Men and war

Well, the research is in and the results show that men are more likely to support war than women. Take a look (from a CNN article called "Researchers identify 'male warrior effect'"):

NORWICH, England (Reuters) -- Men may have developed a psychology that makes them particularly able to engage in wars, a scientist said on Friday.

New research has shown that men bond together and cooperate well in the face of adversity to protect their interests more than women, which could explain why war is almost exclusively a male business, according to Professor Mark van Vugt of the University of Kent in southern England.

"Men respond more strongly to outward threats, we've labeled that the 'man warrior effect'," he told the British Association for the Advancement of Science meeting.

"Men are more likely to support a country going to war. Men are more likely sign up for the military and men are more likely to lead groups in more autocratic, militaristic ways than women," he added.

Van Vugt said the finding is consistent with results from different behavioral science disciplines.

Of course, this doesn't mean that it's inevitable that a man will be a war monger. I just got back from the amazing memorial service for my friend, The Rev. Russell Bennett. He worked tirelessly for peace and justice his entire life. Representatives of the entire faith community were present. Taking part in the service were representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, and African-American communities as well as UCC ministers and it was announced that there were Zoroastrians and Buddhists in the congregation as well. The church was packed. What an impact he has had here in Tulsa - particularly with regard to interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Listening to his eulogies, I realized in many ways he functioned as the conscience of this city on peace and justice issues during his 37 year long ministry here. May we all follow his example.