North Korea made a diplomatic overture to South Korea this week at the Olympic Games. No one ever knows whether such a gesture is legitimate. All we know before conversations occur is that diplomacy and negotiation is better than heightened tensions leading to body bags.
“We will not allow North Korean propaganda to hijack the message and imagery of the Olympic Games,” U.S. Vice President and Jesus follower Mike Pence said while a guest in South Korea. “We will not allow North Korea to hide behind the Olympic banner the reality that they enslave their people and threaten the wider region.”
The words printed in my Bible don’t heap scorn on a peaceful gesture. They implore us to turn the other cheek. They tell us to seek and pursue peace. And they tell us that our greatest commands include that we love one another.
None of this is taught in Christian religions with the caveat that love, peace, and striving for good relations among the nations of the world does not apply to North Korea. Or to Afghanistan. Or to Russia.
Many Christians I know appreciated that Osama bin Laden was found and will not commit acts of terror anymore. They were also conflicted about the celebrations over his death. I was one of them. And two nights later, in a prayerful and respectful way, we asked each other, “How are we supposed to feel good and happy about another person’s death?”
Saber rattling wasn’t Jesus’ style. When he returned to face the authorities, he did so riding on a donkey, with people waving palm fronds instead of weapons.
Vice President Pence often speaks about his faith. I wish he would act more in accordance with its teachings.