NT Wright on the Osama Operation and American Exceptionalism
NT Wright has a VERY different view of the operation against Osama than my own. That said, he asks some good questions. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts and responses.
I am disappointed by his opinion. We should not use our power because we may not always have it? We may well be the underdog some day, but that should not hinder us from seeking justice as we know it.
There is a reason we disdain the UN and other "world" organizations - they are weak, corrupt and increase injustice rather provide justice (e.g. Iran sits on the Human Rights council)
This is interesting. One useful thing that Wright points out is that America's definition of justice is the one that will prevail in the international community because no other nation is going to stand up and say that we were in the wrong. Of course, the execution of Bin Laden certainly seems to be a just action on the part of our government, but the point still remains. As one of the dominant powers in the world, we, as a nation, are able to define what is and is not just, whether for good or ill. His final point, that God's ultimate justice is different from our human justice suggests to me that we ought to check our national outlook and ensure that we do not mistake a broken, human version of justice(or even embrace it as a result of nationalistic pride) for the genuine article. Because of the way our national America mythos is set up, many are tempted to confuse the expansion of God's kingdom with the triumph of our nation; these things are not necessarily exclusive, but they need to be kept distinct.
As always, Wright offers a slightly different perspective and I'm glad he weighed in on the issue. His comments do not seem to be a condemnation of our government's actions in the Bin Laden case, but rather a caution concerning how our country uses its power. Such reminders are needed at times.
Indeed, Tiffany... and who is it that bears the sword by which those who wield one will perish? As Rev. Cassidy points out, an application of Romans 13 is totally missing from Rev. Wright's analysis.
Matt, How so? I don't think I'm confusing the USA with the people of God at all. I'm sure you don't either. I don't think Romans 13 speaks of a Christian nation per se. I doubt you do either - after all, Paul was dealing with Rome at that point (at the very least). So, from the ministry of the sword to the ministry of collecting taxes (so to speak) that's the civil order's task, as a minister of God. Its not the Church's task. That said, individual Christians still work in governments, armies, police forces, etc. How am I confusing both nations as one? Both are under God and his providential rule, with different laws applying to each. It seems to me that the confusion may lie with those who suppose the civil authority is to respond in the way that the Church does, or to which the individual Christian is called to respond in the face of persecution. That doesn't make every action by a authorized civil government right and just. Nor do they automatically get 'our' support. I'm right there with Ambrose slamming the door in the face of Theodosius. But what I find interesting is that I have lots of friends who applauded my opposition to the Iraq war but who also can't stand my applause of the execution of the mass murdered bin Laden. It saddens me that what I wrote distressed you, but until someone points out how what I wrote isn't Biblically sound, I'm not sorry for writing it.
As I note as well, I think NT is asking the right question on international justice, but frankly his writing relied on a stereotype of Americans all too prevalent in some circles I know only too well in the UK.
American foreign policy in the Middle East is a confusing morass at times, and worthy of the Church's attention and even rebuke. But when the civil government acts with justice (and I obviously think the action just), resulting in mercy for so many, then I can only rejoice. I would feel no differently about the death of Hitler.
I value our friendship and your correction too. So if you can point out where I'm failing to distinguish between the two kingdoms I'd like to hear it.
As for the picture, it was removed as soon as it was known to be a fraud. Would I put up another picture? Maybe. Do we hesitate to view photos of Mussolini swinging from the end of a noose? No, those show up in most history texts. But as it stands, no pictures will be forthcoming and so none will appear here.
6 comments:
I am disappointed by his opinion. We should not use our power because we may not always have it? We may well be the underdog some day, but that should not hinder us from seeking justice as we know it.
There is a reason we disdain the UN and other "world" organizations - they are weak, corrupt and increase injustice rather provide justice (e.g. Iran sits on the Human Rights council)
This is interesting. One useful thing that Wright points out is that America's definition of justice is the one that will prevail in the international community because no other nation is going to stand up and say that we were in the wrong. Of course, the execution of Bin Laden certainly seems to be a just action on the part of our government, but the point still remains. As one of the dominant powers in the world, we, as a nation, are able to define what is and is not just, whether for good or ill. His final point, that God's ultimate justice is different from our human justice suggests to me that we ought to check our national outlook and ensure that we do not mistake a broken, human version of justice(or even embrace it as a result of nationalistic pride) for the genuine article. Because of the way our national America mythos is set up, many are tempted to confuse the expansion of God's kingdom with the triumph of our nation; these things are not necessarily exclusive, but they need to be kept distinct.
As always, Wright offers a slightly different perspective and I'm glad he weighed in on the issue. His comments do not seem to be a condemnation of our government's actions in the Bin Laden case, but rather a caution concerning how our country uses its power. Such reminders are needed at times.
Indeed, Tiffany... and who is it that bears the sword by which those who wield one will perish? As Rev. Cassidy points out, an application of Romans 13 is totally missing from Rev. Wright's analysis.
Seems like his question have to do more with how justice was carried out. He is ignoring the fact that we have a Just War with Al Q.
Seems like no one is a JWT advocate anymore, just a hawk or dove.
David, I think you are, heretically and in all sorts of ways, confusing that nation called the USA with that nation called the Church of Jesus Christ.
I did not respond earlier to your post b/c it made me so angry, sad, & disappointed.
Especially the picture.
Your brother,
Matt+
Matt+
Matt,
How so? I don't think I'm confusing the USA with the people of God at all. I'm sure you don't either. I don't think Romans 13 speaks of a Christian nation per se. I doubt you do either - after all, Paul was dealing with Rome at that point (at the very least). So, from the ministry of the sword to the ministry of collecting taxes (so to speak) that's the civil order's task, as a minister of God. Its not the Church's task. That said, individual Christians still work in governments, armies, police forces, etc. How am I confusing both nations as one? Both are under God and his providential rule, with different laws applying to each. It seems to me that the confusion may lie with those who suppose the civil authority is to respond in the way that the Church does, or to which the individual Christian is called to respond in the face of persecution. That doesn't make every action by a authorized civil government right and just. Nor do they automatically get 'our' support. I'm right there with Ambrose slamming the door in the face of Theodosius. But what I find interesting is that I have lots of friends who applauded my opposition to the Iraq war but who also can't stand my applause of the execution of the mass murdered bin Laden. It saddens me that what I wrote distressed you, but until someone points out how what I wrote isn't Biblically sound, I'm not sorry for writing it.
As I note as well, I think NT is asking the right question on international justice, but frankly his writing relied on a stereotype of Americans all too prevalent in some circles I know only too well in the UK.
American foreign policy in the Middle East is a confusing morass at times, and worthy of the Church's attention and even rebuke. But when the civil government acts with justice (and I obviously think the action just), resulting in mercy for so many, then I can only rejoice. I would feel no differently about the death of Hitler.
I value our friendship and your correction too. So if you can point out where I'm failing to distinguish between the two kingdoms I'd like to hear it.
As for the picture, it was removed as soon as it was known to be a fraud. Would I put up another picture? Maybe. Do we hesitate to view photos of Mussolini swinging from the end of a noose? No, those show up in most history texts. But as it stands, no pictures will be forthcoming and so none will appear here.
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