inference of Christian Century .4 While each takes a of the moral scene has, notwithstanding MacIntyre’s tale with regards to the fate radically different view on the U. S. war a few detractors, 1 been the dominant of moral philosophy, serious thinking on terror to make their different cases, account for the past twenty years. about right and wrong at the popular each appeals to the American values of However, something unexpected and academic level has not collapsed or justice and freedom and the American happened in the wake of September disappeared or gone defunct. Popular virtues of pragmatism and utility. 11, 2001. The White House, many ethics is alive and well, if at times In her book-length defense of political pundits, ministers, and grass rather diffuse and accommodating. As President Bush’s aggressive response to roots leaders instantly responded to the September 11 crisis has made clear, terrorist threats and attacks on America, the atrocity with strong moral rheto- there is a broadly identifiable American Just War Against Terror, Jean Bethke ric. 2 President George W. Bush, in ethos grounded in a strong sense of jus- Elshtain wants to make clear that, in his historic address to Congress on tice, freedom, pragmatism, and utility. the words of Hannah Arendt, “politics September 20, proclaimed a “war on The aim of this paper is not to detail is not the nursery.” 5 She contends that terror” in Afghanistan and around the this American ethos, but to consider many Christian moralists and pastors world, calling the perpetrators of the its relationship to the Christian voice. have responded to the politics of terror 9-11 attacks “enemies of freedom” who My contention is that the reassertion and security in a way that is infantile “hate our freedoms.” 3 After a military of the American tradition has put and naive, as if they were in the nurs- scouring of Afghanistan, attention was Christian ethicists, pastors, and moral ery not in the cold, hard world of real- turned to Iraq, where again national theologians in a quandary as to how ity. For instance, she cites the Secretary leaders invoked the moral language of to respond. There is a peculiar awk- General of the Anglican Communion, accountability (to weapons inspectors), wardness in recent Christian thinking Reverend Canon John L. Peterson, freedom to the oppressed Iraqi people, about war, violence, and the virtues. for his condemnation of U. S. bomb- and the need to remove a wicked and Indeed, the one common thread that ings and invasion of Afghanistan, what cruel dictator from power. The rheto- ties together the majority of responses he calls America’s “new colonialism”, ric about war on terrorism has proved to the war on terrorism and the war in as outrageously simplistic and irre- to be much more than speech-mak- Iraq from the Christian community sponsible. 6 Elshtain also chides Tony ing—it has become serious moral is their awkwardness, which stands in Campolo, representing the more evan- commitment. American Armed Forces contrast to the popular American sen- gelical Christians, for his unjustified took direct action in Iraq, as they did timent of freedom and justice. and historically inappropriate compari- in Afghanistan, and young men and The Triumph of Pragmatism son of the Bush foreign policy with the women stepped forward to serve their The church is often looked to for Crusades of the medieval era. 7 She urges



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50%": Christian intellectuals and pastors to ing. Hunsinger’s reasons for opposi- lengths to justify the military opera- leave their nursery-like ideals and enter tion are not explicitly religious or tions in Afghanistan on just war the real world of complex international confessional—at least in his published principles. Likewise, just war criteria politics. Christians must abandon wist- pieces—rather, like Elshtain, they are guide Hunsinger’s evaluation of U. ful longings for a nonviolent utopia forthrightly pragmatic. Early on in S. war policy. But since when has the where turning the other cheek and the debates, Hunsinger made a clear- Christian position on war and violence praying for one’s enemies is the extent ly articulated case against an invasion been decided by the pragmatics of just of one’s duty. To this end, she calls for of Iraq. In a notable 2002 piece that war theory, reasonable chances of suc- a revival of the great Christian Realism has been reproduced in a number of cess, practical necessity, and homeland tradition of Reinhold Niebuhr and venues, “Iraq: Don’t Go There,” 12 security? Anyone who reads the ongo- Paul Tillich. 8 John Richard Neuhaus Hunsinger laid out an impassioned plea ing debates in Christian circles over echoes Elshtain’s pleas for a more real- for restraint. peace-making and violence might easily istic, gritty Christian discipleship that, In that article, he addresses the get the impression that the centerpiece “in obedience to the command to love burden of America power by asking if of Jesus’ ethics was his theory of just the neighbor…defend[s] the innocent the U. S. is justified to invade: “Does war! by engaging in a just war against a mur- Hussein actually possess weapons of Seriously, there is a sense that any derous aggressor.” 9 The action follows mass destruction? And if so, do they Christian consideration of violence directly from the principle; defending pose a clear and imminent danger to the and politics that does not address the thy neighbor is a necessary, practical U. S. or its allies?” 13 He answers both just war tradition is somehow defec- requirement of loving thy neighbor. It questions in the negative. But, what if tive. Indeed, Darrell Cole intention- is a simple matter of pragmatics. one were to look at the same body of ally describes the just war position as Elshtain clearly states that she does evidence and conclude just the oppo- a “doctrine,” because of its longevity not “desire a fusion of religious and site? Would Hunsinger have to concede within the Christian tradition. 15 But, political power, for such is an invitation that intervention in Iraq is warranted? as William T. Cavanaugh reminds us, to idolatry.” 10 Instead, she insists upon He offers no moral virtue or theological just war criteria first appeared not as an a rigid division between church issues principle to guide the reader in his or independent standard for judging any and state issues. The American state is her judgment of the data. One can infer hypothetical nation’s military activ- “secular” in nature, although this does that Hunsinger’s ultimate desire is peace ity. Rather, the tradition “developed as not necessary imply that the society by peaceable means. But, he never sug- a form of moral reasoning within the itself is “secular” in the sense of “god- gests what might prevent a nation from Church, most often in the context of less.” 11 At any rate, in order to preserve intervening in the politics of another the confessional. Whether or not a war and respect the secular nature of the nation if they indeed had solid evidence was just had an effect on the length of state, one must approach state issues that that nation posed a threat. penance that was imposed on those from a religiously neutral and unbiased Addressing those who nonetheless who had killed as an act of war (with perspective. The question about war believe Hussein does pose an immediate penances of up to one year imposed on terror is not, according to Elshtain’s threat, Hunsinger poses a third ques- on soldiers who killed, even in a just definition, a religious one. The question tion: Does America have a “reasonable war).” 16 A petition to the just war tradi- is: “What is America’s special burden in chance of success?” 14 He believes that tion, either for or against the American light of its extraordinary power?” If this any invasion of Iraq would be costly, foreign policy, is not the final or per- is the guiding question, then surely the both in terms of money and soldiers, haps even the most important court answer must be that America’s moral and that it would entail a prolonged of appeals for the Christian. Further, burden weighs heavy. By virtue of being occupation with no clear exit-strategy. in my opinion, it is used by Elshtain, the world’s superpower, America has In this line of reasoning, Hunsinger is Hunsinger and others as a Christian a responsibility to intervene on behalf representative of many of the anti-war gloss on an issue that has already been of other people groups oppressed and arguments bantered about for the past decided by the pragmatic criteria of without power; this is in addition to couple of years by Christians and non- necessity, security, and feasibility. the assumed burden of protecting U. S. Christians alike. Hunsinger does not So, the real issue is not the just war interests abroad. The issue has nothing offer a Christian or even a religious per- tradition, but pragmatism. The theoreti- to do with one’s religious affiliation or spective. His argument could be made cal debate over the value and viability of even one’s moral preferences, the issue by anyone, anywhere. The guiding moral pragmatism is longstanding and is one of practical necessity . philosophical principle of his argument undecided. But, at the level of applica- On the other side of the debate, is the same as Elshtain’s: pragmatism. tion in the public square, pragmatism George Hunsinger, a professional Arguably, both make legitimate surely fails. One example will suffice. In theologian and Karl Barth scholar by claims to just war criteria when they the Raleigh News and Observer, an edito- trade, opposes the U. S. policies of pose their cases for and against mili- rial was submitted by Kimberly Yaman intervention, preemption, and polic- tary action. Elshtain goes to great entitled “Questionable Anti-Terror

