bobjots : redux

I am still trying to work out my own feelings after reading this piece by Dr Ng Kam Weng of the Kairos Research Centre. While technically not disagreeing with the points he presented, I am wondering how different it is from the counter opinions that we commonly see presented in our media. Granted its definitely written with a level of finesse and academic sophistication for such a brief piece that a lot of our published editorials in the media can hardly compare with.

Nonetheless, isn’t it still trying to prescribe blame (for that is what culpability means) and justify force (hence the arguments about proportionality)? Does it start to sound a bit familiar now?

That is why I ventured the gall to ask, the mere layperson that I am, what then should the initial and immediate response of Christians be in this and other similar conflicts?

As I mentioned above, I do not technically disagree with Dr Ng’s points. There are, of course, considerations about initial culpability and rules of proportionality that will eventually need to be addressed. I would also not deny anyone’s right to defend themselves in the face of threats.

What I perhaps am thinking aloud is that whether or not these are helpful to me as a Christian to work out a response to this crisis that would be faithful to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and the faith of which I have embraced. Surely the business of assigning blame in this conflict ought not be the first thing for me to consider and burden my moral judgement with?

Some Scripture passages that occurred to me as I was reading the piece includes:

.. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:22b – 23)

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt. (Luke 6:27-29)

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ (Matthew 25:42-45)

People who know me will be able to tell you I’m no one-eyed peacenik. Perhaps this is why I found Dr Ng’s piece disturbing. It wasn’t because I didn’t share those opinions. On the contrary, it was precisely because I shared those opinions and found them wanting and worthy of both shame and repentance when compared to the overall standards that I believe Christians are called to meet. My solace can fortunately be found in 1 John 1:9 :

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. And help us bring about the peace of Jerusalem – a just and lasting peace for all that would give glory to your name.

God of mercy and compassion,
Of grace and reconciliation,
Pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East.
Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust,
Despair to hope, oppression to freedom,
Occupation to liberation,
That violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces,
And peace and justice could be experienced by all. Amen.

From Imagine Peace, a devotional resource from the WCC Decade to Overcome Violence, 2008