Promoting Peace and Security: Why Christian Politicians Should Support HR 1369 to help formally end the Korean War now 70 years ongoing
Discover Christian values that align w/ Congressman Brad Sherman's HR 1369 & why supporting it is crucial for promoting peace, national security, & human rights for the U.S., North & South Korea
Congressman Brad Sherman’s HR 1369, also known as the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, is a bill that seeks to review current restrictions on travel to North Korea and call for a formal end to the Korean War.
A bill like this, if passed, would advance the promotion of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula by urging the United States to engage in diplomatic, humanitarian and cultural exchange efforts with North Korea. Having lived most of my life in the United States I know all too well the divide that exists between those on either side of the political aisle.
Most professing Christians vote for conservative politicians on the right side of the aisle because we see many of these conservative politicians articulate being people of faith themselves. Speaking as a Christian myself, all Christian Congressmen and Senators should support this bill despite it being introduced to the House of Representatives by a Democrat (the party often legislating against orthodox Christian values) for several reasons.
First and foremost, promoting peace and love for one’s enemy is at the core of Christian teachings. Christians are called to be peacemakers and to work towards reconciliation in situations of conflict. The Korean Peninsula has been a region of conflict and tension for decades, and it is crucial that the United States takes steps to promote peace and stability in the region.
HR 1369 specifically calls for the United States to engage in diplomatic efforts with North Korea in order to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. This is in line with Christian values, as Jesus himself taught that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). While there have been catastrophic circumstances for Americans in relationship with North Korea, college student Otto Warmbier for example, in large part we have not been persecuted by North Korea. But the point remains the same, Christians are to advocate turning the other cheek and love our neighbor who is everyone in the world.
Engaging in diplomatic efforts with North Korea would be an important step towards promoting peace and reconciliation in the region that would naturally only benefit the world.
Secondly, supporting HR 1369 is a matter of national security. The Korean Peninsula is one of the most volatile regions in the world, with the potential for conflict to escalate quickly especially considering its relationships with Russia and China. North Korea evidently has a nuclear weapons program and has repeatedly threatened the United States and its allies in the region. By engaging in diplomatic efforts with North Korea, the United States can reduce the risk of conflict and create a more stable and secure environment for all nations in the region.
In addition to promoting peace and security, supporting HR 1369 would also send a message of hope to the people of North Korea. Christians believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, and we are called to love and care for all people, regardless of their nationality or political beliefs. The people of North Korea have suffered under sanctions for decades that prevent free trade for supplies such as food and medicine, and it is important that the United States takes steps to alleviate their suffering by orchestrating methods conducive to the country opening up to the world where foreigners can freely go there. When foreigners visit the most homogenous country on the planet, it leaves a lasting positive impression on the minds of the North Koreans about the outside world.
By engaging in diplomatic efforts with North Korea, the United States can show the people of North Korea that there is hope for a better future. It can demonstrate that the international community cares about their wellbeing and is committed to working towards a peaceful and prosperous future for all people on the Korean Peninsula.
Finally, supporting HR 1369 is a matter of faith and conscience. As Christians, we are called to speak out against injustice and to work towards a more just and peaceful world. The Korean Peninsula has been a region of conflict and tension for far too long (70 years since the Korean War paused but is still technically ongoing), and it is our responsibility as Christians to take action to promote peace and stability in the region.
HR 1369 provides an opportunity for Christian Congressmen and Senators to take a stand for peace and to work towards a better future for all people on the Korean Peninsula. By supporting this bill, they can demonstrate their commitment to the values and principles of Christianity and work towards a more just and peaceful world.
In conclusion, Christian Congressmen and Senators should support Democrat Congressman Brad Sherman’s HR 1369, the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, because it aligns with the fundamental principles of Christianity, promotes national security, sends a message of hope to the people of North Korea, and is a matter of faith and conscience. By supporting this bill, Christian politicians can demonstrate their commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation in the world and work towards a more just and peaceful future for all people on the Korean Peninsula and in the world at large.
#blessedarethepeacemakers