Military service

I oppose hypernationalism and large standing armies.

Depending on the reason, I do not believe that joining the Armed Forces is wrong. However, I do not recommend it for Christians. Christians follow God and if given an order opposing God, they will have far more difficulty that someone who does not. In the armed forces, a Christian would put themselves under the command of someone who is very likely not.

 

I don't see how defending innocent life could possibly be wrong.
Unless civilians being killed in bombing raids for instance could be offensive to one's conscience.

 

A person involved in a bona fide military action is not committing murder.

So Iran IS NOT looking to produce nuclear weapons? Surely you are not that ill informed?

Jesus had no problem with people serving in the military, or have you forgotten about the Roman officer and the healing of his servant?

Once again, military actions are not murder. Did the GI's of WW2 commit murder when the were killing Nazi or Japanese soldiers as they fought to save the world?

 

I don't consider this to be necessarily wrong.

If you have a situation where you were never told to do something wrong, then I'm glad your life in the military was uneventful in this respect.

However, this is not always the case. And when someone signs up for an 8-year tour or more, there is a lot that can happen. In addition, the person someone has to follow orders from is not likely to be Christian.

I'm not going to go through all the possibilities because like Oliver North claiming that soldiers were never ordered to do anything bad in Vietnam, you'll do the same. And yes, the tour might go uneventfully, but that is not always the case.

Once someone signs those papers, there is no going back.

I'm not saying a Christian should absolutely not do it. However, a Christian needs to understand that he or she may face greater difficulties and really pray hard about whether the choice being made is correct.

 

I deal in evidence, not lies and propaganda.

I'm not against military and defense. I'm against attacking other countries for non-defensive reasons, especially when based on lies.

The centurion was likely drafted and didn't have a choice in the matter. And, he was there doing God's work in occupying Judea.

Jesus never spoke against slavery. Are you pro-slavery?

 

Jesus said to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

I don't believe you can follow that command and support slavery.

Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself.

I don't believe you can follow that command and support slavery.

Peace to you

 

Did you call members of this board murderers?

 

There was no "drafting" in the Roman Army, especially during the period of 30BC to around AD284. You joined up for a standard 20 year term, with some men serving 30-40 year terms. A centurion was an officer who led the men of his century.

I'm pro-Jesus. Jesus understood what happens in life, and the military and fighting is one of those things. Jesus showed that by accepting the centurions role in the scheme of things. As for slavery, He likewise accepted that this hideous practice existed.

 

I would like to ask this poster one question... Have you ever worn the uniform?... A simple yes or no will do... Brother Glen

 

The Founding Fathers of America also opposed a large standing army.

Baptists traditionally opposed large standing armies as well. The desire for military aggression seen in many Baptists is mostly just in the last few decades.

 

The accusation of murder in the heart is the same as say they are unsaved persons, ". . . know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. . . ." -- 1 John 3:15. And that was said of hatred of a brother.

 

Which is why he will not answer my question

 

When I joined the army, the recruiter was clear i was joining for 8 years. 4 years were active. 4 years were inactive which meant I could have been called back to active services if they needed me during the 4 year inactive period. FYI

Peace to you