Are Evangelical Christians Warmongers?

Interesting that there have been no new discussions on BB in seven years, only new threads. Probably new discussions since the end of BB's first year. Only the names are changed to protect the guilty.

 

I would like to address the double standard that we Christians have.

Now, I am for national defense and protection of innocent civilians no matter what part of the world they live in. I am a vet, and proud of it.

But, our country perpetrated two of the most terroristic campaigns in world history.

First, was Sherman's march to the sea. He didnt attack soldiers, he killed their wives and children, raped their daughters and burned their homes. In my opinion it was a needless and cowardly campaign. Granted, it did break the will of the South to fight, and ended the war sooner, but at what cost?

Second, was the dropping of the A-bombs in Japan in WWII. We didnt drop them on soldiers that were a threat to us....we didnt even drop them on military bases or munitions plants....no, we dropped them on civilian cities, killing women and children that had never once harmed an American. Women and children on military bases are fair game, but not babies laying their cribs when they suddenly get vaporized by a nuclear bomb.

In each case, our country would have condemned anyone else who did this to us. We would declare the south or japan to be terrorists if they had done it. But, since we did it, we teach our kids in history class what great victories they were.

I love my country, and I would always fight to defend it, but a little honesty and humility would not hurt us at all.

We do indeed have a double standard when it comes to war and world affairs.

John

 

Wow, if I had known this excellent thread existed, I wouldn't have started mine!

 

I, for one, am not "ProWar". However, I am not "AntiWar". I would prefer that we never have to fight, ever. But I am a firm believer in "Walk softly and carry a big stick." As a Christian, a Soldier, and a Martial Artist, I understand that even though I'd rather never have to fight, there may come a time when I have to. And I will. And have.

 

My Martial arts training told me to always look for a way to not fight.

My study of history tells me we do more damage than good nation building.

 

My martial arts training taught me not to engage in long fights, either. We have been trying this since 1953. I was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal for our actions in 1981. Thirtyone years ago.

I do not know of a Martial Arts technique or discipline that isn't defensive. Your opponent always makes the first move, you hit fast and hard, and leave.

I don't like the comparison. Our aggressive foreign policy, our willingness to fight imaginary enemies, and our eagerness to send young people to die for a cause without end is against anything I ever learned in Ken-po.

 

The new strategy, announced last week, places emphasis on "drone warfare" and limited, minimal forces engagements. As I posted in another thread, Robert E. Lee said "it is well that war is so terrible; otherwise we would grow fond of it." War isn't so terrible when it's little more than a video game.

 

The Majority of Mankind....

...will not only discover the spirit of warmongering come to the surface when their life, the life of a treasured loved one, and their freedoms are suppressed and threatened. They will more than likely even discover a nature of fight or flight and excessive violence when push comes to shove.

There are not many people alive who will not fight to remain alive. IMHO, it is instinctive, innate, inherent...

Thus, most humans will advocate for war if need be! :type: