Tie+into+a+Current+Event

Twain's representation of a Christian society in Huckleberry Finn communicates to the reader the importance of the Christian religion, as well as the deep-rooted faith of the individual characters. Christianity was proven to be a vital source of knowledge, something that the characters of the novel focused on to develop their own morals. Nevertheless, hypocrisy was displayed when the these civilized Christian sinned against the very words of God himself, the Ten Commandments. When criticizing the hypocrisy of the society portrayed in the novel, one can draw close ties to the Christian society of today. The war in Iraq has become an object of controversy among many, but it also exemplifies the on-going hypocrisy in our Christian based society.



The war in Iraq has become one of the most debated topics in political, economical, and social discussions in our country. In respect to Twain's novel, one must consider, is it possible to be a faithful Christian and still be in support of the war? Is God still on our side?

//"The teachings of all the major religions teach peace and tolerance, universal love. Unfortunately, we humans have strayed too much from those basic teachings, often in the name of those religions," said Benjamin, founding director of the human-rights group Global Exchange// (Gibson).

The war has become a religious controversy, for it is being supported by the Conservative Christians, widely found to be part of the Republican party. Nevertheless, the Conservative Christians, regardless of denomination, believe that one is to obey the Ten Commandments. Christians believe that they "were written by [|God] and given to [|Moses] on [|Mount Sinai] in the form of two stone tablets" (Ten Commandments), and because they are the word of God, one must aim to obey them. One of the Ten Commandments clearly states, "Thou shall not kill" (Christianity). Since these Conservative Christians place themselves in favor of the war, they also place themselves in a hypocritical position. They are defying God's word. God said that "Thou shall not kill" (Christianity), however, the Conservatives are in full support of sending out another thirty thousand troops in addition to the troops that are already stationed there. The soldiers, Christian or not, will continue to kill on behalf of the current administration and continue to exemplify the Christian hypocrisy.

//"From a religious perspective, this is not a just war," said the Rev. David Kalke of Central City Lutheran Mission in San Bernardino, a vigil organizer. "We haven't been attacked. The reason for going to war hasn't been substantiated. The lost of life has been tremendous on both sides"// (Gibson).

One may argue that it is stated elsewhere in the Bible that war is permitted under certain conditions, however, the Ten Commandments are the direct word of God with no other interpretations attached. It was Jesus's diciples that interpreted the word of Jesus, the son of God, to create the Bible. In addition, the words have been interpreted and translated many times over, resulting in the King James Bible that most people read today. Therefore, the word of God may have been altered to justify man's need to circumvent the word of God. Nonetheless, God plainly stated that "Thou shall not kill" (Christianity). One can interpret this commandment in anyway that he or she pleases, however, in all respects, the war in Iraq appears to defy the word of God regardless of how one might phrase it.



A memoir to a few of the many men and women that lost their lives fighting for the freedom and liberty of the people of the United States of America.

If you are interested in researching this topic, here are some sites that you might find helpful. [|Bush Support Eroding as Chritians Condemn Iraq Involvement]

[|Christians Against Bush]

The following is a particularly interesting article from the site above that I found to be very helpful: [|The Iraq War- A Christian Perspective]

They are written by or from the view of a Christian citizen of the United States and may give you a more in-depth look at the controversy of this matter.

P5 CO'Toole