Imagine Peace

Anyone who reads this blog probably already knows that I'm a radical pacifist.

Did you know that the US spends $450,000,000,000 on defense and the military annually?

Did you know that the current US arsenal is equivalent to 150,000 Hiroshima bombs?

Did you know that an average of 17 veterans commit suicide daily because they can't cope with their actions in war?

What's more crazy: someone who has fought and killed and is able to function in "normal" society, or someone who has fought and killed and is unable to function in "normal" society?

The response the Amish took last year when their children were killed at school points to the power of peace. When Jesus was being arrested to be tried and killed, Peter drew a sword to fight off the soldiers, and Jesus had him put it away.

I don't think there is such a thing as redemptive violence. Violence begets violence, period.

I was reading the Scriptures this week, and came across a bizarre story. Joshua was planning the conquest of Jericho, he looks up and there is a man with a sword in his hands. Joshua asks, "Are you for us or our enemies?"

The man replies, "Neither, I am for God."

I read this story right before bed, and woke up singing a new lyric in my dreams. Within a couple of hours, this song was written. Can we possibly imagine how Peace could respond in the face and presence of evil?

If war was an apple
We would take a bite
If war was a car or truck
We'd take it for a drive

If war was a masterpiece
It would never cease to shock
If war was an economy
The bullets would be stock

Love your enemy
Turn the other cheek
Beat the tanks, break the sword
Is there any hope any more?

If war was a husband
He's cheating on his bride
If war was a government
He's never on my side

If war was my neighbor
We'd never get along
If war was a melody
She'd be a siren song

Love your enemy
Turn the other cheek
Beat the tanks, break the sword
Is there any hope any more?

If war was religion
Preachin' gospel on the streets
Everyone would listen
To the promises it can't keep

If war was a murderer
A lying, stealing thief
Judging hearts of humankind
I'd be commander in chief

Love your enemy
Turn the other cheek
Beat the tanks, break the sword
Is there any hope any more?
Where's the Prince of Peace?