Should a Christian solder have any reservations in killing an opposing solder of his own religion?

Question

This question came to mind in watching two History Channel stories. In one case, a German solder, was born in Eugene (OR) and was a Baptist. When Hitler called for a return of all Aryans to the Fatherland, the boy's parents moves the family back. As a result, he ended up in the German Army. When captured, he was executed.

In the second case, a Mormon Missionary is in Germany living with a Mormon family, but returns home when all Americans are ordered out of the country. When the war starts, he joins the military and is trained as a sniper. In an incident where he is trying to kill a German solder, he fires twice, but misses both times. The German solder is captured and he meets up with him. It turns out to be the son of the family he stayed with.

Now it can be said that in the second case that God prevented him from killing his brother in the faith, but what about all the other Christians he had killed?

From some of these answers, I would assume that what they are saying is that God approves of Christians killing Christians, as long as they are not fellow Christians pledging thier alleigence to the same country.

Answer 1

first you have to look for a peaceful solution,if it doesn't work then the one who started the war should be killed.

Answer 2

The only problem with your theory is that we're trying to guess what God is thinking and the reasons behind certain actions. Of course we can't, we don't know why God does many things, and the more we try to guess the more dead ends we come to.

I will say that although murder is a very bad sin. Killing in defense of your family and what you believe in is not. As long as there is a righteous meaning, some times killing is the only answer. But, only Jesus in the end can make the determination as to whether the killing was justified.

Answer 3

FIRST, all those Fact on the HISTORY CHANNEL are Not 100% Accurate = BY THEIR OWN ADMISSION!

Second, Do you Know HISTORY? Hitler CLAIMED to be Christian and Still MURDERED all those Jews in the Concentration Camps!

THIRD, wars are part of God's Judgment on Peoples and Nations and Religions.

FORTH, man kills man AND nation destroys nation AND THE LIKE!

I am a Veteran and I am not ashamed of what I did, for my Country!

There were Many Consciousness Objectors that were made Medics and were LATER CONVERTED TO SOLDIERS after seeing the Atrocities of WAR!

Thanks, RR

Answer 4

Christianity, unlike Islam does not distinguish (at least in new testament) between killing christians and non-christians.

Its not very clear, reading the New testament that any war is ok but reading i concontext and seeing soldiers converting and not deserting thei posts, I have to assume that it is condoned to kill in war. i'm not sure about this.

Christianity talks much too much about loving your enemies.
Christiuanity was not designed as a state religion. It was the religion of out casts and of the oppressed.

Answer 5

I do not know about that, but if I remember correctly the military priests sermons, The Lutheran Church for example does not approve of military and soldiers, yet believe that god is still with you during whatever horrors you have to commit, if you'll have him.

I do not think it matters what faith the people you shoot are, whether they be satan worshipers or mormons.

Answer 6

You have a right to question an unlawful order when in the military, but it is your duty to follow and carry out lawful orders, even if that entails killing someone.
You don't join the military to be on the front line and say, "Uh, sorry Sergeant, but I think that man worships the same God as I do, so, if you don't mind, I'm going to chicken out and not shoot him." *Bang* you and your squad are dead.

Answer 7

Who knows the complete mind of God on each matter? Always we'll be questioning courses of events.
When you join an army, you belong to the army, you have no more right to think independently, exercising your conscience ('the force that accuses or excuses us'). Why else would their be such a thing as CONSCIENTIOUS objecting?
My question is how any person claiming awareness of God (much less devotion!) could even partake in modern day armies.

Answer 8

If He is a Christian he wouldn't be a soldier.
John 18:36 (King James Version)


36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Answer 9

Wow papa bear that is deep. I never thought about that. I would have to make the assumption from all of my 21 years experience on this planet that it is wrong to kill anything unless it is to eat or to save your own life. but what do I know I am only 21.

P.S Did you see the specials on the history channel when they showed the scientific explanation for Exodus?

Answer 10

THE WEAPON AND ARMOUR FOR GOD

SATAN ALLOWS NO PLACE FOR THOSE OF THE ARMOUR OF GOD AND HIS WEAPON

Heb.4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged
sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints
and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Eph.6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole
armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,
to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the
gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all
prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints;

CHRIST MUST FIND THOSE WILLING FOR WAR WEAPONS TO BE PLOW SHEARS

At his return will he find any in the faith. Rather be killed than to kill, as to kill, that is not godly love.

Answer 11

that could be a rather confusing action to be for... a sturdy thank you to coach is to come to a decision what your opponent's substantial arguments would be & attempt to counter them. i think of that throughout specific circumstances, conflict is justified if there is not any different decision & that that is for the 'better sturdy'. in specific circumstances, this 'better sturdy' will outweigh the lives of squaddies, who be attentive to that interior the interest they have that they could be killed! use some examples of previous wars that have been for the 'better sturdy' ( i can't in my opinion think of of any, even WW2 wasn't fairly a conflict against evil, because of the fact that we had the U.S. on our area)