Desires and Disasters: A Biblical Perspective on the Motivations and Consequences of War (04/27/'24) -Viewpoint

Desires and Disasters: A Biblical Perspective on the Motivations and Consequences of War The Bible contains several passages that reflect on war, its consequences, and the motivations behind it, though none may exactly match the comprehensive statement. However, some elements of this statement is found in James 4:1-2: "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God." Suitability and Explanation This passage from James is suitable because it addresses the underlying motivations that often lead to conflict and war, namely human desires and covetousness. It suggests that conflicts arise from deep internal desires and the pursuit of what one does not have, which aligns with the idea in the statement that war is both an economic and political activity driven by the desire for quick changes and gains. Modern Sensibilities and Situations Motivations for War: The passage is relevant today as it emphasizes the selfish human desires that can lead to conflict. In modern contexts, wars are often justified by economic gains or political power, mirroring the biblical criticism of conflict born from covetous desires. Consequences of War: While the biblical passage does not explicitly discuss the aftermath of war, its focus on the root causes of conflict indirectly highlights the negative outcomes. This aligns with the modern understanding that while war might solve some problems for a few, it often results in significant suffering and long-term damage for many. Responsibility and Impact: James 4:1-2 suggests a personal and communal examination of motives, which can be interpreted in modern times as a call for leaders and nations to critically assess the reasons for entering into war. It challenges the morality of decision-making processes in warfare, particularly pointing out that those who decide are few but affect many, a point also noted in your statement. Moral Reflection: The passage encourages seeking divine guidance (implied by "You do not have because you do not ask God"), which can be seen as a metaphor for seeking moral and ethical clarity before engaging in drastic actions like war. In summary, this passage from James doesn't exactly replicate the provided statement but addresses similar themes regarding the motivations behind conflict and war, making it relevant to both ancient and modern discussions about the morality and consequences of war. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 27, 2024)