Fuller Theological Seminary Digital Commons @ Fuller The SEMI (2001-2010) Fuller Seminary Publications 2-10-2003 The Semi (02-10-2003) Fuller Theological Seminary Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/fts-semi-6 Recommended Citation Fuller Theological Seminary, "The Semi (02-10-2003)" (2003). The SEMI (2001-2010). 73. https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/fts-semi-6/73 This Periodical is brought to you for free and open access by the Fuller Seminary Publications at Digital Commons @ Fuller. It has been accepted for inclusion in The SEMI (2001-2010) by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Fuller. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Does it matterWar what we think?“ the SEMI - Week Six - February 10-14 - Winter 2003 - Fuller Theological Seminary - www.fuller.edu/student_life/SEMI/semi.html A Unified Voice Considering War Intelligent Passion by Rob Muthiah by Dr. Richard Mouw by Wes Kendall As our nation faces the prospect of war, Israel and the Palestinians. The two A group of young men and women what is the appropriate response for us as a Koreas. Iraq and the United States. It isn’t stand and begin to sing a familiar chorus in seminary? Is war with Iraq or North Korea difficult to get an argument going about any unison. Their voices are strong; their hearts justified according to just war theory? of these conflicts—even at Fuller Seminary. are passionate. You can hear the words Should we hold a pacifist position and say I have no solutions to offer. Indeed, I definitely, loudly: “The Lord is a warrior. that no war is justifiable? Does “just have strong views of my own on these The Lord is mighty in battle.” peacemaking” provide a creative, unifying subjects, and I experience the same No, these people are not Islamic approach to war? Given the diverse views frustrations as anyone else when people— fundamentalists crowding the streets of among faculty and students, what can our especially Christians—do not see things my Palestine. They are North American community agree to say regarding the way. But I am convinced that we at Fuller Christians singing a popular praise chorus. prospect of war? are in a special position to explore the issues But what battle is the Lord fighting these In spite of the diversity of views we together in ways that build up the Body of days? More specifically, is the Lord of these hold, I suggest that our seminary Christ. So I think it is worthwhile to hymns going to war against Iraq if the U.S. community should be speaking with a encourage the discussions—even the declares the battle? strong unified voice on some key issues. arguments—as long as we keep some Christians have the unavoidable task of First, we must exhort each other to love important considerations in mind. Here are looking at world events through a religious our enemies. Jesus commanded this in a few of those considerations. lens, adding further complexity to current Matthew 5. Loving our enemies must be All Christians are internationalists. issues. In addition to all the economic and considered part of the foolishness about This has an important bearing on our social problems that could result from a which Paul writes in 1 Corinthians. Is it geopolitical discussions. For example, since second war in the Gulf, we must grapple loving to drop bombs that will invariably I am not a pacifist, I am open to the with the ethical and moral implications of kill innocent civilians? Is it loving to sit possibility of legitimate American military war. In essence, we raise the bar on the back while millions of innocent people action against Iraq. But I do find it very current crisis in Iraq by contemplating its suffer under a despotic ruler? Both of these difficult to identify with the “go it alone” spiritual realities. Thankfully, seminary questions imply easy, straightforward rhetoric of many of the folks in Washington. provides a wonderful environment for answers. Yet such answers are not possible. Such language falls very strange on my ears thoughtful voices and critical minds. We do not live in an easy, straightforward when I spend my days on a campus with Perhaps no one better understands the world. Regardless of how we answer these brothers and sisters from over 60 countries. complexity of the current situation with Iraq questions, the bottom line is that, as We are a community drawn from many than Dr. Dudley Woodberry, Fuller’s Christians, we all must be able to uphold nations, and we are joined together by strong professor of Islamic Studies. In less than our responses as somehow meeting the love bonds in Jesus Christ. I would hope that an hour, he can walk you through the requirement set forth by Christ. Our words everyone at Fuller would find political and social reasons for and against continued on page 6 continued on page 7 continued on page 7 New York City Billboard event by Yoko Ono (October 1, 2001 - May 