Called to be Peacemakers
Warren Boer, Director Emeritus, Broene Counseling Center, Calvin College
Perspectives
March 2007

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). The Apostle Paul implored, "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:18). James declared, "And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace" (James 3:18).

With the sound and fury of the midterm election now blissfully faded away, but with more American troops going into Iraq and two American carrier groups gathered in the Persian Gulf, it is a good time to talk about peace and peacemaking. Back in the fall of 2002, during the build-up to the Iraq War, the voices of peacemakers were overwhelmed by their opponents. Perhaps it was not clear to the American people at the time, but the choice by President Bush to go to war had already been made. The process moved so swiftly, gained so much momentum, that there were few meaningful chances to probe and to question, to wait for more clarity. The die was cast. And in March 2003 the United States went to war.

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