Good news

This is good. The president of National Evangelical Association questioned the wisdom and morality of US-led punitive bombing of Syria.

Evangelicals don’t agree on everything, including what to do about Syria. We grieve the horrific loss of 100,000 lives and the displacement of more than two million refugees in a civil war that is frightening the world. We abhor the use of chemical weapons that have killed civilians, including hundreds of children. But we have the same questions and worries as millions of other Americans and members of Congress on how our country should help. 

On September 3, the National Association of Evangelicals surveyed evangelical leaders to ask “Should Congress authorize direct U.S. military intervention in Syria?” Sixty-two and a half percent said “no.” Thirty-seven and a half percent said “yes.” I was surprised because I expected the answers would be the other way around.

Amen to especially to this:

The Bible teaches us to pray for our leaders. This is a week for extra prayers as our Congress and President decide what to do about Syria. And, let’s add Syrian leaders to our prayer list. Our request is that God will give wisdom to make choices for a lasting peace in the region.

And more good news. The bombing campaign authorization in Congress seems to be in trouble. The current head count in the House is 217 likely no and 42 likely yes votes and the rest undecided.

If you want to punish the Syria regime for gassing its citizens then why not use a trade sanctions rather than firing a few thousand high explosives into the country? Why not lead a diplomatic offensive to isolate the Assad regime? Why not repent to the world of our lies about weapons in Iraq ten years ago and allow the UN to conduct an independent investigation that does not rely on our "intelligence" services?

The Christ that I know would not welcome war or cheer the rush to pull the trigger. Peacemakers are blessed. We are not to avenge the wrongs against us said the Lord. I pretty sure that includes 'no' to assassination by missile of foreign government officials, military personnel, supposed terrorists, and unlucky civilian bystanders.