Jesus Christ and the American Soldier

A friend sent me an e-mail today. It included a very moving picture of a badly wounded American Marine from the Iraq war, as he was being greeted by a veteran of Pearl Harbour.

It was powerful stuff, pause for thought, pause for admiration and respect.

The picture was followed by this citation:


Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
One died for your soul;
the other for your freedom.


I found this hard to take.

Is it appropriate to compare the universal meaning of the death (and resurrection) of Jesus, with the nationalistic meaning of the death of a member of the American military?

Is it appropriate to compare the active aggression of an American soldier, with the passive resistance of Jesus?

Did Jesus die only for our souls?



And what is freedom?

Is it the local, parochial, national freedom to get, to acquire, to own, to dominate and to protect?


Or is it the universal freedom to love, to give, and to sacrifice?


These are my questions.


Do you have answers?

Comments

  1. Suzer11 January 2008 at 14:53

    Just more of the religious right's attempt to link Christianity and patriotism. Praise God and Pass the Ammunition, as was often heard in Lisa's church. While I don't blame the soldiers (especially for the current quagmire in the Middle East) and have the utmost respect for them, and appreciate their service, linking a soldier with the image of Jesus is not quite the message, I think, that Jesus had in mind. The only freedom we have, I can honestly say, is through Jesus. All other freedom is illusory.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous15 October 2008 at 17:15

    The pithy saying tends to upset those who value their own life highly, but devalue the lives of others. Linkage between the sacrifice of the American soldier and Jesus goes back a long way, at least one hundred and ten years.

    In 1862, the Atlantic Monthly published the lyrics to The Battle Hymn of the Republic on its cover. The fifth verse (often altered by anti-war sympathizers) expressed the same sentiment thus:

    In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
    With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
    As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
    While God is marching on.

    Semper Fi

    ReplyDelete
  3. J. Michael Povey15 October 2008 at 18:17

    How good it would be if "anonymous" identified him/her self!

    Michael Povey (Blog Author)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nate25 May 2009 at 12:13

    I tend to agree with Suzer. I'm active duty right now and I hear these mantras even more within the military. Anonymous quoted the original battle hymn of the republic, and it's true, the linkage between Jesus' sacrifice and that of our fallen heroes has gone on for a long time. I challenge that the idea of linking military sacrifice to religion has been around since far before our nation (America) has been a nation. The Crusades immediately come to mind, and I'm sure there are examples before that too.

    The point is, what better way to inspire young men to be willing to give up their lives for a cause? It's not heroism. That's been done, and modern soldiers/airmen/marines/sailors are often praised as heroes without ever having seen combat. It's something more than heroism. It's the sentiment that what you do is eternal, that if you die in combat, you're a martyr for freedom.

    Just my two cents. I'm unique in the American military though, so you might find my perspective different from that of other soldiers. My mother was a 1970s hippy and is a current anti-war activist. My parents are both pacifists, and I tend to lean in that direction myself... just with the practical understanding that it's not realistically possible due to human nature.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tracie Smith19 November 2009 at 11:01

    I will be honored to identify myself for Jesus Christ, I am Tracie Smith from Cadiz Kentucky, my husband is serving in Afganistan on his 4th tour to the middle east....It is plain to see none of the above comments know what sacrafice really means or to really give anything for or be thankful for the freedom you have today, I thank my Lord Jesus Christ my husband is in the military spreading the word of God today, and I remain in the states spreading the word of God today, my children will continue to grow up and spread the word of God, my father is a preacher, I come from a long line of veterans, my husband knew nothing of Jesus as a child, that was his discision,......and his life is wonderful, we are all blessed in America, only because we have those willing to stand up and fight for freedom, and if you don't know what freedom is, I feel sorry for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13 April 2012 at 12:09

      I'm just curious......How is going to war spreading the word of God? It seems to me that war is the OPPOSITE of what Jesus preached!

      Also, when in war, soldiers are there protecting, fighting, and are usually confined to their own area away from the population when not on duty. I have never seen one going door to door preaching the gospel or inviting locals to church. So, once again, how are they spreading the word of God?

      Colossians 3:13
      Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

      Matthew 5:38-42
      You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

      Matthew 6:14-16
      For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

      Matthew 18:21-22
      Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

      Mark 11:25
      And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

      Luke 6:37
      Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

      Luke 6:27-31
      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 to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

      Delete
  6. Unknown15 September 2010 at 20:08

    This quote taken in proper context: I believe originated in World War II. It, I believe, can be attributed to Sir Winston Churchill. Taken in that context as said to the British people of the time seems rather appropriate.

    ReplyDelete

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