Can a Christian conscientiously serve in the US military without compromising his beliefs?
When I in Basic I remember a Chaplain being at the rifle range the first day of M-16 training. He told us us if any had questions about killing the enemy.
When I arrived at the Second Armored Division, I had to sew on the unit patch. On the patch was Gen Patton's division slogan: HELL ON WHEELS". Would you wear that patch?
There were many Sundays I could not attend church due to IG's, FTX, CQ, ect.
thoughts?
That is actually a very good question considering the military's increasing persecution against Christians. Recently they have attacked the ability to witness, had soldiers sand off any Bible references off of their sidearms, and labeled Christians as being as dangerous as Al Qaeda and Hamas, and who is the first line of defense against terrorists? Military.
It is clear that the US and the UN are desirous of a global police force, and considering what is expected of soldiers to carry out during the tribulation for those who reject the policies of the antichrist, the last thing they want in the military are soldiers with a conscience (i.e., soldiers unwilling to fire on their own citizens if gun control is implemented by force).
Thus if all of above is true, where does that leave the Christian who is either contemplating enlisting, or one who is already in and struggling with the evolving changes that seem antagonistic to their beliefs?
By law in the US, any government agency is supposed to make reasonable accommodations to either permit a person to express their beliefs, or from requiring them to partake in matters that are offensive to their beliefs. But it is becoming clear that the days when the law provides protection are closing.
The Christian then must decide whether his opposition to policies is a preference or a conviction, and if he/she is willing to suffer the consequences of being a conscientious objector.
The decisions face for those in the military are similar to those in normal work place environments. Christians required to work on Sonday or Saturday who have a sincere belief that it is wrong to do so. Christians who work at gas stations required to sell liquor and cigarettes, etc.
There are some policies that would be a blatant violation of Scripture. If an employee was required to wear t-shirts that read, "Not even God could make a better product", if required to wear that, I would have to opt for the permanent vacation.
There are of course general Biblical principles in Romans 14 that apply, and it comes down to whether the decision to refrain from participating in any setting clearly violates Scripture, or whether the matter is adiaphora and dictated by conscience based on other principals (i.e., does this glorify God Col 3:23-24).
On the patch one Christian might argue "we know that an idol is nothing" and reason that the patch does not represent his beliefs, and that this is his only job and he has a duty to provide for his family. Another Christian may argue that it is blatantly offensive and willingly risk having Article 31 quoted to him.
I personally could not wear the patch, but then again, I did a lot of things that now I believe are objectionable.
The government has the right to bear the sword, but when does the bearing of that sword amount to carrying out justice from premeditated murder? Some would argue that it must be evaluated on a case by case individual basis, and others that there are blanket concepts that cover all subjects. But I do think as restrictions become more obvious, it will become increasingly more difficult to be a Christian in the military, and the decisions that one must make will begin to become clear.
