“The Bible is the Word of God.… What does it Tell us About War?”

Abstract

On 3rd January 1915, the British government appointed a national day for “humble prayer and intercession” relating to the Great War. This was one in a long series of national days of prayer which dated back to the sixteenth century.1 As Joseph Hardwick and Philip Williamson observe, “during periods of anxiety or crisis, days of fasting, humiliation, intercession or national prayer were observed to implore God’s intervention, or to seek better understanding of the divine purposes.”2 On suitable occasions, days of thanksgiving were also declared. These public holidays, on which public offices and businesses closed, were designated for attendance at special services and sermons and for private devotions.3 In contrast to earlier practices, the days of prayer marked during the First World War, were imperial and ecumenical, “a new type [...] initiated by consultation among the leaders of all the main churches in Britain (including the Roman Catholic Church), announced with the King’s personal support, and then proclaimed or encouraged by governors in the colonies, dominions and India.”4 The day of