Whispering Wyrd

Is there ever such a thing as a “holy war”? Personally, I think not. Ever.

Yet there seems to be a growing “chorus”, particularly among some Evangelicals,suggesting otherwise. There are even reports of military leaders framing the war with Iran in explicitly religious terms, as if it were somehow tied to bringing about the Parousia, the second coming of Christ. I have to be honest, I can’t wrap my head around that.

Part of it is because the idea itself feels unhinged to me. But beyond that, it doesn’t even align with the Bible they claim to follow. According to Jesus himself, no one knows the time of that event, not even him, “but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32). So where does this confidence come from? Certainly not from scripture.

When it comes to moral justification for war, the Catholic tradition offers what is known as Just War Theory. Even within that framework, the standards are strict… war must be a last resort, it must be proportional, and it must not create greater evil than it seeks to eliminate. By those standards, this current war falls far short. Even senior Catholic voices, including military clergy, have said as much, questioning whether it meets those criteria at all. And Pope Leo himself has been clear, God is not on the side of those who wage war, and invoking Christ to justify violence is a distortion of the faith.

Buddhism goes even further than that. There is no “just war” doctrine to debate. The teaching is simple and direct… ahimsa, non-violence. It’s not optional. It’s not flexible. It is foundational.

And this is not unique to one tradition. Across the world’s major faiths, the message is consistent… violence is something to be restrained, not glorified. Something to be mourned, not sanctified. And yet here we are.

A minority, loud, influential, and in some cases holding real power is calling this war not only “just,” but “holy.” That word should make us all concerned. Because once a war is called “holy,” it becomes immune to criticism. It becomes unquestionable. And history has shown us, again and again, how dangerous that is.

This president campaigned as a bringer of peace. Promised no new wars. Warned that others would lead us into conflict. And yet now, our sons and daughters are once again being sent into it. The contradiction speaks for itself. Not only that, but this president in his second presidency has launched military attacks against 7 countries (Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Iran) and he’s only been in office 15 months this time.

As I write this, an American airman is missing after being shot down. Somewhere, a family is waiting and hoping, fearing, not knowing. That is the reality of war. Not rhetoric. Not slogans. Not theology. Reality. And in this case, completely unnecessary. And that is where I struggle.

Because while that family waits, life continues as if nothing is wrong. Speeches are given. Appearances are made. The machinery of power keeps moving. And I find it difficult,very difficult, not to let anger take over when I think about that contrast. This president is throwing parties and golfing while people are dying.

If you’ve read my writing before, you know I don’t usually step into political territory. I don’t enjoy it. I don’t seek it out. But this doesn’t feel political to me. It feels moral. There are times when silence becomes its own kind of statement. And for me, this is not a moment for silence.

I know this will upset some people. Especially those who believe this war, or this administration, should not be questioned at all. But I can’t reconcile silence with conscience. Not on this. If I believe in compassion, if I believe in non-violence, if I believe in the value of human life… then I cannot call this anything close to “holy.”

Amituofo
~Buck