President Obama recently announced that the U.S. will be withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in a plan to bring the war there to a close after 12 years. It seems that Obama’s intent is to adjust the philosophy of America’s foreign policy, saying:
“The question we face — the question each of you will face — is not whether America will lead, but how we will lead, not just to secure our peace and prosperity, but also extend peace and prosperity around the globe.”
This made me think about what the Bible has to say about the role of the government. Romans 13:3 says:
“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad…”
Although the context seems to address how rulers govern their own people, I think it can be applied to how foreign countries should be handled. Some people insist that America should mind its own business when it comes to issues in foreign countries. I disagree. Given the U.S.’s power and resources, I think it has a responsibility to actively help other countries fight evil, for the good of the countries themselves, as well as our own. When we turn a blind eye to what’s going on around the world, anti-American sentiment grows, and events like 9/11 will be the result.
But, should the U.S. be engaged in armed conflict to help solve issues in foreign nation or should our involvement be limited to financial aid? Although it should be a last resort, I think we should be willing to go to war. Romans 13:4 says:
“…but if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”
When absolutely necessary, the U.S. should be willing to use their superior might to crush those who take life and oppress liberty.