The Rocky Mountain Collegian

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In the business classes I've taken at SLU, evaluating organizations is a routine practice. The standard benchmark for such analysis is the mission statement.

A while back, I revisited the mission statement for Saint Louis University. SLU intends to "transform society in the spirit of the Gospels...to support efforts to alleviate injustice...and to nurture commitment to the promotion of faith and justice." Indeed; we talk the talk, but are we walking the walk?

I think we can agree that the faculty, staff and employees at SLU go the extra mile to serve students-thank you.

However, there is a matter that many of us do not agree on. Does SLU practice what it teaches by sponsoring the United States Air Force's Reserve Officer Training Corps? It is my opinion that the United States military does not respect the pro-life Gospel ethic. Although awkward for some, the question must be addressed.

A fair reading of the Old Testament raises semantical questions. What does "thou shalt not kill" imply? Shalt not kill whom? Or what? How about self-defense? Who is really innocent, anyhow? The potential for theological headaches and late-night discussions are dizzying. Fortunately, the Hebrew Scriptures promise a Messiah. This person is to be "the Word made flesh." By definition, Christianity holds that Jesus Christ is the promised truth-teacher. Therefore, the statements and objectives of Christian, Catholic and Jesuit organizations can be logically compared to the standards and principles of Jesus Christ.

The Sermon on the Mount is a summation of truth. At the nucleus is an invitation to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Resist not evil with evil." Nonresistance to evil prohibits the ending of human life. Jesus affords no circumstance for this tenet to be transgressed. Therefore, Christian organizations cannot sanction killing or sponsor organizations that justify the use of lethal force. This is basic moral responsibility assuming Catholic identity and accepting Christian mission.

"Every Catholic and Jesuit School in the United States that sponsors ROTC is living in mortal sin because you are supporting the forces of death that are killing humanity," said Ignacio Ellacuria, S.J., the former President of the University of Central America, who was martyred on Nov. 16, 1989.

The United States military authorizes lethal and deadly force as a justifiable response to aggression. Although "just war theory" is the typical line of reason, Catholic theology affirms that moral limitations of justification apply even when engaged in defensive combat. Thus, even when cloaked in self-defense, ending a human life remains a gross act of divine disobedience.

To quote Thomas Merton, "The God of peace is never glorified by human violence."

Dramatic indeed! In climax, the tragedy of pure conflict may only be resolved through submission to martyrdom and acceptance of death. Body broken and blood spilled. The passion is the victory. Truly ours is faith worth dying for.

As students, we are responsible to hold our University accountable to its mission statement. Because ROTC justifies evil and rejects the seamless garment of life, SLU is compelled to disassociate itself from ROTC. The Gospel speaks for itself. "Blessed are the peacemakers" means war studies are not blessed. This adulterous relationship must end. Now is the time to swell this world with children of peace.

The truth has been told. Let the dialogue carry on. Personal disarmament is the heart, and the demilitarization of our campus is the marrow of the message. So, we who are hopeful, we who are vulnerable, stand up and be counted! St. Ignatius' own transformation from violence into wholeness is our blessing. We walk as the sons and daughters of Saint Louis University for the greater glory of God.

R.J. Sak is a senior studying entrepreneurship and theological studies.

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