he war in Iraq and the instability in the Middle East have been framed variously in terms of a conflict of democracy versus dictatorship, freedom versus oppression, or East versus West. The issue underlying it all, however, is that both sides have, at one time or another, defined it in terms of a conflict between three of the world's great religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

This has profound and frightening implications for a worldwide church that seeks to serve people of "every nation, tribe, language and people" (Rev. 14:6, NIV).

The most obvious implication is that in many Middle Eastern countries the United States, a nominally Christian nation, is seen as an aggressor. Those who fight against coalition forces in Iraq (for example) are viewed as defenders of Islam and soldiers in the struggle against infidels. In these countries association with a Christian church that has its headquarters in the United States is not only imprudent; it's dangerous.

We're routinely treated to news reports of private contractors and aid workers in Iraq kidnapped and executed because of their perceived association with U.S. government institutions, contractors, or aid agencies. In many cases fear and intimidation keep humanitarian supplies—food, medicine, clothing, etc.—from the people whose lives depend on them.

Even in countries far less chaotic and violent than Iraq, religious groups—Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, etc.—separate themselves into enclaves and use various forms of armed violence and emotional intimidation to terrorize minority members of other faiths.

Nationalism, militarism, and religious extremism are shaking the foundations of many of the world's societies, and very little is being done to stop the senseless and cyclical acts of violence between people of different faith traditions. A worldwide church that operates openly in nearly every country should do whatever it can to avoid attracting the attention of religious extremists.

1. The church should highlight its role as an indigenous community of faith and avoid being identified as a United States-based denomination. The gospel is not confined by geographical or philosophical boundaries. Even though our world headquarters is located in the United States, every division, every union, every conference, should be staffed predominantly by people who are citizens of the local country. Church policies should be integrated into the local culture, not patterned after those imported from the United States.

2. Beliefs enunciated by local members should be based on the Bible alone and be interpreted locally, not through the eyes of North Americans. Western customs regarding dress, music, and worship should be adopted with care. Larger biblical principles of honesty, modesty, simplicity, and economy transcend national borders. Adventists should strive to be model citizens in the way they uphold heaven's principles.

3. Adventists in every country and culture should be cautious about the political causes they endorse. Under no circumstances should Adventists advocate the violent overthrow of any regime or government. Nor should they engage in anything other than democratically sanctioned methods to influence society. Christians influence society by their very presence; salt and light cannot be ignored. But God's kingdom has never been advanced—only retarded—by people who take up arms or otherwise try to coerce others to abide by biblical principles.

4. Adventists should dedicate themselves to breaking down prejudice and stereotypes, not reinforcing them. The world's greatest needs will not be addressed by fanatical adherence to religious orthodoxy, but by a lifestyle of selfless service. Jesus' inclusive, nonjudgmental, sacrificial ministry while on earth is a model for anyone attempting to solve some of the problems of our world today. In the long run love, tolerance, and nonviolence always trump hatred, bigotry, and violence.

The Bible clearly teaches that we Christians are citizens of two kingdoms (Matt. 22:21; John 17:15-18; Rom. 13:1; Heb. 11:9, 10); we have citizenship in heaven as well as on earth. Complications arise when these earthly kingdoms fight against one another. While we may not be able to significantly affect global affairs and reduce the severity or frequency of acts of hatred and warfare, we can live individually, in our own small ways, the principles of the Prince of Peace.