Christians and the military.. a few questions?

Question

Now before you all go off at me and tell me how unpatriotic, ignorant, uneducated, narrow minded and bigoted i am listen to what i have to say first.

The armed forces at its core is designed to fight in wars, I realize that there are many reasons to join the army, such as experience, education, and other areas that are not combative.

My question is, why is it, that some soldiers (the people who fight in wars, the ones who have the guns and fire at people to kill them with intent, ie:murder) say that they are christian? Is that not going against one of the ten commandments?

How can they justify their actions?

Answer 1

If you do it to save your life or the life of someone else then it isn't murder. In the military you have a thing called a Rule of Engagement. You just can't go around shooting everyone. They have to show you hostility first...... thus it is self defense.

Answer 2

So defending your Society is wrong? When Soldiers went into Europe,to stop the advance of the German Army,and to stop the Extermination of the Jews and Gypsies they were wrong?

I'm not a Christian,but I can say that I see no way that fighting against those people who would oppress entire societies,and murder Millions,could ever be wrong.Even if it means you must take the lives of others in order to do it.

Obama666

Answer 3

The old saying " All's fair in love and war " ?

Answer 4

The commandment best reads, "You Shall Not Commit Murder"  and there is ENORMOUS DIFFERENCE between murder and killing.  Murder is defined as the unjustified and intentional taking of innocent human life.  As has been stated, murder sometimes occurs in war, however, killing in war is generally justified.  Sorry you have an issue with that, but as you don't believe the bible I can't see as this bears any import to you.

Answer 5

Hi Jazz, I'm a Christian and served in the United States Army.  It's not a conflict to defend your home and family from invaders.  

The way I see it, a strong military discourages war.  You might want to check out this link if you're interested:

http://www.scripturecatholic.com/just_wa...

Answer 6

Romans 13:1  Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  2  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.  3  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  4  For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Killing someone as part of a government force in a lawful war is not murder.

Answer 7

Do we have to go through this question every night?

Killing is allowed for self defense, or the defense of others who can't defend them self. This is the soldier's job. In a war of aggression this loophole would not pertain, though. Only God has ordered the army of Israel to go into battle to drive out the nations that would see the Jews dead.

Do you think that my grandfather was un-Christian for going to Europe and shooting n***s to free the Jews from genocide?  

Answer 8

They probably cherry pick the bible (most do). Ignore "x" part of the bible, and only pay attention to "y" part.

Answer 9

In the same books that record the ten comandments God orderst the execution of people and tells his people to go to war.  The english translation murder should not be understood as all intentional killing.

There may be murder in war, but all intentional killing is not murder in a biblical sense.  It may still be wrong by another standard, but the Bible does not see a problem as far as I can tell.

Answer 10

How about asking another question: why is it that more Christians aren't conscientious objectors?

Personally I'm baffled as to how anyone can claim to follow a loving, compassionate God who commanded 'Thou Shalt not Kill', and then go off to war and do just that, but I've met plenty of Christians who have fought in wars and believed their actions justified.

World War 2 and the spectre of Hitler often rears its head and at that point I remind them that many of the Germans were Christians as well. The German soldiers even had the words, 'Gott mit Uns' (God with Us) embossed on their belt buckles.

Answer 11

Killing in war is not murder.  It really is as simple as that.  If a country is attacking us, and a soldier goes to defend us, it's not wrong if he kills someone in war.  Some would argue that killing innocents is murder, and I wouldn't completely disagree.  However, in speaking to many soldiers, sometimes it can't be helped.

I've heard stories from soldiers who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan (in some cases, both) in which they told people in Arabic to stop, and show their hands.  The person refused, and the soldiers had no choice but to see it as an act of hostility.  It was only later they found that the person had been innocent.

Overall, though, I think a soldier's actions in war are between them and God.  I'm sure God understands.

Answer 12

I was a Christian (and still am) when I enlisted in the US Army.  The Bible does no speak against war.  God knows that there are times when a country must do what it has to do.  Now murder is needless killing for NO reason.  I am proud to have served my country and my God.  The only objection I had was that I would not go to war against Israel.  I would go fight where ever they sent me but against Israel, because the Bible states that whoever stands against Israel will fail and fall.  

In response to your additional comment:

If you read the Old Testament you'd find the answer to your question.  And why is it that nonbelievers find it so hard to just leave Christians alone.  Are you so ensure in what you believe that you have to consantly hound Christians?  Does it somehow make you feel smarter?  All it really does is make you look petty and ignorant.  You ask for opinoins, but then bash us when we are honest.  Who is the real bad person then?  Not me.  I answered you question.  You just don't like the answer I gave.  So go ahead and try to make Christians look bad.  It's hurting no one but yourself.

Answer 13

This people fight for the country, they do many murder things, but after all this they can back to God, This is nature of people life  

Answer 14

Yea thou shall not kill.  But everyone of us has committed all ten of the commandments at one time or another... The army may be a way to start over for some people. Some people go to pay for school.