Like many others in America and around the world, I was profoundly affected by the events of September 11. Like so many I would ponder the depravity of the individual act, but also how it fit in with the theory of a just and loving God. For a man on the cusp of Christianity, these were tough questions to ponder. On that day, I was on deployment, and our carrier was just getting ready to enter the Persian Gulf. As events unfolded over the course of the following weeks, it became apparent that we would be going to war.
It has been said that there are no atheists in foxholes, and I certainly didn’t intend on disproving the theorem. I began to ask myself such questions as, “Can I be a Christian and a military officer?” Without a good knowledge or foundation in the Christian faith, I was unprepared to answer such a question. I also had no idea how war fit into the personal crisis of faith. I had trained and instructed in tactics and operations for over eleven years. I knew that I was mentally and operationally ready for the actions of warfare, but where was I spiritually?
Of my own accord and through my own morality, I had already arrived at my personal “Just War” theory. Remarkably, in hindsight, it seemed to mirror the theory that Cicero developed in the first century BC. “There must be just cause, there must be formal declaration of war by the constituted authority, and the war must be conducted justly.”{1}
Throughout our involvement in Operation Enduring Freedom, I had time to dwell upon the stirring spirituality and burgeoning faith that I was beginning to feel. On a six-to ten-hour combat flight there was ample time to ponder life’s greater meaning. I was also beginning to understand that the journey along the road to faith did not have to be a solitary one; I could stop and ask for directions.
At this point I began to speak with the chaplain. I figured after thirty-three years of self-study with no results, it was probably best to consult with someone better spiritually equipped than I was. The chaplain did two great things for me that day. First, he recommended that I take the time to look at the Bible. Second, he brought me to realize that I had to make the decision to accept Christ not just by myself but also for myself. It would be a decision that would take me well over a year to make.
Dear Lord, I think of those who haven’t put their faith and trust in you yet. Please cause them to start asking questions and looking for answers in your Word, the Bible. Bring a godly chaplain across their path. Lead them to yourself, I pray.
Commander Robert T. Garretson was deployed with a Navy F-14 Fighter squadron, VF-213, “The Black Lions” as a part of the USS Carl Vinson carrier battle group. They were among the first into combat after September 11, 2001.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)