OPINION:
I was rather dismayed to read Riley Manning’s article, “Parallels between Jesus and the soldier are plenty” (Web, Dec. 28), comparing the military to Christ. If Mr. Manning’s comparison is accurate, Christ’s best friends, the apostles, apparently were quite dumb because virtually every single one of them refused to be engaged in the military or any form of violence after the Resurrection. And they were collectively martyred as a result.
From a historical perspective, it is important to note that Mr. Manning’s belief of “peace” through the sword had long been perfected before Christ’s birth, with warriors such as Alexander the Great and Caesar. And since Christ never killed anyone, he really wouldn’t have had the “street cred” to expound further upon this approach to tribulation. Simply put, he wouldn’t have been practicing what he preached. This all begs the question of whether His message could have been different.
But what was really so upsetting about the article is how Dr. Brian Estes notes that he relied on his Christianity in treating enemy patients. This implies that as an anesthesiologist, he would sedate an enemy before surgery. Is this really Christian charity? I thought it was the physician code of ethics. And unlike the military (and Mr. Manning’s version of Christ), physicians are actually forbidden to kill. Seemingly, if Mr. Manning’s theory is correct, the medical profession trumps the Risen Lord in promoting peace on earth and good will toward men.
SUSAN KERIN
Rockville, Maryland
Please read our comment policy before commenting.