All kinds of wrong about "spreading the message of Jesus Christ"

North Carolina Congressman Robin Hayes has gotten some heat in the liberal press for remarks he said in 2006 about our policy in Iraq. The comments are quoted quoted here and here.

"Stability in Iraq ultimately depends on spreading the message of Jesus Christ, the message of peace on earth, good will towards men. Everything depends on everyone learning about the birth of the Savior."

Now don't get me wrong. I believe it is the will of the Creator of the Universe that everyone know Jesus as Lord and Savior: the Bible tells me so. I also believe that a world where all seek to live by the code of the bible will be one where all seek selfless service of the poor. "Where all obey you, no one will hunger," saith the old hymn.

To this extent, I am probably in sharp disagreement with every liberal who started wailing at the religious content of Rep. Hayes' speech.

On the other hand, I would say that what the neoconservatives are pushing is neither good for stability nor in accord with the Word of God. What neoconservatives are pushing is not even in tune with the Republicanism of GWH Bush, probably not of Reagan, and definitely not of the Nixon-Eisenhower years. Torture, runaway deficits, spying, greed.

As far as the peace of Christ, I was reminded of these two statements about the effect of the invasion of Iraq on Christians living there:

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania issued this statement in 2003

"A war against Iraq will lead to great harm for humanity and God's creation, in Iraq and for the Arab world.

War against Iraq can sharpen religious animosities between Muslims and Christians throughout the world. Therefore we call upon all who are in position to decide for or against war with Iraq, and upon the government of Iraq, that they do all within their power, that they pray for wisdom and boldness from God, and demonstrate sensitivity to the world at large, by averting war.

"No one will be ashamed if this war does not take place except Satan."

L.A. Times editorial, A Christian exodus:

"In opposing the invasion of Iraq, the late Pope John Paul II was motivated primarily by a concern about the carnage on all sides that a war would produce; but he also had reason to worry about the fate of Iraqi Christians once Saddam Hussein was deposed. Despite his crimes, Hussein offered protection for Christians against militant Muslims."