If the War Goes On

Today, November 11, 2018 marks the 100^th anniversary of the armistice that ended “The Great War” that was called “The War to End all Wars.” We call it World War I because not only did it not end all wars, the seeds of World War II were sown in the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. Since the end of World War II with VE Day May 8, 1945 and VJ Day September 2, 1945, war after war has continued with no end in sight. This afternoon was the first time I had heard or sung this hymn, “If the War Goes On,” that we sang in worship with Milwaukee Mennonite Church. To be sure, it reflects that Anabaptist, pacifist theology, but singing it today struck me as poignantly significant. We also sang “My Life Goes On,” with its refrain that reminds me of our real security in Christ.

No storm can shake my inmost calm 
while to that Rock I'm clinging. 
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, 
how can I keep from singing?

If the War Goes On

by John Bell and Graham Maule, 1997

If the war goes on and the children die of hunger,

and the old men weep, for the young men are no more,

and the women learn how to dance without a partner,

who will keep the score?

If the war goes on and the truth is taken hostage,

and new terrors lead to the need to euphemize;

when the calls for peace are declared unpatriotic

who'll expose the lies?

If the war goes on and the daily bread is terror,

and the voiceless poor take the road as refugees;

when a nation's pride destines millions to be homeless,

who will heed their pleas?

If the war goes on and the rich increase their fortunes,

and the arms sales soar as new weapons are displayed;

when a fertile field turns to no-man's land tomorrow,

who'll approve such trade?

If the war goes on, will we close the doors to heaven?

If the war goes on, will we breach the gates of hell?

If the war goes on, will we ever be forgiven?

If the war goes on …