Will your god forgive our American soldiers who kill under orders?

Question

Why or why not? Which god or not?

Answer 1

A military man must do what he is told, or he himself can be shot. A soldier, sailor or marine who kills under orders is not guilty of murder, but the blame goes all the way back to the top. Whether killing is justified or not. And before you ask, I am a Christian, but I do not believe we have any business bankrupting America on a war in the Middle East that is not accomplishing one decent thing. The reason we were supposed to be there has proved wrong. There were never any weapons of mass destruction found, and where is Osama bib Laden?

Answer 2

The commandment, properly translated, is "Thou shalt not murder."

God forgives killing.

Murderers have malicious intent. This is the distinction.

As C. S. Lewis explained--and he was a Christian who was also a soldier--he had no malice toward individuals he was fighting against. He said it was quite plausible that were they to meet on the street outside the context of war, he was likely to find them to be fine chaps and would enjoy a quaff or two and some jibber-jabber at the pub with them. He held nothing against the individuals personally, and was not killing out of hatred, rage, envy, or any other cruel/self-serving motivation.

Answer 3

I have come across a very inspiring Book of Hindu, the Bhagavhad Ghita. There was scene there where God and the Warrior is about to do battle when the Warrior noticed that he is going to do battle against his relatives and friends.
Then god said to him, I know your worries and they too are my children but there is pattern of life one cannot go away from. For your peace of mind, I have already killed them for you and they will just be the body you are going to kill. In this, you are forgiven and so are your men.
Note: This is just how I understood it personally. I would be happy to learn from a true Hindu on this matter. I also ask forgiveness if my understanding is wrong.

Answer 4

A lot of people have the misconception that the commandment that says, "Thou shalt not kill" means not killing for any reason whatsoever. This is incorrect.

A more detail explanation is thou shalt not murder. Killing out of malice is completely wrong. However, killing for defense of life is not wrong.

If I see a person who is trying to murder someone, I have the obligation to stop them, even if it means taking their life. This is why police officers have the right to use deadly force if they must in order to protect the innocent and uphold the law, and why soldiers in the military have that same right.

Answer 5

All sins are forgivable for those who come to Jesus Christ.

For soldiers who are Christians already, following orders, including killing, is permissible when justice is being done. The soldier is still responsible for their actions and must restrain themselves if justice is not being served by following orders.

Answer 6

The only thing that God cannot forgive is a person who rejects him. I will not decide if what they are doing is right or wrong, but I will say, that they still deserve our respect and love, simply because they are willing to put their life on the line to keep us free.

However, God only forgives those who ask for His forgiveness with a repentant heart.

Answer 7

Obviously not - Look at those Westboro Baptist Christians who attend soldiers funerals...

I'd like the people who answered above me to re-edit how these people are less Christian than them on their interpretation of the Bible...

Answer 8

According to Christianity, it doesn't matter who or what they kill. As long as they pray to God for forgiveness and stroke God's ego sufficiently, they're home free. They could massacre and rape entire villages then beg for forgiveness and that would be okay with God.

Answer 9

In response to Scott M: Only if the person begging is truly repentant

Answer 10

Yes and for our leaders, well most of them.
Bush will be honored before God!