World War I lesson for today
by LeRoy Bechler, Upland, Calif.
The Road to Delhi by Arthur McPhee is an account of Bishop Pickett, a Methodist missionary statesman to India in the early 20th century. Bishop Pickett’s unique Christian response to World War I is so appropriate for today. He labeled himself “next to a pacifist” and called war “the worst kind of violence.” Pickett reminded his readers of the cost of World War I—not just financially but in the loss of life, morality and spiritual values.
“There is no excuse for such an orgy of violence,” he said. “Men and women of every faith should join to attack the war spirit and all that provokes it and continue that attack until war preparation shall cease and permanent peace based on mutual respect, tolerance, equal justice and fair dealings for all people shall have been established throughout the earth.”
What was true then is more so today. It is time for us as believers and the church to declare loudly our allegiance to the Christ, the Prince of Peace, the one we serve and follow.
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