However, in the case of our perennial conflict with the forces of evil, there should be no doubt as to the justice and necessity of waging full-scale spiritual war. The Enemy has invaded our souls, our families, and our country, and we need the courage and steadfast resolve to give no ground to his advances. When it comes to salvation, pacifism is a losing proposition. Unless we proactively fight against sin, we’ll be swept aside.
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While protecting ourselves and our country from physical harm is very important, Our Lord tells us to take even further precautions against those forces that can harm the soul (see Mt. 10:28).
In that light, what is our approach to the spiritual terrorism of our culture—especially as represented by the entertainment, fashion, and advertising industries? What sort of “homeland security” do we have in place to protect ourselves? Is it too much of a hassle or inconvenience to swim upstream? Do we have the resolve to wage spiritual war against the intrusive, intolerant secularism that surrounds us?
From Leon Suprenant of Catholics United for the Faith.
2 comments:
True, the real battle is within - against unseen powers and principalities.
What, I wonder, are Mr. Suprenant's views on the Iraq war?
Kind John, I asked Mr. Suprenant and this is what he said...
Leon Suprenant Says:
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:23 pm
People can apply the “just war” principles set forth by the Church (see CCC 2307 and following)and come to different positions on this in good faith. I do think the Vatican’s so-called “opposition” to the war has been grossly overstated, but Church leadership has nonetheless expressed the imperative that we strive for peace and that we use military force only as a last resort.
War is about legitimate defense, and the just war doctrine developed during a previous era before the high tech weaponry and communications we have today. Is a preemptive strike a legitimate exercise of legitimate defense? It can be argued both ways, and I would welcome further clarification from the Church on this subject.
It does seem to me that President Bush has at least tried to apply the right moral principles to the situation, and he’s the one with the rightful authority (as well as the one with the best access to all the facts) to make the prudential judgment.
Once he made that judgment, I supported his decision.
Whether the war has been waged intelligently and effectively is a related but separate issue, and I don’t have the knowledge and expertise to say. It does seem to me that once we decided to invade we should see to it that we don’t abandon the country in a state of chaotic anarchy. But that’s simply my opinion. I respect different positions on this, so long as they’re based on sound moral principles and not merely on party politics or a spineless pacifism.
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