#150 Hawks vs Doves

Program #150 “Hawks and Doves” – 9/14 /2014 – Synopsis

Program #150 compares the liberal and the conservative views on military foreign policy and the foundational ideology behind each view. The Kings of the Old Testament would often call upon the prophets for advice concerning whether or not to go to war. Do we know the Word of God well enough to be able to discern when it is a time for peace and when it is a time for war (Ecclesiastes 3:8)?

When is the State to be an “avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil,” even in a foreign country (Romans 13:4)?

When do we “give peace a chance,” or when do we “keep peace through strength”? Has America caused world instability through its militarism, as the liberals claim; or has America been a force for good through its militarism, as the conservatives believe?

How one answers these questions makes all the difference in one’s foreign policy. These questions are especially relevant in regard to how to handle ISIS. The left asserts that our foreign intervention has been the cause of Islamic terrorism, so they believe confronting ISIS will only make matters worse – as if the Islamists will like us and leave us alone if we just leave them alone. Conservatives believe Islamic terrorism has nothing to do with American foreign policy; it is simply evil that must be destroyed.

Scriptures Referenced: Ecclesiastes 3:8; Judges 1:1; I Samuel 23:2; Proverbs 20:18; 2 Chronicles 19:2, 35:20; Isaiah 9:16, 29:14; Psalm 120:7, 144:1; Matthew 10:34; Ecclesiastes 8:11, 10:2