More on Torture

Follow this link and the links embedded therein to a good discussion of "An Evangelical Declaration Against Torture: Protecting Human Rights in an Age of Terror." Of course, I find the rebuttal by David Gushee (whom I respect) to be much more enlightening than the assault on the document's approach by Keith Pavlischek, who is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center -- which Center is, so far as I am able to discern, is simply another well-funded "conservative" institute designed to give a Christian face to the policies of the present USAmerican administration. (It seems that over half the officers, Resident Scholars, and Fellows have had positions in the Bush(es) White House. Coincidence?)

But read all of it for yourself. I think it's remarkable that the Declaration was subscribed, in addition to the famous and impressive individuals, by all but one member of the Board of the National Association of Evangelicals. I think the sense that Gushee draws from that in the latest of the three pieces is heartening.

I also think that Gushee sets out cogent criticisms of the so-called "just war" tradition and gives good reasons for working within a framework that affirms the sanctity of all human life. He's good.