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 Tactic: If we’re going to hold children and the empirical necessities of home- tive for Christians to censure the vio- hostage, how about some standards?” 17 land security, they suffer from a similar lence of American soldiers in the name Yaman investigated a Wall Street Journal malaise. of a higher way of peace. We should report by Jess Bravin and Gary Fields The Courage of Achilles recognize that young men and women claiming that “Americans have access to The anxiety that Christian ethicists like Pat Tillman, the soldier who volun- two of [Khalid Shaikh Mohammed’s] feel is that, if they abandon the logic of tarily gave up his NFL contract to join elementary-school-age children.” practicality and efficiency in order to the fight for freedom in Afghanistan, According to the report, “The children adopt a more Gospel-centered disciple- are exhibiting true courage, not igno- were captured in a September raid.” 18 ship-ethic of faith, hope and love, then rance or heathen aggressiveness. What Yaman’s research, which included con- they will be labeled sectarian, or worse, they do for their country is very cou- tacting various senators offices, and the fundamentalist. When one enters the rageous, noble, and just, and it should U. S. Department of Defense, elicited public square, one must speak in the be applauded as such. Karl Barth might no denials of the reports, “saying only common dialect of the square. One have said the American military, fight- that commanders have the discretion to cannot lean on peculiarly Christian ing for justice, freedom, and democracy, do what they believe is necessary.” 19 arguments, rather one must reach for represents a profound secular parable of My concern is not with the alleged more universal standards of freedom, the Kingdom of God. practice of abducting children of terror- justice, and feasibility. This kind of While acknowledging the courage of ists to use as leverage, which is certainly thinking has been shredded by Stanley freedom and justice attached to armed deplorable if true, but with Yaman’s Hauerwas and others on dozens of service for one’s country, Christians own criticism of the practice. She right- occasions. 21 But there is another anxi- must admit that the way of military ser- ly condemns the practice as “barbaric,” ety: the anxiety that if we finally declare vice conflicts at a number of points with but then she reflects: allegiance to Jesus and the nonviolent Christ’s way of peace. Christians are I recognize that the United States way, then we must simultaneously committed to the peaceable reconcili- is unlikely to stop using the tactics of condemn the American military and ation of the world in Christ. Christian detaining children to get to their par- American soldiers—many of whom Relief Services, World Vision, and other ents. If that is so, sheer pragmatism calls are also Christians—for their engage- Christian peace and relief organizations for rules ensuring oversight and some ment in violence. This puts American offer alternative ways to serve. But, degree of transparency to the process. 20 Christians in an odd position of appear- lest it be missed, the theological issue For the remainder of the edito- ing ungrateful for the sacrifices of the at stake behind the Christian refusal of rial, she enumerates ways to make the men and women of the armed services violence, which includes military vio- practice of kidnapping children “trans- and for the freedoms we enjoy because lence, is key. As Jacques Ellul has point- parent.” Yaman’s editorial reveals the of those sacrifices. So, must Christian ed out, violence is part of the “natural” hollowness of “sheer pragmatism” in non-violence be unpatriotic? If we fol- and “necessary” operations of nations. the face of complex moral issues. She low the peaceable way of Christ, must So, Nicholas Rengger may be correct is morally offended by the practice, but we condemn the American ways of jus- when he says that, “We can agree that admits to having no justification for tice and freedom, which unapologeti- the United States was right to strike her offense beyond her own squeamish- cally involve violence, as wicked and back at those that had attacked it, agree ness. She confesses that her sensibilities cowardly? also that such a response, inasmuch as do not serve the practical necessity of A line from the late James it was limited and proportional, was the situation. Pragmatism demands McClendon’s Ethics seems fitting at just.” 23 But if the “we” in Rengger’s that we do what is necessary, that we this point. In his discussion of virtues, statement is a Christian “we,” then the follow the most efficient and effec- McClendon comments: “The courage statement, as such, is incomplete. tive course—the course that generates of Jesus is not the courage of Achilles.” 22 Christians should recognize that results. We must swallow our fears and Both Jesus and Achilles demonstrate nations will defend themselves—when “do what it takes.” All standards and courage, and at some level, both should America does this she is following the principles and moral values are second- be praised for their courage. We should natural, necessary, and practical order of ary to practical necessity, so “If we’re not say that Jesus had courage and things. But the nation of God, Christ’s going to hold children hostage,” we can Achilles had something less than cour- body, the kingdom of the saints here on apply “standards” only as a bureaucratic age, but rather we must affirm that they earth does not live by such a strategy. afterthought. both exhibited true courage, though Christians have been freed by Christ Certainly, neither Elshtain nor certainly not the same kinds of cour- from the pragmatic trap of what is nat- Hunsinger are as simplistically prag- age. Jesus’ was the courage of sacrifice, ural and necessary . Christians, accord- matic as Yaman. Yet, insofar as their Achilles’ was the courage of combat. ing to Ellul, “must struggle against arguments are indebted to and founded Courage is not a universal category; the violence precisely because, apart from upon an appeal to transparency of pro- Gospel writers define it differently than Christ, violence is the form that human cedures, reasonable chances of success, Homer. Similarly, it seems unproduc- relations normally and necessarily take.



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50%": In other words, the more completely musicians, artists, playwrights, and few if any Christian doctrines.” violence seems to be of the order of actors in “Prime-Time Patriotism,” 16 William T. Cavanaugh, “Terrorist necessity, the greater the obligation of Commentary 112.4 (Nov 2001), 51-4. Enemies and Just War,” Christian believers in Christ’s Lordship.” 24 3 President George W. Bush, Our Mission Reflection 12 (2004), The Christian stance cannot be and Our Moment: Speeches Since the 17 Kimberly Yaman, “Questionable Anti- reduced to a question of pacifism or Attacks of September (Washington, Terror Tactic,” News and Observer just war. The first question must be: D. C.: White House Printing Office, (March 29, 2004). Has Christ really freed us from the law 2002), 10, 11. 18 Jess Bravin and Gary Fields, “How Do of sin and death (Rom 8:2)? Has Christ 4 George Hunsinger, “Fog of War,” U. S. Interrogators Make a Captured freed us from the necessity of nature Christian Century 121.3 (February Terrorist Talk?” The Wall Street Journal and violence? The Christian engage- 10, 2004), 11; “Iraq: An Exchange,” (March 4, 2003), B.1. ment with the powers that are in the Christian Century 121.7 (April 6, 19 Yaman. world must flow unapologetically from 2004) Jean Bethke Elshtain responded 20 Ibid., emphasis mine. the new law of the Spirit, the product to “Fog of War,” 57-60 and George 21 Hauerwas and Paul Griffiths’ co- of which is love, joy, peace, patience, Hunsinger replied 61-65. authored response to Elshtain in First kindness, goodness, and so on. The 5 Jean Bethke Elshtain, Just War Against Things was in many ways unusual Christian polis is sustained by the weak- Terror (New York: Basic Books, and inadequate because it did not ness of the one who was crucified but 2003), 2. put forward the critique of translating raised from death. 6 Ibid., 116. Christian values into universal values Christians are summoned to the 7 Ibid., 117. that has become so characteristic of peaceable reconciliation of the world 8 Ibid., 99-111. the Hauerwas project. The vast major- in Christ. Commitment to Christ must 9 John Richard Neuhaus, “In a Time of ity of the correspondence published be our starting point for considering War,” 14. in the following issue of First Things questions of war and peacemaking. The 10 Jean Bethke Elshtain, Reply to Stanley was critical of the Hauerwas-Griffiths outcome of this commitment is that Hauerwas and Paul Griffiths, First review (see First Things 139 (January our highest priority shifts from justice, Things 136 (October 2003), 47. 2004), 2-18). The reason (though not which is central to American civic life, 11 Elshtain, Just War, 37. explicitly stated in the letters to the to redeeming love (2 Cor 5:19-20). The 12 The article was first published in editor) seemed to stem from the fact highest affirmation of the follower of Christian Century 119.17 (August that Hauerwas and Griffiths engage Christ does not involve the phrase that 25, 2002), 10-11, was reprinted in Elshtain on Elshtain’s own terms of “all men are created equal,” as laudable Christian Ethics Today 41 (October public discourse and national good. as that truth is, but the declaration that 2002), 4, and can also be found at For the greater part of the review, they “God so loved the world.” This is the Common Dreams Newscenter, www. attack her understanding of America, announcement that inaugurates peace commondreams.org. He also read a its power and its responsibilities, not, on earth and good will toward all . ■ version of this at a Bonhoeffer sec- as one might hope, her understanding tion meeting during the American of the Christian church’s responsibility 1 Most notably, Jeffrey Stout, Ethics After Academy of Religion annual meeting and power in the face of terror. Only Babel (Princeton: Princeton University in November, 2003. Hunsinger fol- in the second to last paragraph do Press, 1988), 204 and most recently, lows a similar line of argument against Hauerwas and Griffith make a vague Democracy and Tradition (Princeton: any pre-emptive war in Iraq, ask- reference to “her elision of the bound- Princeton University Press, 2004), ing such questions as, “Did Saddam ary between the category ‘Christian’ esp. 122, 125. Hussein gas the Kurds?” in “Before the and the category ‘American.’” Stanley 2 John Richard Neuhaus captures the Shooting Starts” in Christian Century Hauerwas and Paul Griffiths, “War, spirit of the response from many 119.21 (October 9, 2002), 8-9. Peace & Jean Bethke Elshtain,” First involved in politics and religion 13 Hunsinger, “Iraq,” 10. Things 136 (October 2003), 43. when he wrote in December, 2001, 14 Ibid. 22 James McClendon, Jr., Ethics: “This is war. Call it a sustained bat- 15 Darrell Cole, “Good Wars,” First Systematic Theology, Volume 1, revised tle or campaign, if you will, but the Things 116 (October 2001), 27. When edition (Nashville: Abingdon, 2002), relevant moral term is war.” John confronted with this assertion in a let- 115. Richard Neuhaus, “In a Time of War,” ter to the editor by Stanley Hauerwas 23 Nicholas Rengger, “Just a War Against First Things (December 2001), 11. and Alexander Sider, Cole replied, “I Terror? Jean Bethke Elshtain’s Burden Of course, not all responses were as see no reason to dispense with the term and American Power,” International patriotic or clear-cut. The immedi- ‘just war doctrine.’ If a high degree of Affairs 80.1 (2004), 115. ate reaction from the art community coherency among many theologians is 24 Jacques Ellul, Violence , translated by was mixed. Terry Teachout reports on necessary for a body of reflection to be Cecelia Kings (New York: Seabury the various post 9-11 responses from called a ‘doctrine,’ then there would be Press, 1969), 127-8.

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 Democracy in Iraq: Is it Possible? By Charles Luke, Superintendent of Schools (BJOFTWJMMF
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ith all of the posturing regard- our citizens in the democratic process in most democracies only after many Wing the installation of free elec- did not formulate as it is today over years and tend to lead to the develop- tions and the opining by the Bush a few years, but over a long period of ment of political parties representing administration that such elections are time. It is fair to say that our democ- the diverse opinions of the citizenship. indications of the further development racy is still developing and may look In Iraq it will be important that these of a democratic form of government very different within another century. institutions develop separate from in Iraq, little real progress towards a Next, democracies are cultural governmental control to ensure their democracy in that country is evident. affairs. Democracies have typically integrity. This is not surprising, since democ- come from the evolutionary thought Fourth, reform the educational racy in most free countries has taken development of the Western mind institutions of Iraq. In order to ensure centuries to develop. That the Bush with its strong bent toward categori- sustainable democracy in the region, it administration, and any future U.S. zation, separation, and compartmen- will be necessary to educate the next administration, has an uphill battle in talization. Eastern thought historically generation of Iraqis in the tenets of a this arena, is an understatement. The tends to favor less separation in mak- free and democratic system, the value current approach to the installation of ing sense of the world, preferring rath- of free opinion, and the love of per- democracy, coupled with an unrealis- er to see the world as a more blended sonal civil liberties. tic timetable, ensures the failure of a place. To expect the culture of the Finally, and perhaps most impor- truly democratic government to take Arab world in Iraq to embrace demo- tantly, Ben-Meir advocates that the root and grow in Iraq. There are sever- cratic principles and develop them at Bush administration must convince al fundamental principles regarding a an accelerated pace is unrealistic. the Iraqi people that the U.S. actu- democracy that should be considered So, what can the Bush administra- ally has their best interests at heart. by the current administration. tion do to foment the rise of democra- While “ winning the hearts and minds First, democracies almost always cy in the Middle East, and in particular of a people ” is a phrase that invokes begin from within, originating from a in Iraq? Alon Ben-Meir in his article the ghosts of failure that embodied political evolution that dictates shared “Democracy of Convenience?” 1 rec- American involvement in Vietnam, power. Early democracies, includ- ommends several steps. that is exactly what the current U.S. ing the constitutional monarchy that First, Meir says the administration government must do in order to ensure developed from early feudal England, should pursue all changes gradually. a movement toward true democracy in have all been fueled by power seizures Given their long history of authoritar- Iraq. The best way to do so is by giv- of specific groups interested in pro- ian rule, during which Islam has been ing them an interest and control in the tecting and controlling their various the dominant factor, Iraqis are more development of their own country that spheres of influence. As the inter- prone to favor the rights of the collec- allows gradual change, provides local ests of those societies became more tive over the rights of the individual. economic incentives, allows the devel- diverse, it became apparent that a Since democracies are based on indi- opment of supportive institutions, monarchy or dictatorship would no vidual rights, this concept will have and provides for continued sustain- longer suffice to rule them. Regional to be given time and incentive to take ability through education. Ultimately, expression cried out for a different root. in order to take root, any democratic form of governance. Second, provide economic incen- system must connect to and improve This leads to a second principle tives for the local communities of Iraq. the human condition. ■ of democracies—that they have long Economic incentives must be ensured developmental histories. The democ- that affect the daily lives of Iraqi citi- 1 Ben-Meir, Alon. Democracy of racy of the United States did not zens through the development of Convenience? November 7, 2005. emerge as it is today within a few hospitals, libraries, schools, and agri- Downloaded from http://www. short years. Our democracy has taken cultural and business development. alonben-meir.com/articls/democ- centuries to develop, directly traceable Next, encourage the development racy_of_convenience.htm. to the democratic development of of democratic institutions including England. The development of a pri- a free press, free and liberal organiza- marily two-party system, a bicameral tions, a fair court system, and a strong legislature, a stronger form of federal- legal basis for human rights protec- ism, and even the inclusion of all of tion. These institutions have emerged



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re “Christian haters” and “profes- Having settled many of the legal refused to celebrate Christmas because Asional atheists” engaged in an all- issues, some are now bent on fight- they thought it was unchristian and out war on Christmas, as FOX News ing battles in a culture war against an not supported by Scripture). So, in the anchor John Gibson claims? I don’t enemy that does not exist. Some on words of the title of the Beatles song, think so-unless one is prepared to the religious and media right lament “I, Me, Mine,” it’s all about ME and say that President Bush and the First political correctness run amok by call- the brash assertion of MY supposed Lady are leading the effort. Last year’s ing a Christmas tree a “holiday tree” right to impose my religion on others. White House greeting card extends and extending “seasons greetings” Moreover, and I hope it is not a “best wishes for a holiday season of instead of “Merry Christmas.” In fact, too jaded thought, these bombastic hope and happiness.” No mention they have threatened lawsuits to rectify diatribes about a war on Christmas of “Merry Christmas” from the First such indiscretions and, in the private attract publicity and make for good Family. sector, encouraged a boycott of mer- fund raising. (If the truth be known, About a dozen holy days are chants that fail to use the right words. the Christmas spirit is threatened more observed by various religious groups What irony and how sad to be pick- by runaway commercialism-beginning between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. ing a fight over what to call a season just after Halloween, than by any sup- For decades we have been confronted that for many celebrates the coming of posed cultural hostility to a holiday by that “December dilemma” of how the Prince of Peace. We would all do that more than 90 percent of our citi- to acknowledge and celebrate winter well to take a deep breath and exercise zens celebrate.) religious holidays, usually in the con- some common sense as we think and No, we do not need government text of the schools, in a way that is talk about this season. promoting our religious holidays to constitutional and culturally sensitive. Christmas is Christmas and a tree is the exclusion of others. Nor do we People of good faith, including the a tree. There’s nothing wrong with call- need a corps of purity police trying to Baptist Joint Committee, have worked ing it what it is: a Christmas tree. And dissuade our efforts to respect the reli- long and hard to develop guide- it is perfectly appropriate to extend a gious diversity that is the hallmark of lines that comply with the Supreme specific holiday greeting such as my this country. Court’s interpretation of the First Jewish friends do when they wish me To all of our readers, then: Merry Amendment’s religion clauses, and a “Merry Christmas,” and I return a Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and respect the amazing religious diversity “Happy Hanukkah.” a Joyous Kwanzaa, Martyrdom Day in this country. But often it’s quite appropriate of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Bodhi Day, There is widespread agreement to wish another “happy holidays” or Maunajiyaras Day, Beginning of that: “season’s greetings.” It’s just a matter Masa’il, Nisf Sha’ban and Yalda Night, Ê UÊœˆ`>ÞÊVœ˜ViÀÌÃʈ˜ÊÌ iÊ«ÕLˆVÊ of good manners and common cour- Yule and Shinto Winter Solstice, and schools can and should include tesy. If I am talking to a person whose Ramadan! Or, happy holidays! ■ religious music along with the religious affiliation I do not know, I secular, as long as the sacred does will employ the more general greeting. Note: This article was originally pub- not dominate. And the same goes for merchants who lished in Report From the Capital Ê UÊ Religious dramatic productions have advertised goods to Americans of (Nov-Dec 2005), newsletter of the can be presented in the public many religious traditions who may or Baptist Joint Committee, Washington, schools as long as they do not may not celebrate Christmas. D.C., and is used by permission. involve worship and are part of None of this disparages Christmas an effort to use religious holidays one iota or diminishes my enjoyment as an occasion to teach about of it in the least. Then why are these religion. culture warriors bound to start a brou- Ê UÊÀiiÊÃÌ>˜`ˆ˜}ÊVÀjV iÃ]Ê>ÃÊÌ œÀ - haha in the midst of the love, joy, peace oughly religious Christian sym- and hope of Advent? bols, should not be sponsored by It’s part of a concerted effort to government, but Christmas trees affirm the mythical “Christian nation” and menorahs are sufficiently sec- status of the United States. (By the ular to allow their display with- way, the Puritans and many other reli- out a constitutional problem. gious people well into the 19th century

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 Evangelicalsxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and Election Day xxxxxxxxxxxxxBy Martin E. Marty, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 6OJWFSTJUZ
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ith regard to the recent elec- sociological data to show that class, Many said “yes.” But who wouldn’t, Wtion—was it a seismic or gla- region, party, and self-interest also and who didn’t, vote their values? That cial change?—I want to make one go into the mix of “evangelical” vot- question was a blunt instrument. Now observation or suggestion. (It’s in the ing patterns, and only a minority of we shall look to John Green, Greeley “watch your language” category.) Ever evangelicals is hard-Right. Reviewing and Hout, and Chris Smith, among since my article “The New Christian the 2004 elections, they wrote that others, to sharpen the tools of mea- Right” appeared in the Encyclopedia religion remained the story “because surement and focus our lenses. Britannica Yearbook 1981 , I’ve quietly it suits both the interests that want to My take: The Christian Right took argued that in political contexts the further the influence of their brand shape in the 1980s with the motives term “the New Christian Right” should of religion . . . and those who want of the “politics of resentment,” its be used in place of “Evangelicals,” to raise money to stop them.” Each members having long felt, and been, which is what the public media have spooks out the other, most media, as disdained. In the years of the Reagan chosen to use—and which they regu- well as many of us in the public. charm, they found it easy to gain larly misuse. The “Christian Right,” The 2006 election was a partial power, so they moved to the “politics then as now, I wrote, spoke only for de-spooker. Many in the Christian of will-to-power,” still voicing resent- “a minority of evangelical, fundamen- Right showed their frustration before, ment. Many sounded as if they should talist, and Pentecostal Protestantism,” during, and after the election, feeling and maybe could “win it all” and “run and included some “Roman Catholics, that their candidates and party did the show.” who shared some of the New Christian not deliver. On Greeley lines, we can They have now begun to learn what Right’s viewpoint,” especially against read more declarations of indepen- mainline Protestants and mainline evan- abortion. That “minority,” of course, dence from the Christian Right by gelicals, Catholics, Jews, and humanists has since grown. many evangelicals, especially as they know: No one is simply going to “run If these together do not make up now put energies into other issues that the show” in the American pluralist all of “evangelicalism,” many evan- they find religiously important (e.g., mix, as we watch shifting powers face gelicals also are not fully at home the environment, immigration poli- off against other shifting powers, which on the political right. That was clear cies, etc.). In 2004, had a couple tens is what happened again last Tuesday on back when many took up the “it’s of thousands of Ohioans voted dif- election day. ■ the economy, stupid” theme in the ferently, commentators would likely Clinton years. Columnist Andrew have said that the Right had met its This article originally appeared in Greeley and Michael Hout, in their limits and would fade. Instead, report- Sightings (11/13/06), a publication important little book The Truth About ers had only asked voters in exit polls of the Martin Marty Center at the Conservative Christians , provide ample whether they had voted their values. University of Chicago Divinity School.



