Despite the fact that the concept of a Christian Militia is an oxymoron, these groups continue to persist and thrive. We have been mentioning the Christian Militia groups in the Central African Republic that are pursuing a vendetta to eradicate the Muslim population of the country. These groups are powerful and zealous.
The Hutaree are a Christian Militia group. They are a paramilitary organization carrying on military training and maneuvers. They believe their movement has Jesus Christ as its foundation. They stand firm in Christ. They are committed to “defend Jesus’ testimony right up to our end.” [from Hutaree.org] The group is exclusively Christian. You cannot join if you are not a Christian. The motto of the Hutaree is, “For Jesus Till The End!”
This is a group which has somehow become convinced that they are called to militarily defend their faith. They seem to feel that Jesus wants them to pursue the course of violence to defend their faith. Somehow, they are sure that Jesus wants them to kill in his name if that is necessary. One wonders where these ideas come from? Maybe these people have never read the New Testament. Maybe they are not familiar with the Sermon on the Mount. Perhaps they have never heard the teachings associated with Jesus: “Turn the other cheek.” “Love your enemy.” “Pray for those who persecute you.” Maybe they don’t know the story of the crucifixion in which Jesus calls out from the cross, “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” Anyone who reads the New Testament sees that Jesus never takes up arms, though there were those around him who did. Jesus never chooses a path of violence. He never harms another. He is all about healing, humility, reconciliation, and forgiveness. In him, there is no vengeance, no armed defense, and no violent toppling of a regime.
So, again, we see that there really is nothing Christian about the Hutaree Christian Militia. In fact, the values and beliefs of the group are directly at odds with Christian teachings. And you may be interested to know that the Hutaree are not from the Central African Republic but are based in near Adrian, Michigan right here in the United States.
This Lenten season is not a time for pointing fingers but for encouraging examination of our own values, practices, integrity, attitudes, and behavior. How consistent is our faith with the New Testament teachings of Jesus? Where are there areas in our lives in which we can more closely follow the way of Christ Jesus? How are we called to share the peace of Christ with the world?
Prayer: We pray for peace. We know that our Christian faith tradition shows us a path to peace in our lives and in the world. Yet do we follow that path? We pray for greater honesty with ourselves and others. May we more fully embody the way of peace given to us by Jesus. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 