One night I was hanging out with a group of people from church when a girl asked me, "if you are a Christian, how can you justify being in the military?" Fair question. Just a few months prior when I joined the Navy, an officer told our class that we have to be OK with the idea that we may directly or indirectly be responsible for killing someone. Certainly not something that seems too Christian.
Any Christian in the military should be able to answer this question. In talking about it with others I work with, most are of the opinion that is against Christianity but are still OK with it. For me, I feel justified that Christianity and military service are not inherently conflicting.
First, I think it is necessary to look at commands that say that killing is wrong. The most famous of these is the 10 commandments which states "You shall not murder." Another one would be Matthew 5:38-41, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." While these passages would seem to indicate that killing is wrong and that military action, even if in self-defense, would be unChristian. But I think taking these passages in context with the entire Bible will prove that these are commands on an individual level, not a government level.
Service in the military does not entitle one to act upon his own in taking a life, but only while serving as an instrument of the government. As seemingly insulting as it seems, the US military is only a bureaucracy, serving at the whim and pleasure of the President. Any action one takes is an action taken not of their own volition, but on behalf of the United States. Any action taken otherwise is subject to punishment.
Romans 12:16-13:7 tells us "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
Here, Paul makes it clear what we should do on an individual level, verses what is appropriate on a government level. As instruments of God's will, governments can carry out justice and punishment, even to the point of death. And as Christians, we know justice is a good thing. Micah 6:8 says "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Of course no government will always act in accordance with God's will, but Paul does tell us that they can carry out justice and we should submit to them. As Christians in a democracy, this makes our job as voters even more important. We must insure that our government officials seek God's guidance and act in noble and righteous ways, so that our country acts in accordance with God's will.
Can a Christian be in the military? Absolutely.
Any Christian in the military should be able to answer this question. In talking about it with others I work with, most are of the opinion that is against Christianity but are still OK with it. For me, I feel justified that Christianity and military service are not inherently conflicting.
First, I think it is necessary to look at commands that say that killing is wrong. The most famous of these is the 10 commandments which states "You shall not murder." Another one would be Matthew 5:38-41, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." While these passages would seem to indicate that killing is wrong and that military action, even if in self-defense, would be unChristian. But I think taking these passages in context with the entire Bible will prove that these are commands on an individual level, not a government level.
Service in the military does not entitle one to act upon his own in taking a life, but only while serving as an instrument of the government. As seemingly insulting as it seems, the US military is only a bureaucracy, serving at the whim and pleasure of the President. Any action one takes is an action taken not of their own volition, but on behalf of the United States. Any action taken otherwise is subject to punishment.
Romans 12:16-13:7 tells us "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."
Here, Paul makes it clear what we should do on an individual level, verses what is appropriate on a government level. As instruments of God's will, governments can carry out justice and punishment, even to the point of death. And as Christians, we know justice is a good thing. Micah 6:8 says "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Of course no government will always act in accordance with God's will, but Paul does tell us that they can carry out justice and we should submit to them. As Christians in a democracy, this makes our job as voters even more important. We must insure that our government officials seek God's guidance and act in noble and righteous ways, so that our country acts in accordance with God's will.
Can a Christian be in the military? Absolutely.
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