Christians, War, and Violence

[Van]

True . Cornelius became a Christian while he was a soldier.
And stayed in the station that he first heard the call, because it is Christ who delivers His chosen out of all circumstances.
1 Corinthians 7:20-22
Live Your Calling
…20Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called. 21Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you, but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. 22For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.…

I want to know, is one in the Armed Forces free or a slave? I am not talking about not getting paid either. I am talking about,do you have the freedom to decide if you want to do what you are told, or come and go within that service as you please?

No one has to answer that ,I already know the answer. My point is I never told anyone that they are not a Christian if they received their call while in the Armed Forces. Even within the Armed Forces Christ can use a man for His purpose as is demonstrated in Cornelius.
But for sure Christ will work all things out for your good, and that good will be to Christ's end not the government's, to which one in the armed Forces is enslaved to serve. Christ even in that can make a man a free agent for himself. That is what Paul is saying.

When I served in the Army, I did what I was told. But as a draftee, I knew my hitch would end in two years, and then I would be free at last.

I am not advocating military service, but I am saying scripture allows Christians to serve in the military or in the police, or in other armed response capacities. I remember the National Park rangers carrying long guns, at the visitor center at Glazier National Park because a dangerous predator was roaming within sight. The predator walked away, and no shots were fired, but rangers would have protected me if need be.

 

[Adonia]

The problem is that you are not following Jesus's words. Jesus said turn the other cheek - not if someone murders your mother, let them murder your wife as well. The extreme nature of your interpretation is disturbing. I don't see any words of Jesus interpreting the extreme pacifist reaction to extreme violence which you recommend.

It's one thing to make this type of decision for oneself as Dave did by being a C.O. during the Vietnam war, and by not resisting an assailant today when you are alone, but when there are others under your care your obligation is to protect them from others who wish to harm them.

 

[Adonia]

I am not advocating military service,

Why not? There is nothing wrong with serving one's country. It gives a young person a place where maturity can come quickly and some experience in dealing with comrades and people from foreign lands that can be useful later in life.

 

[HankD]

Is there such a thing as a "just war"? Is war an extension of protecting the lives of those under our own roof?

WWII? Which gave the Holocaust?

Vietnam? An attempt to stop the spread of godless communism in Asia?

WWIII - ?

WWII Perhaps.

 

[HankD]

I was saved midway in my enlistment and although I was concerned with killing the innocent it did not seem of that great a matter as i had to do with intel/info and was not combat ready.

What would I do today if I were fit for combat? Well its not a real question as i am 77.

However if there were an invasion and the "enemy" came to my house to kill, i would protect my family as i am able.
i would pray to be spared from having to make that decision but i would provide protection in accord with my strength and ability.

 

[Van]

Why not? There is nothing wrong with serving one's country. It gives a young person a place where maturity can come quickly and some experience in dealing with comrades and people from foreign lands that can be useful later in life.

I served my country. And I came home unscathed. But there is this wall in DC with tens of thousands of names....

 

[Squire Robertsson]

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