From ‘Focus on Faith’, Stretton Focus, June 2014
Over the next four years we are going to face constant reminders of the First World War as centenary commemorations take place. No war is a great achievement in the history of mankind. The horror of the trenches interwoven with occasional mass slaughter is among the least glorious of all. We must remember that the churches played a part.
The churches encouraged young men to do their duty, to enlist and, by implication, to learn how to kill the enemy. It was a patriotic duty and the churches demonstrated their patriotism, whether they were in England, France, Germany, Italy, Austria or anywhere else. Ministers of religion went with the troops and provided support and succour to the men themselves; these were often individual acts of great courage.
Today we can ask whether by endorsing the war, did the churches do their patriotic duty at the expense of spiritual leadership. It is also fair to ask what else they could have done. Times were different. The benefit of hindsight influences our view and we might come to conclusions which would have been unthinkable a hundred years ago.
The answer lies with the cross. It is not an idle symbol, not a decoration on church walls or a casual subject for artists. It signifies life above and beyond death. The cross is a spiritual call which rejects violence, all violence, not just that of the crucifixion. It is also a symbol of justice and here man’s judgement comes into play. Rarely are there absolute rights and absolute wrongs. The cross reminds us of Pilate’s dilemma and decision. It is a reminder that man can too easily reject talking and turn to violence to resolve differences.
Church leaders were in tune with their times when they chose to support national politicians. Some rare individuals did stand out against endorsing violence and we should respectfully remember their refusal to colour their faith with patriotic fervour.
As we honour the sacrifice of so many young men who faced an appalling challenge, let’s also recall the challenge to faith. I for one hope that we never have to make the same kind of judgement ourselves.
Roger Wilson