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tewardship programs and pastors pastors often do experience a sense of age giving on a spectrum starting with Sdon’t mix any better than oil and discomfort when speaking or preach- the widow’s mite, wealthier givers tend water. The way it’s put by many eccle- ing on financial giving relative to the to get off comparably easy. An erod- sial stewardship and mission promot- church’s budget and program. This ing middle class cohort of congregants ers is that preachers have a perennial may not be a matter of timidity or may be the only ones really expected problem talking to parishioners about insufficient training, however. Might and exhorted to give sacrificially. While money. Contrary to conventional wis- our discomfort be instead a matter those of much means receive accolades dom, I think that a better stewardship mostly of personal morals and profes- for their measure of tithes given out of program is not the answer to this prob- sional ethics? abundance, the increasingly less afflu- lem; nor will it be resolved by moti- It is a point of pastoral sensitivity ent receive little more from ethically vational talks to pastors about why when we are hesitant to shame finan- insensitive preachers than a challenge they ought to talk stewardship with cially challenged congregants into to do more. Other pastors who eschew their people. The answer lies rather in tithing behaviors, or when we are sym- shaming the relative poor are to be morality and ethics. pathetic to the economic situations of commended. Actually, I don’t know whether or those for whom even minimal giving Some church members in every not it would be factually accurate to would be impossible without addi- socioeconomic bracket are exceedingly claim that preachers don’t talk much tional borrowing. The widow’s mite generous souls, but feel called of God about money. It seems to me that in ought not to be placed in the offering to respond to support appeals beyond my own sermons and those of my plate if it really belongs to a legitimate that of just the church. If they are able pastors, we have not infrequently creditor; and denominational steward- to give away as much as ten percent addressed financial and material con- ship programs don’t often address the of their income, it may be divided cerns. There is a good biblical case to preliminary problem for many North between the church, the Scouts, United be made for doing so. Depending on Americans of consumer debt and Way, a homeless shelter, the local rape how and what one counts, I’m told chronic deficit spending. Some of the crisis center, and the nonprofit organi- there are somewhere between 800 latter is not from moral turpitude so zation for which they work. and 2500 biblical references to wealth much as systemic oppression or bad Is this wrong? An ethically astute and poverty. Many such sayings are luck. One major hospitalization in this pastor knows otherwise. What sort of attributed to Jesus (who, in contrast, country, where healthcare access is tied arrogance is it that would claim and seems not to have said one thing about to employment based medical insur- proclaim moral and fiscal hegemony homosexuality). Surely we ought to ance, can put a middle class family of my own congregational agenda over be preaching and teaching about the over the edge and into virtual inden- that of a hundred other worthy chari- things Jesus taught also, as well as on tured servitude to medical creditors or table causes in the community and issues of biblical concern. their collectors. world? Why should the church not What surely is true, as well, is that Despite what we say about percent- have to make its case for legitimacy of

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 support right alongside all the other sional tension and moral dissonance sibility, grounded in ministry ethics. nonprofits whose humanitarian ser- this creates. Likewise, the ethically There is yet another possibility to vices make the world a better place for sensitive pastor becomes understand- consider. It may be that the love of all of us to live? ably uncomfortable when asked to ask money is the biggest reason many of A ministry ethics issue at the heart the congregation for budget money us clergy feel discomfort in the role of pastoral discomfort with steward- that significantly includes pastoral sal- of financial stewardship promoter. I ship programs is that pertaining to an ary and benefits. am referring now to our own idola- inherent conflict of interest. When If stewardship promotion really try, not that of parishioners. They too the preacher talks to her people about is not about the budget or raising are prone to make and worship gold- money that will ultimately end up as money, as promoters will protest, then en calves, if rather less prone to part pastoral salary, discomfort is ethically let’s do the program in February after with the precious metals requisite for appropriate. In small congregations, the annual meeting and leave out the congregationally casting one. Yet, few and some large ones, the biggest bud- pledge cards. No? Then it is about North American preachers, including get item is the pastor’s compensation money after all, which of course is not this one, live anywhere near a lifestyle package. How does one avoid con- a bad thing. reminiscent of the Christ we otherwise flict of interest ethics code violation, Only the love of money is a root claim to emulate and follow. and inducing congregants’ cynicism, of all kinds of evil. And indeed some- Those clergy who live simply on when the exhortation to give money one or some group in every organiza- account of a sort of forced poverty may “to God” clearly entails an economic tion must attend to the budget. That feel uncomfortable addressing mon- benefit to the exhorter? someone would be the president, etary matters from the pulpit because This also goes against the ethical CEO, executive director, development of personal resentment at congrega- grain of pastoral service. We who are or institutional advancement person- tions deemed stingy. Chosen poverty, called of God to serve the Church as nel in most nonprofits. Ought this or at least a radically simplified life- pastors do so without assessing fees or role to be filled by the pastor within style, likely would have a different hope of financial gain. The Church a church, or does that special calling effect upon stewardship preaching. It provides the clergy with salary support and code ethically exempt one instead may render such preaching unneces- so that we are free to practice for free, from fundraising of this sort? Maybe sary, given that actions speak louder charging nothing to those who need the only fundraising to be done by than words and the most powerful ser- pastoral care. Most pastoral counsel- pastors is that exclusively designated mon is one that is lived. Perhaps then ing specialists and some spiritual direc- for external mission, or else untainted it is not a better stewardship program tors do practice their ministry arts on capital campaigns not aimed at per- that is needed by many of us, but more a fee-for-service basis, but they have sonal kingdom building. We have not moral integrity of pastoral stewardship never resolved adequately the profes- given sufficient thought to that pos- practices. ■



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50%": Let’sxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Kill the Death Penalty Byxxxxxxxxxxxxx Tom Teepen, Columnist xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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he U.S. Supreme Court has into one of his patented Yosemite Sam cases, and there is no sure hedge against Trelieved the nation of the consid- tantrums, that factor was cited only that. erable international embarrassment incidentally. The ruling was rooted The death penalty executes minori- of being just about the only nation in customary, very domestic jurispru- ties in such disproportion that the dis- that still executed juveniles, but that dence. The majority noted that in parity invites suspicions of prejudice. welcome progress still begs the larger recent years, five more states have on Lousy lawyering is deadly, mostly question of the death penalty itself. their own foresworn juvenile execu- to low-income defendants. In recent years, the high court has tion, leaving just 20 with the practice, The death penalty fails to take even been tiptoeing back toward that core and the ones that retain the option are severe mental illness into account. issue in small steps. In 1988, it barred resorting to it with increased reluc- And the penalty is applied uneven- the execution of juveniles under 16. tance and less frequency. ly among the states. Of the 22 juve- Three years ago, it ended the execu- That adds up to the “cruel and niles executed in the United States tion of the mentally retarded. unusual punishment” that the since 1976, 13 were concentrated in It now is barring the execution of Constitution’s Eighth Amendment Texas. Surely life and death decisions 16 and 17 year olds, the court relied forbids, an evolving judgment. The shouldn’t depend upon geographical on the “evolving standards of decency” majority also found, soundly and in happenstance. measurement that it has applied to line with science, that juveniles have The death penalty both ill-becomes such matters for the last 50 years but “a lack of maturity and underdevel- us and ill-serves us. No study has ever also, as it did in the issue of retarda- oped sense of responsibility.” They are been able to show that it discourages tion, cited international practices. vulnerable to peer pressure and have the crimes it punishes. Murder does Since 1990, the seven other nations unformed personalities, all of which, not flourish where it has never been that still executed juveniles have aban- the court concluded, makes them applied and murder does not rise where doned the practice. less culpable than adults for the same the practice has been ended. Most Americans are little aware of actions. The blunt truth is that the death just how revolted most of the world The death penalty remains twisted penalty is simply vengeful and exists has been at our persistence with juve- by a whole array of distortions. in this country to a degree otherwise nile executions. Most crucially, we now know, unknown among developed nations as But while even the mention of thanks to the development of DNA the product of demagogic and vindic- international norms sent the court’s evidence, that the process produces tive politics, not of reasoned justice. ■ chief dissenter, Antonin Scalia, fatal errors in an appalling number of

