You, and Who Else. . .

"Forgive Me," tattooed on American soldier in Iraq

There are crimes which no one would commit
as an individual which he willingly and bravely
commits when acting in the name of his society,
because he has been (too easily) convinced that
evil is entirely different when it is done
‘for the common good'
--Thomas Merton
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This poignant photo was found via Alternate Brain. It is by embedded photographer Zoriah who has posted his photos here.

This soldier is seeking absolution for doing his job. He is not to be faulted. But who will forgive, how and how many will benefit? Is there a special dispensation granted to soldiers? How about planners?

Catholic Theologian Thomas Merton calls the eradication of the impulse to violence the "great Christian task" for our time. He alleges that people suffer a "deformation of conscience" when they affiliate with their societal group, thereby failing to see the equal humanity of the other.

The soldier's duty is diametrically opposed to the task of peace. "Prayers and sacrifice must be used as the most effective spiritual weapons in the war against war, and like all weapons they must be used with deliberate aim: not just with a vague aspiration for peace and security, but against violence and against war."

Merton spoke of violence within and on an interpersonal level, as well as the geopolitical level. But addressing the violence within is primary.