Historical setting: 602 C.E. A cottage in the Vosges
Greg argues against my hard rule for pacifism. He says, “When plotting bishops order their guards to murder an innocent man just because he brings them a message — then they are evil.”
“’When’ you say? So evil is not a person but the temporal action of a person? Yet, you would retaliate and kill the person? In fact you are talking about using a weapon against a whole council of bishops. And if that righteous sword were successful then all the bishops’ guards would be obligated to retaliate. And pretty soon the battle is not for righteousness, but for retaliation. That’s how wars are made. No one is wiser for it, or more beloved by God because of it. No one is just. And no one wins.”
“It’s just not that simple Papa. If the bishops are not actually the epitome of evil, as was the Roman Empire that crucified Jesus, then when the guards of righteousness bring out their swords against evil, they might see it as God answering the prayers. And then the evil side will know the will of God and will withdraw their guards.”
“So, you think it is the prayers of the unjust that cause evil to relent?”
Greg argues, “I’m saying it just isn’t so simple as ‘swords and poles wound and words and prayers heal’.”
“Yet you expect both sides to find God’s righteousness through prayer? Greg, isn’t that the exact scenario you just what-if-ed to me? When two sides are at war, and both pray for God’s righteousness to make the hurt and death seem worthy, then which prayers does God answer? The fact I know is that God loves all of the Creation, including humankind. It’s on the first page of the Torah, the Bible, and imprinted on life itself and the whole universe. As sure as Creation is good, God is, and God is love.”
“Then how does God make one army win over another?”
I answer, “It isn’t God; it’s only superstitious kings and bishops who claim that God causes the winning and chooses the loosers.”
“Papa, I still intend to learn the tricks of the sword, even if I never use it for war.”
“You will not do that with my blessing.”
Greg retreats, maybe respectful of my blessing. But Gabe isn’t gloating. He seems to be making an attempt to appear neutral as he has his own need to argue with me over starting his future right now at Luxeuil.
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 