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The words: “The Lord is on our side” sometimes make me shiver. How often have you heard this or a similar phrase used to justify violence against another? We’re right and you’re wrong. Either/or. Win/lose. A narrowing of world view to my way or the highway. This is the kind of mindset that led to the Crusades and other horrors throughout history. I’m right and you’re wrong. God is on my side- you’re dammed.

There’s an old joke about lawyers. If you have 4 lawyers in a room, how many opinions do you have? The answer: 5. Funny and yet sometimes I wish it were true more often. Each person has his or her own opinion. And, there is an opinion that represents the result of conversation, debate and ultimately consensus of a majority- maybe not unanimous, but an opinion most of those who are participating in the discussion can live with. Give and take. Consensus about an issue.

This last week speeches were given at the United Nations by, among others, President Obama, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and President Ahmadinejad. Among the variety of topics covered, the issue of Iran’s nuclear program was front and center. The question of diplomacy and sanctions versus use of force was much in the news. Tensions and anxiety are, understandably rising. Where will this lead? When will it be resolved? What is our role and our responsibility, as Christians, in this situation?

As we get closer to the national election, the rhetoric seems to get even more virulent and, in my mind, offensive. Surely this is not the best we are capable of being and of doing. How have we gotten to this point? More importantly, how do we change course- to a time and a place and a life that can disagree without denigrating the other’s right to hold a different viewpoint?

Jesus challenged the powers of his day. Yes, there were times when he used strong language such as “you hypocrites” (Mt. 15: 1-20). In that instance the dispute between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes related to subverting the relationship between children and parents (honor your Mother and your Father) to increase the money flowing into the coffers of the Temple. Jesus used violence when he overturned the money-lenders tables in the forecourts of the Temple (Mk 11:15-19). Jesus’ anger was kindled against those who were taking advantage of persons coming to the Temple to pray. The place of God’s presence had been turned into a marketplace where some prospered at the expense of others.

Both instances involve ignoring God’s will for us and our relationships – with God and with each other. This includes international relations and raises the question of whether there is ever, as Augustine and Thomas Aquinas put it, a “just war.” In this time of uncertainty- both on the national and the international stages-  are there Biblical principles that we might use to help us decide how to – not if, but how to- pray. And how to act.

The Episcopal Public Policy Network offers a set of Christian Principles in an Election Year[1] that may give us a way to consider the policies and positions before us. I want to be clear that I am not recommending who you might vote for. This is not about any particular political campaign or party or candidate. Rather, the focus is on how, as Christians, we might engage in conversation about issues that impact us- locally, nationally or internationally.  What is the Biblical framework we might use to help us navigate the current uncertain environment?

The first principle is: “1. War is contrary to the will of God. While the use of violent force may, at times, be a necessity of last resort, Christ pronounces his blessing on the peacemakers. We look for political leaders who will make peace with justice a top priority and who will actively seek nonviolent solutions to conflict.”

While decrying war, Augustine and Aquinas both acknowledged that there are times and there are circumstances where war is the lesser of two evils. While I was in seminary, there was a panel on the death penalty that included a professor who had written extensively on the topic. When asked whether the Bible said killing others was ok or if it was not, her reply was “yes.” In Deuteronomy 20, verses 12-13, God orders the killing of all males in a town that does not accept an offer of peace. Yet, we also have the Commandment “Do not murder” in Deuteronomy 5:17.

Note the language used in the principle: “Peace with justice.” Peace without justice is neither peace nor is it justice. Both are required. The language is a leader who will actively seek nonviolent solutions- it doesn’t mean that nonviolent solutions will always result. Rather, the primary goal is a nonviolent solution that accomplished peace with justice.

Another principle is: “3. God created us for each other, and thus our security depends on the well being of our global neighbors. We look for political leaders for whom a foreign policy based on cooperation and global justice is an urgent concern.”

While I am not part of action that will be taken in Washington, New York, Tel Aviv, Tehran or other capital cities, you and I will be impacted by decisions made in those cities by the leaders of the various countries. Our prayers for each of the leaders and that they find ways to cooperate to find justice for all is ever more important as the situation appears to be escalating, perhaps to a point where some feel there is no return and more harm in not engaging in violence that may leave many dead or injured.

Today’s Gospel offers this interesting comment from Jesus when the disciples were angry because someone who was not one of them was casting out demons. Jesus said: “Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mk. 9:40). The enemy of my enemy is my friend is another way this sentence has been said. I suspect this is not the meaning Jesus had in mind, for he goes on to say that “whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.”

I suspect that Jesus was reminding his followers that labels are largely irrelevant. Actions matter. It doesn’t matter to God, I suspect, if you and I have found a home as Episcopalians and someone else as a Methodist, Presbyterian or Baptist. It is belief in, and responding to, God that matters. It is responding to God as giver of life and source of all that is good. It is in respecting the viewpoints of others even when they disagree with our own – and not resorting to violence simply because we disagree about any number of issues. It is in honoring one another that we honor God. Jesus was reminding his followers that we are blessed to be a blessing.

Jesus reminds us that “Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another” (Mk. 9:50). In Leviticus, there is reference to a covenant between God and God’s people as a covenant of salt (Lv. 2:13).[2] Salt, from ancient times was used both to add flavor and to preserve foods. Its ability as a preservation agent signified the duration of the covenant or agreement made between the parties.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that we are the “salt of the earth” (Mt. 5:13). We are the ones, believing in Jesus as the Son of God, to bring “a good flavor to the lives of those we encounter. There should be something in our conduct that shows the fruit of the life to which God has called us.”[3] One of the ways in which we show that fruit is to “be at peace with one another.” How, when we most deeply disagree with someone else, might we find ways to be at peace with the other person?

In this instance, remembering that “the Lord is on my side” might be a good mantra to repeat when we are tempted to lose our temper or to take violent action. Remembering that we are called to be the salt of the earth and to be at peace with one another can only happen if we lean upon God and remember that through God we are blessed to be a blessing – and the Lord is on our side when this is the path we take towards God and our neighbor. Amen.