The Art of War

SUN TZU, a Chinese General who lived about 400 BC wrote in his classical book The Art of War that"the worst policy (on war)is to attack cities."

I’m anti war but am hugely enthused reading the modern translation of the book. Nakapaloob dito ang mga psychological tactics kung paano tatalunin ang kaaway nang hindi nakikipaglaban.

This philosophy somewhat reminds me of the biblical principle of repaying bad with good, although the concept behind Sun Tzu’s teachings smacks of wily deception to lure an enemy into his defeat.

Sorry kung ingglisero tayo ngayon. Gusto ko kasing mabasa ng mga Kano ito eh.

It seems to me that the incessant attacks by the US-led allied forces on Afghanistan to compel the ruling Taliban to surrender the entire al Qaida terrorist network of Osama bin Laden are a departure from what the book instructs.

On chapter III of the book sub-titled Offensive Strategy, it states "Do not put premium to killing. To capture an enemy’s army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a battalion, a company or a five-man squad is better than to destroy them.

"For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

"Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy’s strategy."

Even in a Christian spiritual warfare, we pinpoint Satan’s strategies and attack them with the double bladed sword that is God’s Word. As Christians, we pray, we fast and live a life of moral rectitude to conquer evil.

While America and its allies are irately engrossed in bombarding the Taliban territories, we hear of news on terrorists in other parts of the world sowing fear through the dreaded bio-chemical warfare done by mailing literally poison letters.

We want the US to win this war, but perhaps it should learn from the Holy Bible, the impeccable, unchanging Word of God. An ancient book that bears nuggets of wisdom that are still valid and applicable to our modern day struggle to vanquish all forms of evil in our midst.

Sun Tzu’s book, just like any others authored by men won’t compare with the Holy Scriptures. But the Art of War has some lessons that aren’t contradicting the Bible’s.

I surmised from the Art of War that if you are strong, don’t show it to the enemy. If possible, feign weakness as you move discreetly to know your enemy’s plans and strategy and attack them.

When our Lord Jesus died on the cross, the Devil rejoiced not realizing that Christ’s death and resurrection was mankind’s salvation from the bondage of sin and death.

Realizing later that Jesus won the victory, Satan got peeved and he is now likened to a toothless roaring lion that desperately tries to snatch God’s people to his side but is helpless against Christians who faithfully remain under God’s protective mantle.

In any psychological war, he who gets peeved first loses. Hot-headedness musn’t prevail.

God must be at the helm of this fight. Seeking God’s guidance and direction in prayer before engaging in any battle should be of paramount importance.