Beginning with today's scheduled testimony before Congress by Gen. David Petraeus (together with Ambassador Ryan Crocker) as to the present state of affairs in Iraq, mass media newscasts (along with the pontifical analyses of assorted politicians, pundits and commentators) will, of course, revolve for the time being around the nature and validity of the long awaited report.
That the General's analysis of current conditions will produce any sort of congressional consensus is, of course, a dubious prospect. Indeed, as increasing numbers within the general populace are coming to accept, it may well be that any desirable resolution to the present dilemma is unachievable (we do recall Viet Nam, do we not?).
Of various current views, we here mention but two: 1.) Should we, at any time in the near future, pull our troops out of Iraq, present realities all but assure a spontaneous generation of spreading violence and warfare; 2.) Should, however, our forces be maintained in the region for an as-yet indeterminate period of time in the pursuit of political and societal stability, our ultimate withdrawal - whatever the time or avenue of implementation - will nonetheless result in the same outcome. Simply stated, it is our opinion that both assessments bear a sense of validity.
The foregoing gives rise to another concern as well. As long pointed out by various analysts, both religious and secular, it essentially impossible for the area to erupt in war without such hostilities ultimately coming to focus upon upon the nation of Israel. To the perceptive believer, little more need be stated here. Israel's future is far from unrelated to the Christian community.
What then in terms of faith's response? In his Olivet Discourse Jesus addressed the Twelve as representing the believing community. Regarding end time trends and developments, they are advised that the world will experience profoundly negative realities (note Jesus' reference here to the believing Body in terms of "when you see all these things," Matt. 24:33). At the same time, our Lord's exposition began with these words, "See that you are not frightened" (vs. 6). The same applies to present interests and concerns.
Given such, faith's answer is to be that of discerning awareness coupled with a sense of calm objective - in other words, a stabilizing awareness of, and commitment to, the fact that God is still sovereign and in control.
Burl Ratzsch
