Then one day I read about a book that said that the church is the only army that shoots its wounded.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
My church has an historical emphasis on peace, but we can't enjoy peace without honoring the blood our soldiers shed for it.
I see clearly that the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity.
Before I read the 'Bloody Sunday' script, I have to admit I hadn't thought about it that much. There was probably even part of me which assumed there was no smoke without fire. That the Catholics who were shot must have done something to provoke such a response from the army. I was extremely ignorant of the whole situation.
Just look at the Old Testament. They didn't go out with the army first. They sent the musicians out.
What the church is really concerned about is what endures.
People take sides on political things, such as the Vietnam War. War is immoral and war is wrong, but I don't think the clergy ought to bring it before the Church.
We are twice armed if we fight with faith.
Armies are not only for offensives.
I started growing up in a hurry and taking a lot of the philosophy I'd heard from church as a kid a lot more seriously - especially the Ten Commandments - and wondering how 'Thou shalt not kill' could be so absolutely ignored. It took me until I was in my 40s to write what I was thinking as a young soldier.
I know the established Christian theology... I know the enemy, but the enemy doesn't know me. Thus the enemy has already lost the war.