War and Football—or Peace

Posted February 16, 2007

A commentary by Mary Ann Miller

The anger of the fighting crowd hung in the air as thick as the stinging tear-gas bombs. Aiming at those wearing the "other side's" uniform, rage-filled eyes sought to hurt and demolish their enemy.

Which war zone was this? It was a football (soccer) match between the two top teams in Sicily, Italy, early this month. Violence between team supporters escalated until more than a hundred fans were injured and a police officer was killed as he tried to stem the brutality.

Here in Switzerland, newspapers headlined the story. Every article asked: Is this what 2008 will bring? Switzerland is gearing up to host the European Football Championships next year. Will the Swiss police and security forces have to deal with the sort of violence that exploded in Sicily?

This happened in Western Europe—a region that has enjoyed peace from war for more than 60 years. Yet people found enough inner anger and hatred to turn an enjoyable afternoon's entertainment into dangerous, tragic violence. Reading news stories detailing the shocked response of the Italian leadership and people, I wondered whether the angry football clashes could fit a wider definition of the word war.

As Christians, how do we view the conflict of war and the smaller explosion of violence at this football match? In His most famous sermon, Jesus described our ideal: "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9, New Living Translation).

What does it mean to work for peace? Whenever I read this scripture, the call to action jumps out at me. Working for peace demands a proactive response on our part. Jesus did not say, "God blesses those who don't start wars." Christ's promise goes to those who actively make peace.

That sounds simple enough. But had I been in the football stadium, I would have felt powerless to ease the tension and mounting violence. Mourning the pain my Italian neighbors suffered, I considered a few ways that we as Christians can work for peace today.

First, we can ask: "Am I doing all I can to be a peaceful person?" Do we look for opportunities to smooth ruffled feathers? Or are we the proud roosters letting everyone know we were right after all? Do we take seriously Christ's instruction to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39)? Or do we fear others will label us as pushovers?

Next, are we famous for winning arguments? Or do we diffuse arguments before they start? Wise people step in with a calming word or a gentle hand on a shoulder and prevent a simmering fight from boiling over. What collective influence in our communities can we have if we practice conflict-resolution skills?

Third, we can be positive examples in our home countries by choosing to be conscientious objectors, doing alternative civilian service rather than entering the military. Serving in this way, we encourage others to question whether war can really bring lasting peace. Check out the excellent "Teen Bible Study Discussion Guide" at www.ucg.org/teenstudy/militarywar.htm.

Finally, we must look to God for the ultimate solution to the strife and war in the world. As Jesus showed us in the model prayer, let us plead "Your kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10). Be sure to request or download a free copy of The Gospel of the Kingdom. Let us be ambassadors for peace as we eagerly await the peaceful future world God's Kingdom will bring. VT