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 A Letter to Fellow Baptists By David Scholar, Professor of NT and Associate Dean, 'VMMFS
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Dear colleagues and friends, what the Bible teaches on various issue of the ordination of women and There is considerable talk these themes and in multiple contexts. We their full participation in the ministry days about biblical authority and soul now understand quite well that the of the church). freedom and their relationship to each Bible does require interpretation; that I have never regretted my 1961 other; I would like to offer some brief is the responsibility that goes hand- decision. Further, I see nothing today reflections on this from my life experi- in-hand with the commitment to that is substantially different than it ence and study. biblical authority. And, as a Baptist, was in 1961—there were and are some Both biblical authority and soul I embrace soul freedom, which allows substantial differences in how various freedom have been Baptist distinc- me the option of my struggle with American Baptists understand biblical tives since our beginnings in the early biblical interpretation in a context in authority, but we have not abandoned 1600s; most Baptists have treasured which I want also to preserve the right that commitment. In fact, our vari- and nurtured these commitments over of my other Baptist friends to engage ous policy statements speak to many the centuries in many different con- in their struggles of interpretation. crucial issues in the mainstream of texts. I grew up in the General Association orthodox Christian teachings on sen- Both of these commitments are of Regular Baptist Churches. When I sitive issues. It is our commitment to important and are not opposed to entered my adulthood and seminary, soul freedom that gives us the oppor- each other; it is never a matter that I realized that the commitment of tunity to be genuinely committed to one of them “trumps” the other. In the GARBC to biblical authority was biblical authority. It is crucial that we fact, they work together to safeguard actually an enforced commitment to a do not think that our ABC family has all that is precious to us—the clear particular interpretation. I found my failed us in these strong, basic com- and sole authority of Scripture in an new haven of hope in the American mitments; we do not need to enter environment in which ecclesiastical Baptists in 1961. I embraced the again into the disruptions of 1932 and authorities do not dictate to us what ABC, knowing both its commitments 1947. As a strong evangelical commit- the Scripture teaches. Soul freedom to biblical authority and to soul free- ted to biblical authority, I understand is actually, from a Baptist perspec- dom. I learned immediately that this that we weathered those storms and tive, the commitment that guards and meant there were persons within the built a family that is a reflection of protects the commitment to biblical ABC with whom I had substantial our basic commitments, which means, authority over against other kinds of theological differences. But, I had the of course, a family in which there are authority. freedom to champion my understand- some disagreements, but these pale Our history makes it clear that we ings of the implications of biblical in light of the commitment to love, have recognized from our beginnings authority in our denomination, which integrity, soul freedom and biblical that differences arise among us as to I have done over the years (e.g., on the authority. ■



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Earthcare: An to his speaking dates around the globe. ny’s mission statement: it will inspire Inconvenient Truth (2006) There are close-ups of his concentrated audiences to get involved in the issues “This is not a political issue. It is a moral facial expression as he gives interviews that affect us all. In fact, it may scare imperative.” Al Gore to local radio and TV interviewers of the socks off of you. Compared to every ethnic complexion. Syriana and the other movies men- ocumentaries are quintessential In this movie, Al Gore’s perfor- tioned, though, it falls somewhat short Dsocial texts. Although they are mance bears little resemblance to of the “compelling entertainment” movies, they are not just entertain- his previous wonky debater persona part—unless you are a retired col- ment. Documentaries are nonfiction from his 2000 presidential campaign. lege debate coach who tends to vote and journalistic in intent. They mean Think instead of the opening public against Republican candidates, like to inform us and persuade us to take lecture scene of The Da Vinci Code , moi. Personally, after all those years of decisive actions. Primarily concerned where Tom Hanks is using some great sitting through hundreds of classroom with conveying information or advo- PowerPoint slides to explain his theory debates, I can really get into a well cacy, they always try to incorporate as of “the symbology of the sacred femi- crafted public policy argument. As lec- much cinematic interest as possible nine.” Instead, you get to hear Gore’s tures go, from any perspective, the Al into their messages. entire hour-long global warming lec- Gore global warming slide show must An Inconvenient Truth is a secular ture before the movie ends. Gore the be given high marks. sermon about saving the environ- public lecturer is every bit as loosely The movie begins—and ends— ment. The movie opened in late May, professorial as Hanks’ character, the with a pastoral scene of the river 2006, on a limited number of screens Harvard professor, Robert Langdon. on the Gore farm in Tennessee. An and grossed less than $500,000 for More importantly, Gore’s top notch Inconvenient Truth uses nature in its the weekend, but over 200 reviews multimedia presentation is equally unspoiled state as both the movie’s were published that ranged from 74 state-of-the-art. context and its goal. Immediately, percent favorable (Metacritic.com) Jeff Skoll’s movie production the viewpoint shifts to the “rock star” to 91 percent favorable (rottentoma- company with a social conscience, Al Gore’s moment of truth just as he toes.com). Political commentaries Participant Productions , is the reason enters stage right, before he begins have been slower to come forth, but this movie exists. Skoll, a youthful presenting his multimedia lecture to a Al Gore commented with bemuse- billionaire EBay retiree, launched his college audience. “I’m Al Gore. I used ment that even Bill O’Reilly seemed new movie studio a year ago with a to be the next President of the United to approve of his message. Word of huge splash, releasing four movies, all States . . . [Audience laughs]. I don’t mouth is working: an estimated three of which figured in the Oscar races. think that’s particularly funny.” Then million people had attended the movie Participant’s vision statement reads, he starts showing gorgeous slides of by August, 2006; and as of that date, “Changing the World One Story at Earth taken from space, projected on a it is still in distribution and attendance a Time. Participant believes in the wall-high screen. seems to be holding its own. power of media to create great social Before the movie ends, we will have One critic astutely noted that the change. Our goal is to deliver com- seen his lecture in its entirety. But it movie is less a documentary than it is a pelling entertainment that will inspire will be interspersed with several flash- rock concert movie without the music. audiences to get involved in the issues back human interest scenes depicting There is something insightful in that that affect us all. ” The firm’s first Gore’s personal story of how he became comment. The documentary subject movies were Good Night and Good so passionate about this project. is a multimedia lecture that Gore has Luck, Syriana, Murderball, and North The viewer must not overlook the been giving around the world for the Country . All four of these movies crucial importance of these personal last several years. “Since the 2000 elec- received Oscar nominations, which interludes in the flow of his argu- tion, I must have given this lecture a has to be a record for a brand new ment. Naturally, this part of the movie thousand times . . . at least a thousand movie studio’s initial productions. ˆ˜VÕ`iÃÊ>ÊLÀˆivÊ«ÀjVˆÃʜvÊ ˆÃÊ«œˆÌˆV>Ê times,” he guesses in one aside. The Importantly, as a whole, they also career and especially his near-election camera follows him from campus lec- made a lot of money, proving that to the Presidency, but the emphasis ture halls to civic auditoriums, show- “message” movies need not be losers. is not intended to restore his politi- ing him schlepping his own luggage An Inconvenient Truth certainly cal viability for the future. It is much through airports and hailing taxi rides meets one of the criteria in the compa- more about his lifelong interest in

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 global warming that began before warming relate directly to human stringent mpg standards. Yet the U. S. his political career. He makes it clear energy consumption patterns, namely, has resisted putting in laws that might that he had pursued that specific issue auto combustion exhausts and coal- hurt Exxon-Mobil and the General throughout his service in Congress fired power plants. Another major Motors Company. and the Senate. It has continued to be source of CO 2 air pollution is the Second, countries in the devel- his full time pursuit since leaving pub- burning of the rain forests as a land oping world must also reduce their lic office. Through some family movie clearing technique. aspirations. China, for example, is clips, we glimpse some of the critical All is not lost. The trend towards a nation of 1.6 billion people on the life-events over the last six years that global warming can be slowed and cusp of raising its economy to the level are at the heart of his new vocation as even reversed. All of the chief solu- of the developed world. India is the a freelance professional public envi- tions available to us entail major same. Capital intensive growth in the ronmental advocate. policy changes on a global scale. It is underdeveloped world, such as mod- The Global Warming Lecture . Based imperative to reduce the discharge of ern transportation, housing, etc., calls on my college teaching experience, I CO 2 emissions by drastically regulat- for enormous investments in manu- can testify that there is a huge differ- ing auto manufacturers’ mpg stan- facturing, steel and building materials, ence between lecturing with the aid of dards, cutting back on household more fresh water, expansion of power PowerPoint and lecturing without it. energy use through more energy effi- plants, and especially, burning the oil, Al Gore’s slide show is a model of mul- cient houses and appliances, and by gas, and coal fuels to make it all hap- timedia lesson construction. A New choosing to use less AC and heating pen. Moreover, China has the largest York magazine movie critic was one of power (thermostat setting). Getting coal reserve in the world. As China, several who suggested that when read- serious about recycling will also make India, South America, and the rest of ers run across a negative review of An a significant contribution to energy the Third World continue to gear-up, Inconvenient Truth , they should look to savings. New carbon capture technol- America’s soon-to-come massive cut- the political affiliation of the writer. It ogies for smokestacks must and will backs in energy consumption patterns is hard to fault the presentation unless become mandatory. will seem very modest by comparison you simply have it in for Al Gore. I Gore debunks the wishful think- with their enormous expansion in the daresay most such negative reviews, ing that all of this climate change is rest of the world. when they come forth, will not appear simply cyclical and will cure itself. He From the scientific point of view, on the arts and culture pages of the establishes that nothing in his lecture nothing in the movie is in question. newspaper. Rather, look for them as is controversial from the point of view It’s all true. Insofar as one lecture can syndicated political columns and op- of science. However, much work has be an effective persuasive piece of rhet- ed think pieces, since the movie tar- to be done to change people’s attitudes oric, every claim Gore makes is backed gets the anti-environmental policies towards their consumption patterns. up with credible, indeed, indisputable, that undergird the present Republican He warns that if we don’t, we must evidence. Not only that, but with the worldview. suffer more Katrinas, more widespread high tech presentation tools he uses, In this movie, Gore’s central argu- droughts, more vanishing inland seas, his points are made with pictures and ments are that global warming is a sci- and more eroding coastlines. All of production qualities, and even humor entific fact, and accelerating rapidly is these phenomena are increasing at an that one would wish every teacher a trend towards the point of no return. alarming pace, and we are already far could learn to use. The cause of global warming is CO 2 beyond the stage when such things From the political point of view, emissions. The consequences of glob- can be ignored as an acceptable cost though, everything in the movie is al warming are dire. There are many of continued economic development. controversial. Unfortunately, the direct effects of global warming, most The action steps he mentions, and movie makes it appear that only all of them bad for human habitation. others, more draconian, are necessary Republicans are opposed to the cures. Gore focuses on changes in weather for human survival on a global basis. There are brief sound bites from patterns resulting in bigger and more Two separate political issues are President Reagan (“It’s just the forests frequent hurricanes, faster melting of involved in bringing about change. to blame!”), the first President George the glaciers and ice caps, drastically First, we need to make major changes Bush (“Save a few owls and lose all our rising sea levels, and paradoxically, in our preferences and habits con- jobs!”), and Senator Imhofe (“It’s all more widespread severe droughts. cerning our personal cars, housing a hoax!”) The present administration Many species of flora and fauna are patterns, and consumption patterns. is mentioned in context of the global endangered by climate shifts, while This is true especially in the U. S. warming theme. Every country in the vectors of viruses and other diseases because our nation consumes the world signed the Kyoto Treaty except are mushrooming. Super diseases are lion’s share of the world’s fossil fuels two, the U. S. and Australia. And Gore springing up everywhere. to sustain our rich standard of living. points out that although President Almost all of the causes of global Other countries have already adopted Bush pledged to reduce CO 2 emis- 

