Source: Sightings
On April 17, 2003 Sightings printed an editorial by James L. Evans stating that "I admit to being a bit offended by the U.S. military's use of the words shock and awe to describe the bombing campaign which began the war with Iraq. Not shock so much, since obviously the stunning effect of explosives is part of the process of defeating an enemy. The ones who are not killed by the blast are demoralized by its shocking force... But awe is something else. Awe is basically a religious term. It combines feelings of reverence with affection or even adoration. Awe is mostly a positive experience. It is part worship and part wonder. Awe is the awareness that comes when we find ourselves in the presence of a power that transcends this world. This power is primarily a creative force, a nurturing and loving force. Being in the presence of this life affirming, life giving force evokes in us a startling awareness of our fortunate place in the universe... This Easter, as Christians reflect on the original shock and awe campaign -- in which death is defeated rather than inflicted -- they can remember that the hope of resurrection means freedom. The defeat of death in the midst of life frees them to love their neighbor and enemy, share bread with the hungry, and forgive those who trespass against them."