So much to disagree on, so little time. But it’s still surprising to come across a flat-out falsehood stated in the (supposedly) prestigious Claremont Review of Books by a reviewer, Christopher D. Levenick, who’s said to be a doctoral candidate at the University of Chicago. Levenick takes whacks at Jim Wallis, Michael Lerner, and other newly noticeable lefty religious writers, then blandly asserts:
“Christianity has never equated peacemaking with pacifism, for the simple reason that, in this fallen world, the love of neighbor may require using force on that neighbor’s behalf. The Christian duty of loving one’s neighbor as oneself may well entail forsaking peace in pursuit of justice.”
Yes, most Christians have thought war could sometimes be justified. But “never” is just silly. Let’s hope that doctorate isn’t in history.