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50%": sions in the 2000 campaign, it was a The church is in possession of a declared a temporary cease-fire. They pledge he has yet to keep. “bully pulpit” that could be more effec- did so to celebrate Christmas together It’s a really, really frightening tive than movies or politicians. Now is in the no-man’s land that lay between movie. That is, unless you believe, the time to begin incorporating envi- their trenches. A bloody, brutal, like President Bush’s political advisers ronmental themes into the lectionary. hand-to-hand battle previously raged and speech writers, you can make all (Perhaps this is special pleading from between them for two months. 2 of the scientific conclusions go away the “movie guy,” but consider also the The movie fractures the standard merely by drawing a red line through value of sponsoring movie-discussion war movie genre’s format of showing them. In a particularly damning clip, nights about this movie.) everything from one side’s perspective. Gore shows a New York Times graphic Second, and equally important, the Here, three armies are engaged in a bar- news report of how President Bush’s church as a social institution must look baric trench war. 3 Thankfully, scenes of environmental chief altered the Bush to itself as an energy consumer. Every slaughter are shown only briefly. Joyeux administration’s own EPA report to practical step suggested for individu- Noël does not privilege one army over change a definitive scientific finding. als or companies to do applies as well another, because the war per se is not He redlined out the report’s hard hit- to the church. Consider how much the subject of the movie. The war is ting conclusion, and revised it to say electricity the church uses merely to merely the setting for the personal story that global warming is merely specu- provide heating and air conditioning of the men caught in it. Each of the lative. The public disclosure of that in its sanctuary on Sunday nights. One armies is represented in exactly identi- dishonest—and dangerous—manipu- major metropolitan church shut down cal ways. All of the characters are cast lation of the facts led to the man’s “res- all Sunday evening activities in its sanc- and depicted as being likeable, regard- ignation,” whereupon he moved to a tuary, shifting its regular Sunday night less of their national identity. There are higher-paying job with Exxon-Mobil services to its compact chapel facility. no intrinsic cues for us to know who to the very same day. In that instance, all its members con- root for. The movie does not explain or The fact is, we are all guilty of liv- tinued to be served with no loss in even mention the political issues. ing in denial about our culpability for attendance; but its annual power bill When war breaks out in the begin- the sorry mess we have created. It’s went down over $100,000. Gas guz- ning of the movie, we are introduced not just Republican leaders. We are all zling church vehicles can be replaced to a few representative characters from addicted to oil and gas and coal. But with smaller vans and sedans that fea- each of the three countries—Scotland, the day of reckoning will come sooner ture more efficient engines, hybrids if Germany, and France. We follow them or later. At current rates, global warm- possible, on the regular replacement through their enlistments into war- ing will melt the remaining ice caps schedule. Recycle everything. fare in the trenches. Each nationality’s and raise the sea level by twenty feet, Measures such as these must be characters in the movie always speak creating a hundred million refugees thought of as the beginning, but not their lines in their native tongues around the world in the near term, the entire solution. Denominational When they are not shooting at each possibly within our lifetimes. conventions should feature seminars other, they glare at each other—they What Can Churches Do? There and workshops to explore other practi- are situated scant yards apart. They can are two basic categories of actions that cal measures aimed at energy savings. hear their enemies shuffling their play- churches can take. First, and most If thousands of churches took the lead ing cards in the night. importantly, the churches must make in protecting their own corner of the On the German side, one of the global warming a topic of moral, ethi- environment, it would make a measur- soldiers is a famous operatic tenor. His cal, and theological concern, and preach able impact on the overall picture. singing co-star (and lover) before the accordingly. Conservative churches war persuades the Kaiser to allow her that are now in the Republican fold on to visit him during Christmas, so that social issues like abortion must reject Christmas Eve: they might provide a recital for the the bogus political connection between Joyeux Noël (2005) morale of the troops. Kaiser Wilhelm being environmental and being lib- oyeux Noël is a foreign film made had already ordered 100,000 Christmas eral. Environmental degradation must Jin France, UK, Germany, and trees to be distributed to the troops become a major focus of the church’s Romania. It was nominated as Best along the front line. On Christmas mission in the world. Preachers and Foreign Film for an Oscar and for a Eve, with those candle-lit Christmas theologians must make this connec- Golden Globe. It is unambiguously trees mounted atop their trenches, the tion unmistakably a Christian issue. anti-war. More than that, it is a story Germans begin their musicale. God’s earth itself is in jeopardy, and of the transcendence of the spirit of As the beautiful music reverberates that is the case as a result of man’s Christ over war in a certain time and across the lines, first the Scots begin exploitation of energy sources to feed place in history. On Christmas Eve, to accompany the tenor on their bag- our consumption habits. We are all in 1914, at several points along the front, pipes. Then the French begin to sing the path of inevitable destruction. the field commanders on both sides along. The tenor emerges from his pro-

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 tected position and takes a stance in about to be shelled, and invites them the battlements and sacrifice them- the midst of the killing zone. He holds to come over and wait together in selves to enemy machine guns. It also aloft one of the trees as he sings. In a safety until the salvos end. separated the Church’s faithful servants surreal way, one by one, troops from Of course, this fraternization can- from her leaders in the hierarchy, who all sides come out from their trenches not be tolerated. Each army, in turn, were as jingoistic as the warmongers to surround him, listening reverently. has its top brass to come down and who started the war. History declared that ninety ship all their soldiers to other posts, percent of all of the known WWI replacing them with completely 1 David A. Thomas retired from the “Christmas truces” occurred under new units in their trenches. Even University of Richmond in May the cover of music. 4 the Bishop comes to the front and 2004. He now resides in Sarasota, The Scottish priest, Father Palmer, orders Father Palmer back home to Florida, and invites your comments (serving with the troops from home in Scotland. Father Palmer protests that at [email protected]. the capacity of a stretcher bearer) then he conducted the Christmas service as 2 The events portrayed were real, steps forward to conduct a Christmas he felt led by the Lord Christ to do. though the characters in this story mass. He proceeds, using his poor While the Bishop delivers a blister- are fictionalized. The setting repre- Latin. 5 All the soldiers from either ing sermon to the effect, “Jesus came sents just one specific battlefield, side, devout or not, stand shoulder to bring a sword, and he commands but the “Christmas truce” of 1914 to shoulder together in worship. The you to kill all of the enemy’s people, actually broke out spontaneously at musical highlight of the film then good or bad,” Father Palmer calmly several places along the front. transpires: his partner soprano is asked removes the cross from his neck and 3 For dramatic effect, only three by the priest to sing Ave Maria. All lis- hangs it on a bedpost. countries play a role in this story. teners are transfixed by the moment, The soldiers on all sides were no However, it was World War I, and both in the scene, and in the theatre. more and no less than ordinary men. there might have been as many as The next day, the soldiers continue They were done with war, personally, six countries or more fighting at any their truce. First they bury their dead after that unforgettable Christmas given time and place in its history. who had been lying where they had Eve together. Each nation’s war lead- 4 Production Notes. fallen. Then a football is introduced ers cannot tolerate fraternization with 5 It is unclear from his vestments and and the games begin between the ath- the enemy, who must be demonized, his incorrect Latin, whether he is letes from the opposing forces. The dehumanized, and destroyed. Catholic or Anglican. Perhaps, like men share photos of their wives and No man’s land was not that strip the sculpted servicemen of ambigu- families back home. Finally, head- of frozen mud between the opposing ous military branch assignments quarters begins artillery bombard- trenches. It was the uncrossable gulf gazing from afar at the Vietnam ments again. Only this time, each that yawned between the troops at the Memorial, this priest’s character is army’s commander informs their front and the old, fat general staffs at envisioned generically to represent enemy counterparts when they are the rear who ordered them to mount a chaplain of any denomination. ■



