Author: Anthony W. Horton, U.S. Army Chaplain
Publisher: Spring Creek
Date: 2004
Anthony W. Horton is a chaplain in the Army. This powerfully inspiring book follows him to Iraq during the challenges of Operation Iraqi Freedom. How do you bring faith, courage, morality and love to men and women who are daily placing their lives in danger far from home? How do you convince them that a Latter-day Saint can have the answers, when they’ve been raised to hate or distrust them?
This is one of the most uplifting books I have ever read. It has taken me a long time to read it because I find I read a bit, and then put it away to ponder. Many of the passages, thoughts and stories lead me on a search for greater answers. Brother Horton’s responsibility is to soldiers of all faiths, and that adds to the challenges and to the need to think deeply about the gospel teachings. During his time in Iraq, he has faced prejudice from other chaplains and from soldiers who have never been expected to receive their religious counsel from a Latter-day Saint. He is frequently called upon to share his beliefs. His explanations of gospel principles reach far beyond the ordinary and will make you see the gospel in ways you never imagined.
One of the challenges Brother Horton faces is that soldiers often fool themselves into believing that “what happens in Iraq stays in Iraq.” This means they convince themselves that they can live in ways contrary to their beliefs and to the vows they have made to family members and it somehow doesn’t count because they are far from home. When they find their conscience has followed them to war, they end up in his office seeking comfort and help as they strive to rebuild the lives they have damaged as a result of their mistakes. Elder Horton’s honest but compassionate discussions of repentance have value for any member who may have strayed but wants to return home.
The glimpse into Iraqi homes and faith is particularly inspiring. He met a group of people who believe they are practicing a faith that has been handed down to them directly from John the Baptist. Some are the only Christians in their area and struggle to keep their faith in the most challenging of circumstances.
Mingled with stories of life in war-torn Iraq are in-depth discussions of six gospel principles. The first six chapters are titled:
1. Adam Fell That Men Might Be
2. Cursed is the Ground for Thy Sake
3. For the Natural Man is an Enemy to God
4. Have Ye Spiritually Been Born of God?
5. Forsake Your Nets and Straightway Follow Him
6. Let Your Light So Shine
However you may feel about the war, this is a life-changing book that should not be missed. Meet the Iraqi people in their homes, struggling to keep their faith in times of war, and soldiers working hard to mingle faith with war. How do you find peace when the world is at war, either literally or spiritually? Brother Horton knows the way.
