The Bible says "thou shalt not kill" So why do so many christians promote war?

Question

Does the Bible only count for those that don't believe in it? Because if I believe in it I'd say no to war because the bible tells me not to kill. But if I don't believe it and go to war and kill then it's ok beause I'm a Christian?
Help me out.

Answer 1

Christians put alot of faith in their religious leaders.

Their religious 'leaders' are supposedly sanctioned by God or direct link to God. In the old days if leaders said that God was in favor of the war, than it MUST be okay, right?

Nowdays, American's go to war for 'God and Country' and assume that if God supports the U.S. than it must be okay to wage war in the name of the country too - and kill.

They view killing as a murder if it is not in the context of a war.
But if killing is done in a war for their country than it is okay they say.

I'm sure that is humans giving themselves permission to kill and not to feel bad about it. I'm sure God does not care what country or religion you are - he probably doesn't care what the reason for killing is - I'm sure it's safe to assume that God does not support killing for ANY reason. It's a human modification to the bible - not a God inspired one.

It's considered 'okay', so that goverment can get away with it and send soldiers in to murder without having to go to prison for it.

I don't know; but it's one big moral MESS.

Answer 2

Not even single religion promote killings in any human being, but killing was promoted already when qabil the son of adem killed habil for the sake of women in the first time and introduced this act of violence and this hereditary practise is continued by human being mercilessly and he will be paid back for what he has done, in a day of judgement.
promoting war is not religious matter but it is a political trend, now you think one step more do u wanted to be religious or political minded ? If Ur choice is formal, then you must still explore a lot to understand yourself the real purpose of life in the light of religion and focus on the actual and factual target of your life to come tomorrow after death, because we are here in the earth to go back to some destiny that can be discovered from right scriptures but look at always the latest version of scriptures whatever is the product of any religion. And I am sure, u will get answers satisfactorily and you will find yourself successful in your thought and I wish you God speed.

Answer 3

First the commandment has been poorly interpreted. The more accurate interpretation into English is "Thou shalt not murder."
We must defend our borders and our interests if we are to survive. With only two exceptions all of America's conflicts have been defensive. The war for Independence and the war of 1812. We Christians are supporting war for self defense. This includes Iraq. Yes we invaded Iraq, twice, because the Iraqi leadership attacked an ally of ours and later because they supported attackers of ours and our ally.

This isn't justification of bad choices, this is just common sense. You infer we are hypocrites because we say we follow the edicts fo the Bible, but you search the scriptures with a fine toothed comb for the purpose of indicting us rather than any understanding of the message God gives us. Why should we concern ourselves with your version of what the Bible says when your premise for quoting the scriptures is tainted with ultra-liberal agenda from the start?

Answer 4

That's from the 10 Commandments which comes from Moses. What else did Moses say?

(Exodus 32:27-29) and Moses told them, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Put your sword on your hip, everyone of you! Now go up and down the camp, from gate to gate, and slay your kinsmen, your friends and neighbors!" The Levites carried out the command of Moses, and that day there fell about three thousand of the people. Then Moses said, "Today you have dedicated to the Lord, for you were against your own sons and kinsmen, to bring a blessing upon yourselves this day."

Trust in the Bible! The Bible is truth! ...

... until it contradicts itself ... over and over again.

Answer 5

the "thou shalt not kill" is referring to murder, not wartime killing of an enemy in a battle. Two drastically different things. One is forbidden, the other is not.

Btw, what Christians promote war? I don't know any that do.

Would you have allowed Hitler and/or Stalin to take over the world? Doesn't the footage of the liberated concentration camps (Auschwitz, Treblinka, etc.) show you anything? Don't you see that sometimes war is necessary, and the more evil thing would be to do nothing?

Answer 6

The Bible is clear on violence, be it killing or personal injury '..if someone wants your coat, give him your shirt as well..' and the idea that if someone 'strikes your cheek' what do you do? Hit them back? No. You 'turn the other cheek'...Humans will always come up with reasons and rationale for their actions, but in essence, killing is stated as wrong.

In the Old Testament, Jesus had not yet come to be the ultimate sacrifice, covering all sins. People had to sacrifice lambs, sheep and the 'eye for an eye' stoning-spectacle was common. After Jesus, there is no need to sacrifice sheep to gain forgiveness, and there is no need for killing..

The New Testament does not state laws of punishment for law breakers/offenders. We are told simply to forgive, and those that do not believe, and continue to do evil works will be dealt with by God - we are not to 'deal with them'. It is not our place and not our responsibility to seek 'an eye for an eye' anymore - that will be done by God...

In a way, isn't that a great weight off of our shoulders?
(For those who simply cannot give up the 'vindictiveness' of human nature - when someone does wrong against you; don't hit them back, think of the eternity of pain and suffering they will endure - this will ease you, for the moment (careful to not sincerely enjoy it =) )

Answer 7

Unfourtunatly, throughout history war has been proclaimed in the name of God more times than not. I don't think that our diety approves of this, but the politicians who send God fearing christians to war will ahve to face thier maker someday and when that day comes, they will have to explain how God really wanted the war they claimed in his name.

Answer 8

This is sad, even Christians who claim to follow Bible from word to word can't answer that and yet I as a Muslim can answer this in a minute.

Maybe because we also follow these commandments as well.

Answer 9

The same bible says obey your authorities. i ma a born again Christian, if i have been working for the Indian army as a christian, i have to love my country and obey my authorities. it is my responsibility to fight in a war and die for the country. the contest is very important.

Answer 10

ah, but if you actually had read the small print that has been removed in the new versions of the bible, or read the torah, that ' thou shall not kill' has definite restrictions on who you aren't allowed to kill.