31, 2002). Lyrics from “Imagine” by John Lennon the Semi - Week Six - Winter 2003 - Fuller Theological Seminary - www.fuller.edu/student_life/SEMI/semi.html - page 2 Praying for Peace would unite Christians with differing political and ethical views around a common purpose: praying for peace. by Fred Elliott-Hart Two days later, on Thursday, January 30, approximately 45 I have had ongoing concerns about the prospect of a U.S. Fuller students and faculty gathered at Barker Commons to pray. war on Iraq, but I was particularly preoccupied on Tuesday, During the half-hour meeting, which was sponsored by the Office January 28, the day after the weapons inspectors made their report of the President and Student Life and Services, Dr. Mark Lau and the day of President Bush’s State of the Union address. It Branson, Dr. Nancey Murphy and Dr. Glen Stassen led us in was one of a few times in my life when I believe the Holy Spirit prayer for peace. We also read a letter from President Mouw. spoke to me in the midst of great concern by giving me an idea Many of those present indicated a desire to that wouldn’t go away. continue to pray together, and another I organized a Call to Prayer for Peace because I felt it was gathering was planned for February 6. important to seek the company of my brothers and sisters at Fuller May the Spirit of unity and peace in praying about the current political situation. I hoped the meeting continue to bring us together in prayer. Fred Elliot-Hart (SOT, M.Div.) is a ResCom community coordinator. Mailbox • Staff PROFile Request • M ission • D isclaimer Greetings. I just want to convey my appreciation for the excellent features and articles you produce every week. I particularly enjoyed reading about Australia. May I request Dean of Students Ruth Vuong that you do a PROFile on the distinguished scholar Ralph P. Martin? He is currently teaching here this quarter and this would be a great opportunity to know more about this M anaging E ditor Carmen Valdés outstanding theologian. Thank you for the wonderful service on behalf of the Fuller E ditor Leslie Hawthorne Klingler community. [email protected] Norita Guzman (SOT, MAT) P roduction E ditor Deepa R. Joseph [email protected] [email protected] The SEMI is published weekly as a service to Upcoming Chapel Events the Fuller community by Student Life and Ser­ vices, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA91182. Articles and commentaries do not Wednesday, February 12 necessarily reflect the views of the Fuller ad­ Denis O’Pray has been rector of the Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel, California, ministration or the SEMI. Final editorial re­ since 1990. “I feel like the dean of ‘Fuller South,”’ says O’Pray. “Our Saviour is blessed sponsibility rests with the Dean of Students. with the participation of so many Fuller faculty and students!” Prior to his tenure at Our Letters to the Editor: The SEMI welcomes Saviour, O’Pray served for seven years as associate rector of All Saints Church in Pasadena. brief responses to articles and commentaries He and his wife, Lynette, have three adult children. on issues relevant to the Fuller community. All submissions must include the author’s name and contact information and are subject Thursday, February 13 to editing. Jim Nelson, visiting SOP scholar, will give a talk titled “The Desires of Your Heart,” about how God purifies our motives and transforms our desires. A 1981 Fuller M.Div. Announcements: Notices may be submitted to [email protected] or dropped off grad, Nelson is currently a faculty member at Valparaiso University in Indiana. He is also at the SEMI Office on the 2nd floor of an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Jeanne (also a Kreyssler Hall above the Catalyst. They must clinical psychologist), have a six year old son, Anthony, and recently adopted a daughter, be submitted by the deadlines printed below Teresa, from China. In addition to teaching cross-cultural psychology, Nelson occasionally and not exceed 35 words. works as a photographer, specializing in religious sites and architecture. He and his family Advertisements: Notices for events not enjoy cooking and the outdoors. directly sponsored by a Fuller department, office, or organization will be printed in the Wednesday, February 19, SOP Integration Symposium “Ads” section and charged per word. All requests should be made through the Nancey Murphy, SOT professor of Christian Philosophy Production Editor at semi- ads @ dept.fuller edu Thursday, February 20, SOP Integration Symposium Nancey Murphy, SOT professor of Christian Philosophy Submission Deadlines: Week 8: February 12 Week 9: February 19 Week 10: February 26 the Semi - Week Six - Winter 2003 - Fuller Theological Seminary - www.fuller.edu/student_life/SEMI/semi.html - page 3 talents and the way in which she offers them in friendship and in A Woman of Many Books service to the seminary.