War, God, and the good life: an Indigenous perspective on the conflict in Iran

War strikes again in the Middle East.

“Each week, ONFR explores a facet of our society through various chronicles”

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Missiles fall on cities, oil markets tremble, and political leaders speak with certainty of good and evil.

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But this conflict carries something more dangerous than missiles.

It carries the language of holy war.

Testimonies from American soldiers suggest that some commanders presented the war against Iran as part of a divine plan, even invoking biblical prophecies about Armageddon and the return of Jesus Christ.

Complaints filed by service members claim that officers told troops that this conflict was linked to the 'last days' described in the Book of Revelation.

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From an Indigenous perspective, this way of thinking is hard to understand.

“Each week, ONFR explores a facet of our society through various chronicles”

ONFR

The Indigenous nations of North America certainly knew war long before the arrival of Europeans.

Conflicts could arise over territory, for food resources, over honor, or simply because of competition between peoples.

Warriors prepared for battle through ceremonies, prayers, and moments of reflection.

A Cree warrior might ask Kitchi Manitou, the Great Mystery, or the Great Spirit for protection or guidance before entering combat.

Within the Canadian Armed Forces, where I serve as a reservist chaplain and guardian of Indigenous knowledge, chaplains accompany service members of many different beliefs.

Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, practitioners of Indigenous spiritualities, atheists, and many others serve together.

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The modern philosophy of chaplaincy is not to promote a single faith, but to support the spiritual well-being of each person, regardless of their belief.

Chaplains are non-combatants.

Their role is not to bless war, but to care for the people who must endure it.