Movement 1: Get to know the Topic
Almost every day, one country is at war with another! War is an historical constant in human life. As this trend continues, our youth today will be fighting a war somewhere tomorrow (Many of my past youth are now fighting in Iraq). These wars vary in intensity and purpose, but there is one significant similarity. Leaders on both sides of the conflict claim the support of the God in which they believe. Christianity is by no means the only religion to call upon God in times of war as recent experience has taught us all to well. Whether we think appealing to God in armed conflict is right or wrong, we will find Christian on both sides of this issue. Some claim that God does take sides during a war and others believe that God cannot take sides. This conversation provides youth a chance to explore their real beliefs about the nature of God and God’s interaction with the world as related to war. This conversation may also impact other areas of life where we perceive ourselves as taking a side (i.e. sports, family conflicts, arguments with friends, church votes, etc.).
This conversation may be difficult to initiate because few youth in the United States have a real sense of what real war is like. (Note I wrote that sentence before 9/11/01). Still, many may have some knowledge of war but in their daily life not see much of urgency to this conversation. However the right focus event can set the discussion well on its way. As YOU prepare for this discussion, reflect on how you understand God’s role in a war. Do believe God takes sides? Do you believe that God takes sides in other aspects of life? How do you believe God acts in your life?
Movement 2: Set the Focus
I recommend this week that you seek out any news story on remembering 9/11 or the war in Iraq. Introduce either of these events by saying, “Did anyone see specials on remembering on 9/11?” OR you might add, “Does anyone have a friend or relative who died or who is now serving overseas in Iraq?” Let them share their stories for as long as it takes then move to the conversation to movement 3.
An alternative, since it is football season is to tape a post-game interview in which an athlete gives credit to God for their victory. They usually say something like, “I want to first give thanks to God, the almighty, who allowed us to win this Game!” Introduce this one by asking if any one saw the game or did anyone see how the athlete talked about God after the game?
Movement 3: Discover “What” they really Believe?
Ask some or all of the following questions as the conversation flows… this is not a test so let the conversation flow normally.
- Do you believe God takes sides in a war? In a sports game? A fight with friends or family?
- What do you believe God is doing during a war? Sitting back and watching? Participating? Something else?
- Do you believe God wants Christians to fight in wars?
- Do you believe God fights against evil? Is that taking Sides?
- Do you believe God chooses to support Christianity over other faiths?
- Do you believe that God blesses one congregation or ministry over another?
- How do you know if God is on your side? How does God interact in your life?
- Does God always take the side of the winner?
- Have you ever felt that God was surely on your side? Against you?
Movement 4 Explore “WHY” They believe what they do!
It is important that you have given them plenty of time to share what they believe before you begin to push the to understand why they believe what they do. In this movement you want to ask in a curious-supportive way but saying something like, “So you believe that God takes side during a war …Why do you think God does that?” Don’t forget to challenge them a little if they do not… this is not about determining a right belief as it is about having them take seriously their faith.
Why do you think God takes sides in a war or sports event? Which one? Why not?
Why do you believe that God takes sides in some areas of your life? Why not? Where or whom did you learn this?
Why do you believe God is ____________ during a war?
Why do you believe that God chooses to support Christians over people of other faiths? Why not?
Why do you believe that God would want Christians to fight a war? Why not
If you believe that God fights evil, why do you believe that is taking sides? Why not? Where did you learn to believe that?
Why do you believe that God takes the side of the winner? Why not?
If God takes the losing side, does that mean that God loses? Why or why not?
Why did you choose _____________ for determining if God is on your side? Where did you learn that? Scripture? Family? Church? TV Show?
What feelings did you have when you felt that God was on your side? When you felt that God was not your side?
Movement 5: Introduce Sources of Authority
Deuteronomy 2:31-37, Particularly 33-34, tells how God is understood to be on Israel’s side of the Conflict.
Exodus 17:8-13 is the story in which Moses seems to be able to manipulate God’s choice of which side to take in war.
John 3:16 is the famous verse that seems to suggest that those who believe in Jesus Christ are saved and those who do not will perish
Genesis 1:1-2:4 in which God is understood as the creator of all life and perhaps on all sides as any good parent would be.
Movement 6: Interact with the Authorities
Do you agree with the Scriptures about God taking sides? Why or why not?
Do you believe that God sometimes helps us kill our enemies? Even if it is women, men and children, as Deuteronomy suggest? Why or why not?
Does John 3:16 suggest that God only chooses the side of Christians? Does God condemn (judge) those who choose not to believe to perish? Is this choosing sides? Why or why not?
If God created all creation, as in Genesis, how does God interact with creation? Does God get involved in the relationships and conflicts within creation? Why or why not?
How do you understand the Genesis passage in light of John 3:16? Why?
Movement 7: Putting faith in Action
Sponsor a prayer vigil for as long as we are at war with Iraq.
Prepare a “Prayer guide” for your congregation describing areas of the where wars threaten or destroy people’s lives
Start or join a conflict resolution program.
Through letters or email, find a pen-pal in a war-torn country
Share you concerns and beliefs with adults in your congregation.