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How can we know peace in a world Wearily, I journey onward in my quest so saturated for the with death and dying? Peace-Maker Who Every new century is stained greets us all with by the blood His soft-spoken, of thousands of innocent victims Shalom! by lust-for-power leaders Against this backdrop of suffering and death, who engage in deceit and lying! let me suggest an alternative to war! As long as it is not their sons and daughters who do the dying! Over a half century ago, I encountered the Maker of Peace at My heart grows heavy when I recall Sniper Ridge and Triangle Hill the vacuous meaning of it all… in still another war! of death and dying, In His inimitable way, suffering and tears, He greeted me with His of shattered dreams soft-spoken, Shalom! and wasted years. I knew, then, I would never forget Indeed! My mind is deadened by the haunting challenge of His fatigue when I try to recall. . . winsome words: the twisted, tortured reasons “Blessed are the peacemakers for it all! for they shall be called the sons and daughters Was it WMD or Nine/Eleven? of God.” Or, was it oil? When the Peace Maker continues His journey Was is the “Religious Right?” along the WAY, Islam? And, we continue our journeys Or, was it oil? along the WAY, Or, Haliburton? I pray— Or, He will leave His Were national leaders trying SHALOM! to cover cowardice in as a lynch pen another war in another time? in our relationship. ■ The One, with an extended AWOL! The Other, FIVE DEFERMENTS Well?

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 Christmas, 2006 By Al Staggs, Chaplain and Performing Artist 4BOUF
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Lights everywhere, It should be to us Manger scenes An offense, On the lawns of churches and houses, An indictment Christmas is here again. Of all that we have become. But the lights cannot We cannot sing loud enough Alter the darkness in our land, To drown out the cries from Mosul, The message of the Prince of Peace From Fallujah, from Abu-Ghraib, Has been lost. From Guantanamo It has been rejected And from the homes of grief-stricken In favor of the national policy Families who’ve lost their loved ones Of war, On the fields of battles Of torture, That should have never been waged. Of greed We don’t need the spirits of drink Of stealing from the poor. In this season And we beheld His glory, For we have already become intoxicated The image of an Iraqi baby On our power Born in lowly Baghdad. And our military might. We bring Him gifts Of White Phosphorous, And it’s in this season Rockets, machine guns and grenades. That we offer our billions The Advent season observances To confirm where our real trust lies, Have little to do with meaning Not in God, And much to do with form and custom. But in our arms. His birth has been dramatized, We’ve given the arms dealers Commercialized, A blank check Trivialized. And offered pocket change It’s irrelevant to our time. For the needy. We can only see Jesus from afar, There’s no room this Christmas 2000 years ago. For the likes of Jesus and his family, Let us leave Him there Not in our budgets To salve our conscience, nor in our hearts. To happily delude ourselves We’ll collect our baskets of food for the poor That we are children of the One But it won’t make a dent in the lives Who came to bring Peace on Earth. Who have been robbed by our policies How can we dare honor the child And our systems of greed Who came to liberate the oppressed That rewards more to those who have When, by our policies, our votes, And robs those who have next to nothing. Our lifestyles, we give evidence We may as well just sing nursery rhymes That we are from the family This Christmas Of the oppressors. Rather than pretend that we honor the Christ child That poor little child, With our old familiar carols. That refugee They cannot be heard over the wailing Born under the specter of Roman domination Of all those who are victims Has little in common with us, Of our national hate The dominators. And our national greed. The manger scene doesn’t fit, So this Christmas I will remember the Christ child It’s out of place. And I will grieve. ■



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“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

Hubris is a fortress wherein self-deception rules, shutting out opinions of those it deems fools, from whose lofty towers pennants are flying, but unseeing and uncaring about the wider world’s crying, as long as its ramparts are unbreached, and its flagrant fallacies not yet impeached, its high standing given due deference, and proud lineage treated with reverence; vainglorious, it scorns humility as beneath its dignity, a mark of weakness unworthy of its brilliancy; its pomp and heraldry impress the undiscerning, more pompous than weighty, time makes clear the turning; ˆÃœ>̈œ˜ÊœvÌi˜ÊLi˜`ÃÊ>ÀÀœ}>˜ViÊÜˆÌ Ê˜>ˆÛiÌj] inimical to truth and menace to society.

With moat filled and drawbridge raised, vanity disdains contrary counsel, tho’ opposing views may widely be praised; driven to control, master of all its surveys, to rule at all costs is the message it conveys, thereby many may suffer—or a nation misled, and robbed of wise and just ways that would stand them in good stead; if the autocrat is infallible, why consult, or why, then, should the people question the result? In the high-ceilinged banquet hall all bow to the great one, when and whatever he wills, his will must be done.

Armored against correction and corruption by the common breed, shunning all but its narrow creed, self-centered is the pattern of its life ‘til denial of others’ rights is rife, the supercilious lay claim where none is due, and arrogate dominion which mocks the true; trumpets from the towers, echoing from hills to plain, sound the superior claim that others are in vain; all-powerful, it need not answer criticism, sure that is self-appointed mission is God-given, boastful of its lavish and exclusive ways, and blinded by its sycophant followers’ praise, oblivious to a haughty spirit that galls, arrogance knows not that its greatest enemy is within its walls. ■

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 Christian Ethics Today Index to Authors/Titles 7PMVNF

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Note: A complete index of Issues 1-58 (1995-Winter 2006) is now avail- Compassion: Apparition, 59, 26. able on a Compact Disc (CD) for a donation of $50. The Index of Issues W.T. Conner—As I Knew Him, 60, 17-18. 1-31 (1995-2001) is also printed in Issue 31 (December, 2000) and an Creed, J. Bradley: The Path of Most Resistance, 61, 8-10. Index of each year’s articles from 2001 to the present is found in the D December Issue of each year 2001 to the present. D’Amico, David: Baptizing Illegal Aliens, 61, 25. Dew, Spenser: The Comfort of the Mythological Nazi, 58, 24. A Dipboye, Carolyn: Intelligent Design: Science or Religion, 58, 15-16. Allen, Jimmy: Eulogy, 58, 6-8. Disabilities: Thank you, Patrick, For Your Applause, 58, 12,-13. Anderson, Patrick R.: Foy Valentine: A Friend For The Ages, 61, 5. Dufield, Sandra: The Real Tradition of Women as Church Leaders, 61, 26. Authoritarianism: Stretching Our Hearts and Minds, 59, 16-17. Dunn, James M.: (Book Review) Our Endangered Values, 60, 27-28. B E Baker, C. Truett: Confessions of a Former Fundamentalist, 59, 22-23. Education: The Path of Most Resistance, 61, 8-10. Baptists: Emmerling, Floyd: What Must You Do? 58, 30. Baptists and Christian Realism, 59, 14-16. English, Adam C.: A War of Words About War, 62, *. A Letter to Fellow Baptists, 62, *. EthixBytes: 58, 25; 59, 4; 60, 3; 61, 3; 62, 3. Barnes, Jerry L.: An Alternative to War, 62, *. Evangelical: Being An Oxymoron: A Liberal Evangelical, 61, 2. Henlee Barnette: Prophetic Practitioner, 61, 6-7. Evil: The Comfort of the Mythological Nazi, 58, 24. Barr, Jim: (Book Review) Selling Spirituality, 60, 29. Evolution: Book Reviews: Christianity and the Evolution Controversy, 60, 9-13. After God’s Own Heart: The Life and Faith of David (Hyde) 58, Darwinian Evolution: A Response to Carolyn Dipboye, 60, 14-15. 28-29. Darwinian Evolution: A Response to Derrel Watkins, 60, 15-16. Changing the Face of Hunger (Hall) 60, 26-27. Intelligent Design: Science or Religion? 58, 15-16. Ethics at Work (Lattal and Clark) 60, 28-29. F A Heart of Whiteness, (Jensen) 58, 27. Fear: Will Fear Win? 59, 11-12. Homely Joys: Prayers, Poems and Barbs (Henelee and Jim Financial Report for 2005: 58, 31. Barnette) 58, 14. Fundamentalism: Confessions of a Former Fundamentalist, 59, 22-23. Losing Moses on the Freeway (Hedges) 59, 28-29. H Our Endangered Values (President Jimmy Carter) 60, 27-28. Haralson, Hal: Hal, This is Foy Valentine, 58, 10. Selling Spirituality: The Silent Takeover of Religion (Carrett and Hinson, E. Glenn: Will Fear Win? 59, 11-12. King) 60, 29. Herron, Keith D.: Late to Work, 58, 22-23. A Touch of Jesus (Burton) 58, 29- 30. Hodges, Sam: War Or Words (Musser and Sutherland) 59, 29-31. (Book Review) Changing the Face of Hunger, 60-26-27. Brown, Nathan, Either Way, 61, 30. He Fought For Racial Equality, 58, 3. Bueermann, Kyle: Bribing People to Church, 59, 27. Homelessness: A Unique Café, 59, 21. Burk, John K.: Baptists and Christian Realism, 59, 14-16. Hull, William E.: Christianity and the Evolution Controversy, 60, 9-13. Business Ethics: Unto the Third and Fourth Generation, 58, 13-14. I C Illegal Immigration: Baptizing Illegal Aliens, 61, 25. Campolo, Tony: Being An Oxymoron: A Liberal Evangelical, 61, 2. Islam: Arguing With Muslims, 59, 18-20. Capital Punishment: Let’s Kill the Death Penalty, 62, *. J Cappa, Patti: Are You Heading Toward Meltdown? 60, 24. James, Aaron: What Mega-Churches Can Learn From Catholics, 60, 19-20. Carter, James E.: Faith, Family, and Finances, 61, 19-23. Justice, Russell: (Book Review) Ethics At Work, 60, 28-29. Celebrating President Carter: Marty, Martin E., 59, 13. K Chisholm, Daniel L.: (Book Review) After God’s Own Heart, 58, 28-29. Kallenberg, Brad: What Mega-Churches Can Learn From Catholics, 60, 19-20. Christmas: Kelcher, Brian: Television Evangelist I.Q. Test, 59, 24. Christmas 2006, 62, *. Kent, Barbara (Book Review) A Touch of Jesus, 58, 29-30. Is There A War On Christmas? 62, *. King, L. Dianne: Can We Just Talk? 61, 11-12. Solstice, 62, *. L Christlikeness: Today I Saw A Man, 61, 18. Langley, James A.: Hubris Is A Fortress (Poetry), 62, *. Christian Ethics: A Dysfunctional View of Christian Ethics? 58, 18-19 . Lee, Andrew: The Vatican in Colorado Springs, 59, 25. Church and State: Luke, Charles: Democracy in Iraq: Is It Possible? 62, *. Multiple Choices from the Founders, 59, 13-14. M Religion and Government: A New Model Needed? 61, 13-17. McCoy, Wade: Today I Saw A Man, 61, 18. Church Ethics: Bribing People to Church, 59, 27. McSwain, Larry L.: Henlee Barnette: Prophetic Practitioner, 61, 6-7. Coggins, Ross: “He Being Dead Yet Speaketh,” 58, 11. Marty, Martin E.:



