Rep. Barbara Lee

As we rightfully remember September 11th, 2001 and the tragedies of that day for the United States, my thoughts also move forward to September 14th of that same year and a courageous but lone vote made by Rep. Barbara Lee to oppose the use of violent force in retaliation. In explanation Lee said, “There must be some of us who say, let’s step back for a moment and think through the implications of our actions today — let us more fully understand its consequences… Far too many innocent people have already died.” This voice of reason was drowned out by a country ready to proceed with the fervor of a Holy War. The voice was outnumbered 420 to 1.

A funny thing about holy wars… In my own understanding of my faith tradition, I don’t believe we’re ever asked to battle against evil at all, only to stand against it – to withstand it. Yes, we have armor but it is there only for our protection (more about that in a bit).

If there is a holy war to be fought, God seems quite capable of fighting it on God’s own. Holy wars in the Old Testament have a signature that is uniquely God’s. Weapons, particularly conventional weapons of war, have a tendency to fall apart when God comes onto the scene. In Zechariah 9, the sovereign rides into town on a donkey and all the machinery of war – the chariots, war horses, and bows – fall apart. In Psalm 76 (ironically the most quoted psalm by military people), God comes onto the scene and arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war all become broken. This seems to be God’s way of operating in a holy war – mutual and immediate disarmament.

Which brings me back to our role in all of this. I’ve always felt that an often quoted part of the book of Ephesians 6:13-15 in the New Testament of the Christian Bible puts forth a slightly amusing image. Perhaps you will also see the humor.

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the truth of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” [emphasis is mine]

First of all, none of this armor is standard issue military grade equipment (unless unknown to me, the Pentagon is working on this). But more importantly, with highly detailed description and specification for the rest of God’s armor (belt of truth, shield of faith, etc.) what covers our feet seems totally up to us, presumably chosen for practicality and comfort. That’s because peacemaking requires much time, patience, and lots of hard work and after all, that’s why we’re here in this often dangerous place – to work together and bring about peace. If there is any remnant of an image of an Army of God still floating in your imagination, here’s where my humorous image comes in. Think about the most comfortable shoes or slippers you own. Now, imagine all of us properly attired in the armor of God and on our feet we are wearing everything from loafers to flip-flops to fluffy bunny slippers. Sit with that image a bit, and remember it the next time someone shakes his/her fist and talks about the Army of God.

So on this anniversary of a great world tragedy, I pose this question to reflect upon: “Who’s going to bring the peace? Will it be you, me, the person standing over there in the awkward armor and the fluffy bunny slippers?” I know one thing for sure… prophets of peace like Barbara Lee, should not stand alone.