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At Peace with War: A Chaplain's Meditations from Afghanistan
Although the moral and ethical dimensions of NATO presence in Afghanistan has been the focus of debate by politicians and media alike, questions of the religious culture and spirituality that underlie the complexities of both the conflict and convictions of those affected have rarely been discussed. The entries of this thought-provoking journal offer a unique window into this strange and unpredictable war-torn realm from the perspective of a Christian army chaplain who has experienced the terrors of war "from the foxhole." This diary represents the brutally honest, yet deeply spiritual reflections and questions of a Lutheran clergyman whose aim is not to justify, but to record, the life of faith. Join Padre Ristau in a journey marked by episodes of wonder and struggle, celebration and hardship, and come away . . . changed. True stories: some inspiring; some frightening. Yet none of them remain unfamiliar to the Divine.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 25, 2020
I ordered this book after hearing the author, a Lutheran pastor, professor, and Canadian Army chaplain, give a video conference presentation. I'm glad I both took time to listen to his presentation as well as read his book.
As I'm working through the book, I am struck by how broad it is for the reader - regardless of vocational background. By that, I mean it can be read as a personal devotion tool; a prayer book; a study of the Christian in war; and a powerful example and model for pastoral care.
I also appreciate the author's candid vulnerability. While it speaks deeply of faith in Christ, and His work in the vocation of pastors, at the same time it also speaks of the depth of our humanity and our fears (e.g., doubts, fears, anxieties, etc.) we have in ourselves, as well as the humility necessary for this vocation. The author repeatedly demonstrates this in his personal reflections. Yet, even here Christ shines through, that He is made perfect in our human weaknesses. Perhaps, the author notes, the miracle is Christ works through us!
Ristau's story is one of personal, sacrificial service. Since he expresses some concern about Francis Assi's famous quote ("Preach the Gospel; use words if necessary") becoming trite, I'll instead call his an example of a "living homiletic" - my term - of preaching through service, so that others may be open to listening and hearing what we, as pastors, later say.
It's his story, but it's more than just a story. In short, it's a fantastic book that could easily fit into a Pastoral Theology or Pastoral Ministry at a seminary classroom or any continuing ed class for seasoned pastors. It would also be fitting for a veteran who struggles with what he or she did as a Christian in combat, or for the family of a veteran who served. It could be useful for a small group study ("book club") that is looking for a theologically deep, but completely accessible read. It would even be useful to read as an interesting counterpoint to the more famous accounts of war and warriors.
I'm glad to have ordered it. I'm benefiting from my first reading (I've just finished the entry about the object sermon with the crosses and a soldier's kit) and plan to read it again, slower, with pencil in hand.
As I'm working through the book, I am struck by how broad it is for the reader - regardless of vocational background. By that, I mean it can be read as a personal devotion tool; a prayer book; a study of the Christian in war; and a powerful example and model for pastoral care.
I also appreciate the author's candid vulnerability. While it speaks deeply of faith in Christ, and His work in the vocation of pastors, at the same time it also speaks of the depth of our humanity and our fears (e.g., doubts, fears, anxieties, etc.) we have in ourselves, as well as the humility necessary for this vocation. The author repeatedly demonstrates this in his personal reflections. Yet, even here Christ shines through, that He is made perfect in our human weaknesses. Perhaps, the author notes, the miracle is Christ works through us!
Ristau's story is one of personal, sacrificial service. Since he expresses some concern about Francis Assi's famous quote ("Preach the Gospel; use words if necessary") becoming trite, I'll instead call his an example of a "living homiletic" - my term - of preaching through service, so that others may be open to listening and hearing what we, as pastors, later say.
It's his story, but it's more than just a story. In short, it's a fantastic book that could easily fit into a Pastoral Theology or Pastoral Ministry at a seminary classroom or any continuing ed class for seasoned pastors. It would also be fitting for a veteran who struggles with what he or she did as a Christian in combat, or for the family of a veteran who served. It could be useful for a small group study ("book club") that is looking for a theologically deep, but completely accessible read. It would even be useful to read as an interesting counterpoint to the more famous accounts of war and warriors.
I'm glad to have ordered it. I'm benefiting from my first reading (I've just finished the entry about the object sermon with the crosses and a soldier's kit) and plan to read it again, slower, with pencil in hand.
January 31, 2021
Rev. Dr. Ristau provides a phenomenal look at a Christocentric Lutheran military chaplaincy that also reveals how much of life in the Church reflects that of an army at war. I could not recommend this enough!
February 18, 2023
Important read for chaplain corps members
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews