Introduction
Theology has played a crucial role in the historical development of man. Theology has shaped various contemporary issues in society. Indeed, there are indications that theology is yet to transform other vital components of human life (Mueller 7). This observation may also relate to other general process within society. A critical examination of ancient theological sources reveals sensitive issues on the aspect of war. From the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, the first war is portrayed between two brothers. The eruption of hatred culminates into bloodshed. This paper examines the credibility of theology as an important contributor to war.
The credibility of Theology as an Important Contribution to War
Theology is credible for most significant contributions into the field of war. In the description of how man was created, theology gradually reveals the rise of hatred and suspicion amongst men.
A procedural illustration is developed within every book that is theologically recognized (Noll 19). The instance in Genesis, where one brother kills the other marks the beginning of death. It is clear that the first death occurs through a physical tussle. Analytically, other causes of death, including infirmity, are not portrayed in the first instance. The second book of Exodus presents a very vivid situation in which war is practiced. The Israelites were held captives in Egypt and monitored under tight security.
Slavery and protection of territorial borders emerge as pertinent practices notable within these nations. In the contemporary world, these are part of war activities. Only armed soldiers and security guards are charged with this noble responsibility. The escape of captives involved tight pursuit with armed security persons on the trail. This is typically the case noted during the crossing of the “Red Sea” by Israelites (Pickard 34). The incident entailed massive death of the Egyptian soldiers who were on the trail. From these, the evidence of supernatural power in war is revealed. This is evident from the death of these soldiers while crossing the sea. There is an obvious fundamental illustration of this occurrence.
Notably, war can be used to defend oneself during critical moments. The several rituals performed by the Israelites are indicative of something important (Noll 32). War requires special preparations and at times, even rituals. Observably, these are still practiced within the contemporary world. Presently, warheads have to dialogue either with their ancestors or supernatural powers. These are common undertakings normally initiated by these soldiers before any encounter of war. There were specific patterns and methodologies used to respond to crises. The chain of command and science of war was long overdue in the theological world. These have formed the fundamental tenets within the present society.
All militaries are managed and administered through a well-designed chain of command. Moreover, the adherence to strict procedures and protocols of war must have been drawn from these works (Pickard 6). Currently, the most important considerations are to protect the war prisoners and other innocent citizens. The generation of Abraham depicts a lot of interesting historical occurrences.
Some of these are believed to have been the main causes of contemporary warfare. Specifically, there are certain divisions that occurred along the generation chain. These led to the development of malice and hatred. The divisions in terms of race, religion, and tribe, still play significant roles (Altizer & Lissa 70). Generally, they catapult the likelihood of occurrence of war. Theology enhanced the concept of revelation and fulfillment of supernatural dreams. Some of these important prophecies are transpiring in terms of war. These are notable within different geographical regions of the world.
The Picture in Practice
Most occurrences substantiate the discussions on theology and war. Theology has formed the father of contemporary tactics and administration principles applied within armies. The present status of warfare continues to evolve. This is typical of the ancient societies described within different theological sources. The linking characteristics are purely identifiable within all sections of the globe.
Spying has remained an act of war (Noll, 49). These include some of the strategies that were applied to counter-act the weight of various enemies or targets at war. There are only a few disparities. However, these differences emerge due to the advancement in age. There has been an additional development of sophisticated technology for war. It is obvious that the same underlying principles of war indicated within these theological sources are still in wide application.
Conclusion
Several lessons can be drawn from the influence of theology on the general life of man. The modern warfare practices originate from the ancient theological sources. These have continually undergone modification to conform to the prevalent technological applications. Theology addresses and interacts with the issue of war in a very direct and concise manner.
Analysts have always indicated that war is a theological derivation. This conclusion follows the occurrences in the Old Testament and other theological sources. The contributions of theology to various aspects in the contemporary era require an in-depth analysis. It is also appropriate to indulge adequate knowledge in this process.
Works Cited
Altizer, Thomas. J and Lissa McCullough. The Call to Radical Theology. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2012. Print.
Mueller, James. J. Theological Foundations: Concepts and Methods for Understanding Christian Faith. Winona, Minn: Saint Mary’s Press, 2007. Print.
Noll, Mark. A. The Civil War As a Theological Crisis. Chapel Hill: Univ. of North Carolina Press, 2006. Print.
Pickard, Stephen. K. Theological Foundations for Collaborative Ministry. Farnham, England: Ashgate Pub. Ltd, 2009. Print.