I recently stumbled across exerpts from the diary of Gustave Gilbert, a German-speaking intelligence officer and psychologist who was granted access by the Allies to the prisoners held in during the Nuremberg trials. The exerpt below was part of a conversation that Gilbert held with Hermann Goering on the evening of April 18, 1946:

"But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship."

"There is one difference," I pointed out. "In a democracy the people have some say in the matter through their elected representatives, and in the United States only Congress can declare wars."

"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

I wonder if I am only willing to entertain the painful truth of these words only after the Iraq war drums have been muted...or were there prophets among us that I simply chose to ignore?!

A post-script to all of us who struggle to follow Christ and live as citizens of the United States of America: Our only Lord is Jesus...there are no other allegiances in comparison. We must follow in the Way of Christ if we are to be called his followers...

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:2-10

Help me be this kind of person, please!