There’s nothing funny about war with Iran, or anyone for that matter

Last updated on: January 8, 2020 at 11:44 am by Joshua Lawson

There’s nothing funny about war with Iran, or anyone for that matter 2020-01-08T11:44:05-05:00 Joshua Lawson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Photo by Gladson Xavier from Pexels

Well, it’s that time of year again, kids. The war drums are sounding and the monkeys are dancing.

I speak of the budding conflict between America and Iran, of course.

You’ll have to forgive me. I don’t mean to make light of international conflict on any scale. In fact, I’ve been disturbed recently by the way so many of my fellow Americans talk so glibly about the possibility of World War III.

This is almost certainly a sign of our privilege. How so? Well, I can only imagine what it’s like to live every day with constant anxiety over whether there might be a drone strike in my village. No, that kind of fear belongs to people on the other side of the world.

Maybe joking around is a natural response to fear – a way for people to cope with their anxiety. I’ve heard this argument, and I think it has merit. In fact, I’m sure it is true in many cases. We laugh to not cry; I get it. At the same time, I think there is more to the story for some people. It’s those people who concern me.

I don’t know. Maybe there are Iranian citizens over there making the same jokes right now. It’s possible, I guess. But I don’t know any Iranians. I should probably step up my social media outreach.

All I know is that the possibility of full-scale warfare between heavily armed nations in this day and age is no laughing matter. There are too many innocent lives at stake.

Call me a snowflake all you want, but if it were my children over there, I sure as hell wouldn’t be joking about any of it. There’s nothing funny about war with Iran, or anyone for that matter.

Sorry, not sorry.

About Joshua Lawson

Joshua Lawson is a pastor, writer, and spiritual caregiver. He lives in southern Ohio with his wife and kids and their cats. He loves strong coffee and good books. If you'd like, you can support his work at www.patreon.com/JoshuaLawson. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

December 12, 2019

So you're a person of faith, how is that working for you?

Next Post

January 17, 2020 What do Second Amendment sanctuary counties say about our faith?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category atheism Church culture war Deconstruction faith Inner Life Introduction Nonviolence Opioid Crisis spiritual care theology therapy Uncategorized war

Select a Month June 2020 May 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does Proverbs say about hard work?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Sleep always Lazy people win It is pointless Diligence brings profit