The rest of us have an excuse, tradition

[billwald]

But Baptists claim to have a religious practice that goes back to the first century and avoids the errors of Christian tradition.

So why have Baptists adopted the Orthodox Catholic military tradition?

(Sidebar: Bainton is an excellent writer and historian)

From http://www.spiritualitytoday.org/spir2day/863821murphy.html

"Yale church historian Roland Bainton writes, "From the end of the New Testament period to the decade 170-180 there is no evidence whatever of Christians in the army. All of the East and West repudiated participation in warfare for Christians." Guy F. Hershberger adds, "it is quite clear that prior to about AD 174 it is impossible to speak of Christian soldiers." None of the Christian leaders in the pre-Constantinian era (ca. 313) approved of a military career for disciples of Jesus Christ."

 

[Michael Wrenn]

But Baptists claim to have a religious practice that goes back to the first century and avoids the errors of Christian tradition.

So why have Baptists adopted the Orthodox Catholic military tradition?

(Sidebar: Bainton is an excellent writer and historian)

From http://www.spiritualitytoday.org/spir2day/863821murphy.html

"Yale church historian Roland Bainton writes, "From the end of the New Testament period to the decade 170-180 there is no evidence whatever of Christians in the army. All of the East and West repudiated participation in warfare for Christians." Guy F. Hershberger adds, "it is quite clear that prior to about AD 174 it is impossible to speak of Christian soldiers." None of the Christian leaders in the pre-Constantinian era (ca. 313) approved of a military career for disciples of Jesus Christ."

You are correct. The early church was pacifist.

But, you see, it's a matter of picking and choosing what literal scripture you want to take literally. Those who agree with you on what to take literally are orthodox; those who disagree are heretics.

 

[OldRegular]

The Gospel of Matthew gives an account of a Roman centurion [These were the people who had conquered the Jews.] approaching Jesus Christ in behalf of a servant. There was no reproach of the Roman centurion, or of military service, from Jesus Christ. In fact Jesus Christ commended the centurion's faith before the Jews and reprimanded them for lack of faith. This is a fascinating event in the life of our Savior and speaks volumes about the Jews of that day and since.

Matthew 8:5-13
5. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6. And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
8. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
9. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
10. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
11. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
12. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth
13. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

 

[billwald]

Most people drafted into the military don't want to be there and thus are above criticism. Many, probably most enlistees are decent people who think they are doing the right thing. It is the governments that are evil.

In 1776 the Redcoats were on the righteous side. Jesus and the NT authors never supported political rebellion.

 

[Salty]

Most people drafted into the military don't want to be there and thus are above criticism.

Bill, did you serve in the military?
When I first join, there was a draft. I was surprised at how many lifers were originally draftees.

In 1776 the Redcoats were on the righteous side.

Actually you are right - its too bad that England didn't win the war, then we never would have had that silly amendment that provided for the freedom of speech and religion

Jesus and the NT authors never supported political rebellion.

Naturally we would not consider Acts 5:29

 

[billwald]

>Bill, did you serve in the military?

Thank God, no.

 

[billwald]

>Acts 5:29
>King James Version (KJV)
>29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Where did God order rebellion against a Christian King who was not opposing Christian worship?

 

[SolaSaint]

I think most early Christians were running for their very lives with the great persecution from Rome and Jews, probably didn't get the oportunity to stop and join any army.

 

[Alive in Christ]

Michael Wrenn...

You are correct. The early church was pacifist.

But, you see, it's a matter of picking and choosing what literal scripture you want to take literally. Those who agree with you on what to take literally are orthodox; those who disagree are heretics.

Yep! That seems to be the "modus operendi" sometimes on these boards. :thumbs:

 

[ktn4eg]

To those who believe that any and all military service is inherently sinful, why did not John the Baptist tell the soldiers who came to him "saying, And what shall we do?" (Luke 3:14), to put down immediately their weapons and get out of the army just as soon as you can?

 

[Salty]

Bill, did you serve in the military?

Thank God, no.

Some of the greatest blessings in my life came as a result during my military service. I am so thankful for those years.

 

[Yeshua1]

You are correct. The early church was pacifist.

But, you see, it's a matter of picking and choosing what literal scripture you want to take literally. Those who agree with you on what to take literally are orthodox; those who disagree are heretics.

well the Bible has ALL praise when it mention Roman centurians, God commanded an army in isreal, under the King...

When did God become a pacisfist, against being a soldier?

verses please?

 

[Yeshua1]

Some of the greatest blessings in my life came as a result during my military service. I am so thankful for those years.

I commend you and all the christian soldiers, as next to being a soldier for Christ, best thing going would be one willingly to die for his country if need be!