Bio

Dr. Lewis analyzes real world operations as the project lead and primary author for many of DOD’s Joint Lessons Learned studies on Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Most recently, he served as the lead analyst for several studies on civilian casualties, and as lead analyst and co-author for a study that General Petraeus described as “the first comprehensive assessment of the problem of civilian protection.” Dr. Lewis is also a subject matter expert on the subjects of Joint interoperability, Combat ID, and fratricide. Dr. Lewis received his PhD in Physical Chemistry from Rice University in 1997. He received a BS in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary in 1991. He is married to Sandra Lewis, and they have six children with ages ranging from 1 to 15.

Workshop Description

From Augustine to Obama: Imaging Christ in War

Christians sometimes view the choosing of presidential candidates as a binary choice hinging on a specific moral issue, such as the legal status of abortion. Yet political parties represent different positions on a wide variety of issues, and the overall “right” choice based on Christian principles can become less clear when considering this wider spectrum of issues. This presentation looks at an issue that is important for the national security of the United States: the use of military power. We will trace the principles governing the use of force from the Old Testament to the early church and finally to modern day, and its implications for the current conflict in Afghanistan and positions held by current political parties. We will then discuss which political parties may be closer to classic Christian thought on warfare and how this example could affect our thinking about political candidates overall.