The Military-Evangelical Complex, by Paul Rosenberg

Use a state-sanctioned gun, go to heaven. Perhaps soldiers are to be pitied because they’re young when they sign up and they don’t know what they’re getting into when they become instruments of the US’s disastrous interventionist foreign policy. Pity them if you will, but don’t lionize them. Paul Rosenberg, with a hit-the-nail-right-on-the-head article at freemansperspective.com:

There are evangelical Christians whom I love and respect. Nonetheless, it’s time to face this: The military-evangelical complex is not just politically dangerous; it’s a corruption of the Judeo-Christian tradition and thus of Western Civilization itself.

Definition

Let’s start by defining this clearly: The military-evangelical complex is an intricate partnership between the US government and thousands of churches, typically evangelical. These churches support and glorify government-authorized violence. Their messages to their members are clear: To enforce laws is noble and righteous; to bleed on a foreign battlefield is godly; the US military is a great force of goodness upon Earth; America, manifested especially through military action, is God’s special tool.

Every American past high-school age should recognize this description, but to be clear, here are a few exemplary images:

• It is announced in church that Johnny has joined the military. He is asked to stand and is heartily applauded by all.

• Memorial Day church services (or Veteran’s Day or July 4th) feature dedicated sermons and proud displays of flags and uniforms. There is effusive praise for soldiers, casting them as godly heroes.

• Military-themed ceremonies are held before every major sporting event.

• Children are encouraged to choose “service” as a life plan; if not in war, at least enforcing state laws.

• Enacting violence on behalf of the state is certain to get you public praise and pats on the back.

• Government-ordered violence is prejudged to be good and right.

• Funerals include the ritual touching of flags by military veterans.

• Churches promote slogans like, “Jesus died to save us; soldiers die to keep us free.”

• Rituals of saluting flags, singing anthems, and thanking soldiers for ‘service’ are obligatory.

Now, let’s be honest about this. Military service has become a sacrament in these churches; soldiers are the new missionaries, and wounded soldiers are the new martyrs.

And let’s be honest about something else: If we found records of such things in ancient inscriptions, we’d define them as the rituals of a military cult… and we would not be wrong.

To continue reading: The Military-Evangelical Complex