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Per the Constitution, war is an armed conflict that has been formally declared by Congress (not the president).

Wait, so war isn’t just… war?
Weapons + conflict + troops ≠ war (legally speaking).

Formal declarations are an involved process that usually looks like this:

The U.S. has officially declared war 11 times in the nation’s history, but not once since World War II. 

But what about Vietnam? Iraq? Korea?
Nope, not wars. Almost every major conflict you can think of from the past 75+ years was something else. 

The government has a handful of loopholes to initiate military operations without declaring war. The most common is an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)—a congressional statute allowing limited force for a defined purpose instead of declaring wholesale war… in theory. The AUMF that followed 9/11 changed things, using unusually open-ended language that presidents have stretched to justify military action in 22 countries over the last 25 years.

Other loopholes include the War Powers Resolution (which allows the president to deploy troops for up to 60 days of military action before needing a Congressional thumbs up) and international peacekeeping.

So, why even declare war?
Good question. It’s more than just legal hairsplitting. 

A formal declaration of war triggers consequences internationally and domestically: presidential powers expand, Geneva Convention rules apply, commercial treaties are suspended, and it shapes how veterans are treated. 

Critics argue that modern conflicts require speed and flexibility that formal declarations simply can’t offer, and AUMFs have all the benefits without the fallout.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
War exposes our world’s deep brokenness and urgent need for renewal. This weekend, we celebrate that God has already beaten the brokenness that drives us to war, triumphing over evil in the death and resurrection of Jesus. His victory frees believers from sin now and will one day usher in a kingdom of eternal peace.

“When you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.” 
Colossians 2:13-15 (CSB) (read full passage)

What’s going on in the Middle East can feel far away, but reading endless headlines doesn’t have to leave you feeling helpless. There’s something very real and tangible Christians can do right now: pray specifically. 

Help The Persecuted’s free newsletter provides tangible prayer requests every Saturday morning, straight from believers on the ground in Iran, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon—people facing death threats, execution, and abandonment because they cling to Jesus amid hostility.

It’s a simple, powerful way to stay connected to the global church and bring fresh perspective to your own walk with the Lord. 

Sign up for the free prayer newsletter here!

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What We’re Enjoying
The Friday Update*

For years, my dad (a pastor of 30+ years) has published The Friday Update—a collection of insights on culture, thought-provoking quotes, fascinating statistics, Biblical wisdom, and quick hits on things he’s found interesting in the last week.

 I didn’t read it for a long time (it was an email from my dad…), but after giving it a shot, I’m pleased to say he seems wiser and more interesting than when I was in high school.

The Friday Update is loved by pastors, business leaders, and Mike’s son. You may enjoy it too. It’s free. Subscribe in one click and enjoy his welcome email.

Jason Woodruff | Founder

A Prayer for the Middle East

Spirit of the Living God, will fighting ever stop in this ravaged region? Can these devastated cities come to life again? You are a God who speaks and grows abundant life from nothing.

You give a future where there was only a burial ground.

Worker of Wonders, make this devastated land whole again. Where enduring hatred festers, breathe radical love. Where grief and injury crash like relentless waves, breathe comfort and healing. Where homelessness and lack cling like a shadow, breathe plenty. Where spiritual darkness hangs heavy, breathe shalom. Breathe life on places of intractable death and destruction so that all nations will know that the Risen One is the LORD. Amen.

(You’ll still get our M/W/F news)