Less than human

Notes from the Pastor...

There is a rising awareness within our society as to the long-term effects of war.  One of the historically common trends among veterans has new terminology:  Moral Injury is defined as “lasting psychological, biological, spiritual, behavioral, and social impact of perpetrating, failing to prevent, or bearing witness to acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations.”  In laymen’s terms, Moral Injury is the dehumanizing effects of continual exposure and participation in a less than human atmosphere; and war is less than human.

As a nation, next Monday, May 28, we will celebrate Memorial Day as a solemn occasion to fix our societal hearts on the sacrifice offered by a few for the good of the many.  As we place American flags at our door posts, remembering men and women who serve us courageously and faithfully, let us pray for those who suffer from Moral Injury.  Both pacifism and “just war theory” advocate peace as the central motive even in the midst of violence.  Therefore, let us be activists for peace and prayerfully consider the ultimate end to violence.

Sadly, in this election year, rhetoric will be used to demean the sacrifices offered without reservation.  This leads me to wonder how much Moral Injury we create not only through our longest war, but also in our warfare analogies pointed at people that differ from us in religious belief, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.

1 John 5 instructs the children of God to overcome the world through obedience to the commands of God; specifically: “love one another.”  Our neighbors, both service members and civilians, need a hopeful
community, a family of faith that is committed to overcome hate, discouragement, abuse, and the inhuman atmosphere of war.  No one should have to suffer from Moral Injury.  And no one should suffer Moral Injury alone, without a community committed to their healing and restoration.


May this Memorial Day be more than a day of remembrance for you and I; may it be a day of firm resolve where First Christian Church Ruidoso commits herself to her mission in the world: “Through the work of worship, the self sacrifice of discipleship, and the healing of hopelessness we participate in the Kingdom of God.”

May the Peace of Christ be with you,
Pastor Ryan