| Bishop's CornerNational Security Strategy
By Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker
 On Sept. 20,
2002 the United States administration announced a new policy known as
the National Security Strategy. It endorses a preemptive attack by the
United States on another country in order to protect our national
security against threats by rogue states and to create a new world order
that would provide greater security, democracy and prosperity in the
world.
There are three things I notice about the
National Security Strategy. First it is new. This is the first time
the United States has formally announced a policy of initiating
preemptive attacks upon other nations. In the past the Pentagon has
provided plans for preemptive attacks, but they have never been used
or endorsed as public policy.
Second, the National Security Strategy is
aggressive. It replaces the old strategy of deterrence and
containment. It is a strategy that might be used against Iraq.
Speculation is that it could be used to make demands upon Iran, North
Korea or some other nation in the future.
Third, in my opinion, it has a utopian sound.
There is a promise of a better future for the whole world that would
result from using this strategy either to warn other nations or to
invade them if they pose a threat to our security or that of the
world.
Christians in America have reason to be
disturbed by this new policy. It has never been adopted before,
probably because no one would dare propose such a foolish and
dangerous strategy. A few Christians oppose all war. Others endorse
only strategies of non-violence. Many Christians acknowledge that,
tragically, war is necessary in extreme circumstances as a last resort
or as the only way to restrain evil and protect innocent people.
I cannot comprehend how any Christian could
endorse a policy of preemptive strikes against another nation where
there are options of deterrence and containment. And Christians are
wary of all utopian visions of creating complete security through the
clever plans of human beings because we understand that there will
also be mistakes, tragedies and dangers in history until Jesus Christ
comes again to judge the living and the dead.
War is no mere “political issue.” It is a
human behavior that is weighed with the heaviest moral gravity. This
new strategy deserves the scrutiny of everyone, especially those of us
who seek to follow the Prince of Peace. I myself must say no in the
name of Jesus Christ to the National Security Strategy.
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