ryc: i'm becoming more and more convinced that death is death is death.  no matter what color you paint around it, it's still black. it's a tragedy no matter the context, be it war, the death penalty, removal of a feeding tube, cancer, suicide, getting hit by a car, whatever.  so if it's a tragedy that all these people are dying in iraq/rwanda/sudan/wherever, why keep sending people there and telling them to kill people?  i understand that it's a much more complex situation, and i'm obviously still working through the whole concept, but this is all just my thoughts.  when is murder appropriate?  what does Jesus mean by "love your neighbor"?  is there really a "just war" or is it a fabrication of sinful arrogant humans who wanted so badly for people to do it their way that they were willing to enforce it that strongly?  basically, i am struggling to see how war is supported by the Bible.  that's all.  i'm still thinking.  a lot.