What is Christianity's policy on War?

Question

Is it allowed or not? Last time I heard, it wasn't, but I'm not completely sure. There's this quote in the Bible that says that if someone slaps your cheek, you should offer them your other cheek, or something like that. Personally, I think that this isn't very practical...

Answer 1

Kill them and let God sort them out.

Answer 2

It is only allowed if it is advocated by God, such was the case with the Israelites possesing the promised land with Joshua; however, God clearly indicated that this was a form of His wrath toward the Philistines and not as a favor to the Israelites.

Since no war has been decreed by the Word of God since Jesus was made manifest they have all been wrong, but I do believe that military actions as a means of policing the nations and protecting the peace like in Iraq and against terrorism is justified at least for the soldiers, the sin would stand upon the nation's leaders alone.

Answer 3

There is a difference between slapping someone on their cheek, and tossing a grenade into their families living room. There is a time for war and a time for diplomacy.
You will also find in the bible how God has supported wars and gave grace to those who kept his law in times of war. You might also be aware a the ultimate war between good and evil found in Revelations, where God shall destroy the corrupt as he has done so before.
If a man goes to war out of pride or greed, then his cause is in vain.
But if a man goes to war to protect those he loves than his cause is noble.

Answer 4

This is a deep question, one I've been trying to solve, but you got to look at it like this, God already knows the outcome and what is going to happen, and armageddon is predicted.
You got to realize this earth is a battlefield, from the time, satan was exiled to it, and sin was a part of it, until the end, it will always be a war.
The good thing is Jesus Christ has already won the war against satan and we can join him, when we ask him into our lives, when the mesiah returns, We want to know the Lord, and not be on the other side, because satan lost, the day Jesus Christ went to the cross.
Do you notice this war is a war mostly of religion, I think it signifies alot of prophesies beginning to come true, not like many have not already. Be prepared. There is only one way.

Answer 5

The quote from the Bible about turning the other cheek along with Jesus' command to love our enemies are for individuals and not for governments. Here is what the Bible says about governments.

Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Answer 6

They allowed it in the Crusades and Spanish Inquisition; they allowed it in both World Wars and even sent Chaplains along to bless the troops. They did the same with Viet Nam--I was there and saw it first hand--Chaplains giving last rites to the dying--and in Desert Storm and all the rest of our wars, Christianity allowed it. The reason they do, however, is because Christians believe that God is on our side, not the enemy.

Answer 7

True Christians do not go to war.

While on earth, Jesus demonstrated how to replace hatred with unselfish love, commanding: “Love one another, just as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) He also said: “Happy are the peaceable.” (Matthew 5:9) Here the Greek word for “peaceable” means more than enjoying a state of tranquillity. It really entails cultivating peace, actively working to promote goodwill.

When Jesus was being arrested, the apostle Peter tried to defend him with a lethal weapon. But the Son of God reprimanded him, saying: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) How did first-century Christians apply those words? Note the following quotations.

“A careful review of all the information available [shows] that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [121-180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.”—The Rise of Christianity.

“The behavior of the [early] Christians was very different from that of the Romans. . . . Since Christ had preached peace, they refused to become soldiers.”—Our World Through the Ages.

Because Christ’s disciples refused to serve in the emperor’s legions, the Romans put many of them to death. Why did Christians maintain such an unpopular stand? Because Jesus taught them to be peacemakers.

Imagine the dreadful situation if Christ’s followers were to fight in opposing armies, trying to kill one another. Such a scenario would be contrary to Christian principles. Really, those who obey the God of the Bible would not harm anyone—not even their enemies.—Matthew 5:43-45.

Clearly, God does not put his blessing on modern carnal warfare between humans. Being peaceable, true Christians advocate the peace that will be established worldwide under God’s Kingdom.

Answer 8

If someone was killing your Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, and even your own baby's, would you just stand there? I believe God doesn't just want us to stand by while others are being killed by those that are evil. War is very bad, look what Hitler was doing. I pray we don't have to fight, but there is a time for War, and a time for Peace.

I like the verse that says, "Though ten thousand fall on your left, and ten thousand on your right, not a single hair on your head will be touched".

Answer 9

As some have said, it depends on what Christian you ask. As a non-believer, I subscribe to the same criteria that several large Christian denominations adhere to; e.g., Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and others. Their position is essentially one of "just cause" and that war is a "last resort." Fortunately mainstream Christian religions have moved away from their own earlier historical position of imposing their religion on others.

Scripture is of little use in these affairs. You can find a passage to justify almost any sort of carnage, or alternately to "turn the other cheek." Again fortunately, most mainstream Christian denominations take those aspects of the bible with a grain of salt, even if they don't admit it.

Answer 10

The Catholic Church has a "just war doctrine," which outlines very strict criteria for the just use of military force.

For instance, under this doctrine, war is justified if all other means of solving the dispute have been tried and have failed; that noncombatants are not targeted and every reasonable precaution is taken to minimze civilian casualties; that the purpose behind the military action is genuinely just (self-defense, securing the rights and lives of others, etc.), and so on.

.

Answer 11

Depends on your interpretation of the Bible and what domination of Christianity you belong to.

Yes your to turn the other cheek and if they strike that too your to turn away also. But the human body has 4 cheeks and you never let anyone kick your a*s