Should a Christian Serve in the Military?

The early church debated this very issue. Many rejected the idea of military service for Christians because they believed it was contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ to kill people, no matter what the reason.

peace to youraying:

 

Sure, why not?

 

I can only speak for myself, and personally I couldn't. It would go against my conscience.

 

my husband and I are thinking of going to work in a church which ministers mainly to our military in Japan. Serving in the military is never prohibited in the Bible. In fact, it's never looked down upon or discouraged either.

Id agree with SaltCity in that I see no reason not to if that is where God is leading you. Don't join if its NOT God's will for you, of course.

 

Good post,Bapmom!

In my case, God used the military to take me to where I first heard the Gospel and trusted Christ as my Savior. Then He used my next assignment to take me to a Baptist mission (later an autonomous church) where I really grew in the Lord.

I'm not saying military service is for every Christian. That's something you and the Lord will have to come to terms with. OTOH, as Bapmom pointed out, the Bible nowhere condemns military service. In fact, the NT often put military men in a positive light (e.g., Cornelius in Acts 10).

 

Personally, I decided that it was against my Christian faith to enter the military and kill other human beings. Against abortion? How can you be for killing adults?

 

I was in the Air Force for 7 years and regret getting out. I should have stayed in and retired. Not everyone who enters military service kills people. I was in during the Viet Nam war but never went over there. I worked in an office all over the US and in England.

 

I fail to se the comparison. Innocent unborn children are apples and oranges to fighting against those who take innocent lives. If you come after me to kill me you better be faster, stronger, and smarter.


I think we forget that David was called by God to be a warrior.

 

Brice, I served over 32 years in the Army National Guard (as both enlisted and as an officer) to include war service in OIF (2003). I think serving and being a Christian is compatible. Jesus noted that the Centurion had the greatest faith in Israel and in fact intervened for two Centurions - and neither one did he tell to leave military service. Paul tells Soldiers to be content with their wages - there is no record of Jesus or an Apostle directing Christians (or Romans) away from military service. As in all professions, you can serve the Lord or not, it depends on you and what you are called to do. Furthermore I believe our nation deserves to be protected from those that would harm it - if I was an Englishman or Irishman, etc., I would feel the same way if that was my country. Bruce

 

In the early parts of the four gospels there was a group of soldiers who came to John the Baptizer to be baptized----and they asked him

"What shall we do??"

If you read, you'll notice that J the B didn't tell them to go AWOL or to resign their commissions----those soldiers were saved and were being baptized---and imagine---the Bible doesn't say---but just imagine those soldiers, if you would

They're saved, have been baptized---and were now headed back to their "unit" ---- "Platoon" ---- whatever----now imagine what sort of witness they could now be to the other men in their "outfit"???

I wouldn't blink an eye to go visit my boy(once he's of age) if he happens to wind up at Camp LeJuene or over at Fort Benning---because I know that if he's there----not only is he serving to protect his country---but he has the greatest opportunity to share witness to the saving grace of his Lord Jesus Christ!!!

 

I don't think that the old testament examples like David are a good comparison. After the fall of man God chose the nation of Israel to keep pure in order that Christ would come through that line and be the deliverance for all. God did order Israel to fight against evil that would have compromised Israel and Gods plans.
But once Christ came, died and was risen things changed. Salvation is for all men, and Christ gave us scripture and examples were we are instructed to love our enemies and not to kill.

I am not judging those that choose to serve, but I sure understand and agree with were StraitAnndNarrow is coming from. It is not the same as the OT. Christ never instructed us to kill, but rather the opposite. In today's army we are killing at the orders of man not God, there is a difference. I would hate to be ordered to kill, and without knowing it maybe actually kill a brother in Christ, that just happened to live in another country and called into his army. Or worse yet, kill someone that might have had a chance to hear the gospel if he had lived. Again please understand I am not judging those that do, and I respect their bravery, dedication and service. But my only point is I think there is a lot to consider, that I don't think ever gets considered, or just easily dismissed as you did with StraitAndNaroows views. I say this with love and respect for you and your views

 

God did not have one attitude in the OT on this issue and then another in the NT. One passage misapplied can distort a great many things. It is also overlooked that there will be a battle in the future. Loving our enemies and those that persecute us is not a catch all for every situation. And it is not applicable to those who wish to slaughter us. It is also overlooked that Peter carried a sword daily as did the other disciples. It was a normal custom. And it is the one he used to cut off the soldiers ear in the garden. If Jesus had a problem with it he would have addressd it much earlier but did not.

 

Were the Jews instucted to witness and convert all nations?

 

So what you're saying is-----only lost people can serve in the military??? No saved people whatsoever??? Being saved disqualifies one from serving his/her country???

 

I think that each individual selects (to a certain extent) what component and which branch he/she serves in. I think all are honorable, each component (Active/Guard/Reserves) have strengths and weaknesses and offer differing areas of service depending on what you are doing. If you go to law school the Guard may be your best option, and you can switch to active service after graduation. Time spent in the Guard applies to retirement and time in grade for promotion, etc. Guard units also have state missions that the active and reserve do not have (hurricanes, floods, etc.) But Soldiers in all components serve and make sacrifices. May God lead you in making the right decision. Bruce (Colonel "B", RET)