In This Time of War I Propose

Biting social satire; sarcasm with a rapier. I am totally in. In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, discussions about war have never been more critical. Despite the universal longing for peace, conflict continues to shape geopolitics and societal structures.

But why, in this modern age, is war still significant? In this article, we delve into the importance of understanding war in our current times.

Theo Snark Though? Not Really.

The op-ed “afikomen,” which The New York Times gave its Jewish readers just in time for the spring festival of freedom, is a good example of theo-snark. I’m talking about the essay “In This Time of War I Propose We Give Up God” by Shalom Auslander.

Spring Valley

Foreigner, a novelist and short story writer who attended a yeshiva in Spring Valley, New York, is now a refugee. His writing is something I have long admired.

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I’ve read and reread Auslander’s autobiography, “Foreskin’s Lament,” which includes the following passage about Auslander’s battle with God:

The rabbi addresses God as “Our Father Who is in heaven” one day in the yeshiva. Avinu she b’shamayim

• I trembled.
• there is a second one?
• in heavenly?
• Is that God?

Did He stutter around while wearing only a bra? His fist size was how big? the size of a car? the size of a house? What was it like to receive a house punch? If God ever drank, that is.

Image of God

According to Auslander, if you have an image of God as a father and that image is one of an abusive, intoxicated slob or, for that matter, a father who is emotionally absent, and if your liturgical tradition depicts God as a father, then that image has a design flaw.

The tales in “Beware of God,” a collection of short stories by Auslander, are hysterically heretical. In the title story, he imagines a man named Bloom escaping death due to the heavenly retinue’s unsuccessful attempts to hasten his death, led by the Angel of Death.

God is Growing Weary of the Situation.

People believed His work to be simple. Save me, heal me, cure me—those were all their ridiculous prayers. Like He might, if He so desired. Himself included, they were all a part of the same cosmic continuum. Production-wise, creation was a nightmare.

The God of Auslander is unlovable. The cliched and theologically antisemitic “angry God of the Old Testament” is Auslander’s conception of God.

What Would be That Angry God’s Distinguishing Feature, According to Auslander?

You guessed right. In his Times essay, Auslander explains why he dislikes the plagues God sent upon the Egyptians because it is Passover. It appears that God uses a large brush. He uses a roller to paint. Our rabbi claimed that in Egypt, he even killed newborn cattle.

He murdered cows. The God of Jews, Christians, and Muslims would be taken to The Hague if he were mortal. Yet we give him praise. We take after him. We beseech our kids to follow in his footsteps.

The Jewish faith is characterised by conflict with God. We are Israel, “the God wrestlers,” because of this. Shalom is not grappling, though. Petulantly, he is sauntering away from the altercation.

I might tell Shalom why the Bible mentions plagues on Egypt if we could have a cup of coffee.

Theology is First.

• Each plague is directed at a different Egyptian deity, each of which stands for ideals that are incompatible with the world that the Torah would wish to establish.

The plagues affect all of Egypt because societal evil is never solely attributable to a ruler’s actions, according to biblical foreign policy. The moral fibres of that society are saturated by those deeds.

Actually, Auslander Seeks a Society that Values Morality:

Let’s open our doors to strangers this year at the conclusion of the Seder. to those who are not our family.

To the terrifying them, to the evil others—those people who seem so different from us, those we consider to be our enemies or who believe we are theirs—but who, if they sat down at a table with us, we have no doubt that they would discover that we all detest the pharaohs of this world equally and that we all dream of the same damned thing: peace.

Historical Context: The Ever-Present Nature of War

Throughout history, war has been a constant. Whether for territorial expansion, resource acquisition, or ideological differences, societies have engaged in conflict to achieve various objectives. To understand war’s relevance today, one must acknowledge its historical role in shaping nations, cultures, and global dynamics.

Economic Implications: War and the Global Economy

1. Defense Industry’s Role: The defense industry, comprising firms that produce arms and military services, is a significant player in many national economies. Their contributions to job creation, technological advancements, and GDP are immense.
2. Reconstruction and Development: Post-war periods often bring about significant reconstruction efforts, contributing to the economy. Infrastructure development and rebuilding initiatives can create opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

Technological Advancements: War as a Catalyst

War has historically accelerated technological and medical advancements. The urgency to gain a competitive edge on the battlefield pushes nations to innovate. Technologies initially developed for military purposes, such as the internet or GPS, have later found widespread civilian applications.

Geopolitical Considerations: The Balance of Power

1. Establishing Dominance: Nations often resort to conflict to assert dominance in a region, ensuring that their political and economic interests are safeguarded.
2. Alliances and Diplomacy: Wars influence diplomatic ties. Allies unite against common threats, leading to stronger bonds, while foes may find common ground post-conflict, leading to new diplomatic avenues.

Societal Impacts: War and Collective Memory

1. National Identity: Wars, especially those for independence or defense against oppression, shape national identities. They instill a sense of unity and purpose.
2. Moral and Ethical Debates: Wars prompt societal introspection. Debates about intervention, the human cost, and the ethical considerations of warfare become central, influencing policy decisions and public opinion.

War as a Reflection of Ongoing Issues

Wars often underscore deeper societal issues, be they economic disparities, racial tensions, or religious conflicts. By understanding the root causes of modern wars, nations can address the foundational issues plaguing their societies.

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Conclusion

Shalom and I would have coffee, and I would remind him that those who see the task he describes as a religious imperative are the ones who are most dedicated to building that kind of society.

I would remind him that those who are dedicated to doing good deeds actually perform them in the name of religion. (Certainly not all. You don’t have to be religious to be good, as my friend and colleague Donniel Hartman argues in “Putting God Second:

How To Save Religion From Itself.” Sadly, a lot of religious people are bad.) While no one celebrates war, its importance in today’s context cannot be denied. It acts as a mirror, reflecting societal issues that need addressing, and pushes humanity to innovate and unite in ways previously unimagined.

As we navigate this time of war, it’s imperative to understand its significance, learn from past mistakes, and continuously strive for a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and mutual respect.