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50%": Celebrating President Carter, 59, 13. The Religion Show, 61, 31. Evangelicals and Election Day, 62, *. Why I Don’t Like Being Called A ‘Moderate,’ 58, 20-21. Multiple Choices from the Founders, 59, 13-14. Yelling For Justice, 58, 26. Sunday—Marathon Day, 61, 24. Sunday: Sunday—Marathon Day, 61, 23. T.B. Maston—As I Knew Him, 60, 2. T Mega-Churches: T.V. Evangelism: Television Evangelist I.Q. Test, 59, 24. What Mega-Churches Can Learn From Catholics, 60, 19-20. Teepen, Tom: Let’s Kill the Death Penalty, 62, *. Ministerial Ethics: Theology: Why I Don’t Like Being Called A ‘Moderate,’ 58, 20-21. Faith, Family, and Finances, 61, 19-23. Thomas, David A. (MovieReviews): 60, 30; 61, 27-29, 62, *. Pastoral Ethics: Be Nice! 60, 5-8. Thomas, Joel K.: Apparition, 59, 26. The Haggard Affair: Overlooked Issues, 62, *. Towery, Britt: Ministry: Looking Over The Over-Looked, 58, 19. Are You Heading Toward Meltdown? 60, 24. News Coverage In Texas Is Good, But…, 60, 25. Late to Work, 58, 22-23. A Unique Café, 59, 21. Why Pastors Dread Talking About Money, 62, *. Trull, Joe E.: Moody, Dwight A.: Unto the Third and Fourth Generation, 58, 13-14. A Hammer, A Bell, and a Song, 58, 9-10. Morgan, Darold H.: F.F.V. (Friends of Foy Valentine), 59, 2. (Book Review) Losing Moses on the Freeway, 59, 28-29. The Haggard Affair—Overlooked Issues, 62, *. (Book Review) The Heart of Whiteness, 58, 27. T.B. Maston—As I Knew Him, 60, 2. I Thank My God Upon Every Remembrance of You, 58, 8-9. V W.T. Conner—As I Knew Him, 60, 17-18. Valentine, Foy: Movie Reviews: Christian Ethics and the Movies: A Hammer, A Bell, and a Song, 58, 9-10. Christmas Eve: Joyeux Noel (2005), 62, *. Eulogy, 6-8. Earthcare: An Inconvenient Truth (2006), 62, *. Foy Valentine: A Friend For The Ages, 61, 5. Tender Mercies, 60, 30. Hal, This is Foy Valentine, 58, 10. Terrorism: Munich (2005) and Syriana (2005); 61, 27-29. “He Being Dead Yet Speaketh,” 58, 11. Top Films of ’05, 59, 28. He Fought For Racial Equality, 58, 3. Moyers, Bill: Violence, Religion, and Politics, 59, 5-10. I Thank My God For Every Remembrance of You, 58, 8-9. N Memorial Service, 58, 4-9. Norris, Walter T.: Stretching Our Hearts and Minds, 59, 16-17. Remembrances of a Friend, 58, 4. O Solstice, 62, *. Obama, Sen. Barack, The Role of Religion in Politics, 62, *. F.F.V. (Friends of Foy Valentine) Committee: 59, 2; 60, 4; 61, 4; 62, *. P Violence: Violence, Religion, and Politics, 59, 5. Parenting: Waging Peace at Home, 58, 17. W Poetry: Walker, Brent: Is There A War On Christmas? 62, *. Barnes, Jerry L.: An Alternative to War, 62, *. War and Terrorism: Brown, Nathan: Either Way, 61, 30. Can We Just Talk, 61, 11-12. Emmerling, Floyd: What Must You Do? 58, 30. Coming Home Disillusioned, 60, 21. Langley, James A.: Hubris Is A Fortress, 62, *. Democracy in Iraq: Is It Possible? 62, *. Staggs, Al: Preachers and War, 60, 22-23. Christmas 2006, 62, *. A War of Words About War, 62, *. Yelling For Justice, 58, 26. Watkins, Derrel: Response to Carolyn Dipboye, 60, 14-15. The Religion Show, 61, 31. We’ve Got Mail: 59, 3. Over There, 58, 26. Wilkey, Don: Preachers and War, 60, 22-23. Politics: Willimon, William H.: Arguing With Muslims, 59, 18-20. Evangelicals and Election Day, 62, *. Wise, Philip D.: Pastoral Ethics: Be Nice! 60, 5-8. News Coverage In Texas Is Good, But…, 60, 25. Women: The Role of Religion in Politics, 62, 5. Looking Over The Over-Looked, 58, 19. R The Real Tradition of Women as Church Leaders, 61, 26. Religious Right: The Vatican in Colorado Springs, 59, 25. Wood, John A. (Book Review) War Or Words, 59, 29-31. Rosell, Tarris D.: Why Pastors Dread Talking About Money, 62, *. S *Denotes an article in this issue of the Journal. Sapp, David: Religion and Government: A New Model Needed? 61, 13-17. Remembrances of a Friend, 58, 4-6. Scholar, David: A Letter To Fellow Baptists, 62, *. Scott, John: Thank you, Patrick, For Your Applause, 58, 12-13. Sheppard, Christopher H.: Coming Home Disillusioned, 60, 21. Singletary, John: Waging Peace at Home, 58, 17. Staggs, Al: Christmas 2006, 62, *.

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 CHRISTIAN ETHICS TODAY A Journal of Christian Ethics

“We need now to recover the prophethood of all believers, matching our zeal for the priesthood of all believers with a passion for the prophethood of all believers.” —Foy Valentine, Founding Editor

MISSION The Christian Ethics Today Foundation publishes Christian Ethics Today in order to provide laypersons, educators, and ministers with a resource for understanding and responding in a faithful Christian manner to moral and ethical issues that are of concern to contemporary Christians, to the church, and to society.

PURPOSES U Maintain an independent prophetic voice for Christian social ethics U Interpret and apply Christian experience, biblical truth, theological insights, historical understanding, and current research to contemporary moral issues U Support Christian ecumenism by seeking contributors and readers from various denominations and churches U Work from the deep, broad center of the Christian church U Address readers at the personal and emotional as well as the intellectual level by including in the Journal narratives, poetry, and cartoons as well as essays U Strengthen and support the cause of Christian ethics Christian Ethics Today was born in the mind and heart of Foy Valentine in 1995, as an integral part of his dream for a Center for Christian Ethics. In his words, the purpose of the Journal was “to inform, inspire, and unify a lively company of individuals and organizations interested in working for personal morality and public righteousness.” When the Center was transferred to Baylor University in June 2000, the disbanding Board voted to continue the publication of Christian Ethics Today , appointing a new editor and a new Board. The Journal will continue to be published five times annually. From the beginning Christian Ethics Today has been sent without charge to anyone requesting it, “as money and energy permit.” More than ever before, your financial support is “greatly needed, urgently solicited, and genuinely appreciated.” The Christian Ethics Today Foundation is a non-profit organization and has received a 501 (c) (3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. Gifts are tax deductible. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Philip Wise, Chair Pat Anderson Aubrey H. Ducker, Jr. Tony Campolo Fisher Humphreys Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler Darold Morgan Carolyn Dipboye David Sapp

Contributions should be made out to the Christian Ethics Today Foundation and mailed to the address below. Your comments and inquiries are always welcome. Articles in the Journal (except those copyrighted) may be reproduced if you indicate the source and date of publication. Manuscripts that fulfill the purposes of Christian Ethics Today may be submitted to the editor for publication consideration and addressed to: UUÊ"1,Ê
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6 Ê 
 ÊUU Joe E. Trull, Editor Phone: (940) 262-0450 9608 Parkview Court Cell (940) 230-6931 Denton, TX 76207-6658 New email: [email protected] VISIT US ON OUR WEB SITE: www.ChristianEthicsToday.com

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