Is it a sin to die in combat?

Question

EG, a soldier fighting for his own life in a heroic last stand (thus taking lives even as he dies).

Or a soldier who jumps in front of bullet/ on to a grenade to save a comrade, therefore technically committing suicide?

I'd be interested in hearing your spiritual viewpoint on the above to scenarios. Thank you!

Answer 1

No. If Jesus was willing to die to save the life of His friends, that's good enough for me.

Answer 2

Well, if they die to save their comrades that is more considered a self-sacrifice than a suicide. It is the ultimate form of altruism - and warrants our nation's (USA) highest award, the Medal of Honor.

From a "spiritual" point of view when I was a Christian of course I didn't consider that a sin. It is a position I could find myself in as a Marine. War is a terrible thing but unfortunately it will not nearly be eradicated before the end of our lifetime. When I believed in a God, I saw that God as not being so petty as to discriminate harshly on practical matters like self-sacrifice.

So in a nutshell, no, I do not believe it'd be a sin. It is however, terrible that wars are still taking place. The age of the internet makes it easier to either become numb to the news of troops dying and at the same time hear stories about their lives that you would never be able to without it.

Best Regards,
Zach

Answer 3

I would say it is missing the mark to be in combat to begin with. Mahatma Gandhi tried to live ahimsa to the degree of being willing to die instead of taking a human life.

As for the second scenario...the technical suicide is maybe technical only in some definition. It is laying down one's life to save another...no greater act can be made (it is said). I would not call it suicide...unless he thought it was a way to end it all and look heroic.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 4

Soldiers are not guilty of murder in an act of self defense or an act of war.

There is such thing as "justified" killings. When a Solider is fighting for just causes and has been ordered to protect an area or himself then he is not sinning.

No, the Soldier would not be committing suicide he would be committing an act of love. Which is def. not a sin.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Answer 5

I am not sure. This has been a question that I have also pondered and will likely read over the Christian's comments that follow. I do know that we are commanded to follow the laws of our government who were placed there by GOD, the FATHER. We are not supposed to KILL but if it comes to defending others are we?? This is a good question! Thank you for asking. I will read these (as you do). Have a great weekend!
Eds

Answer 6

Dying will never be considered a sin, that is to say unless you purposefully kill yourself.
Is it a sin for a Police Officer to die in the line of duty? My guess is no, so why would a soldier be any different?

Answer 7

If you want MY specific viewpoint, I have to answer that, since I am an Atheist, there is no such thing as sin.

In my opinion, to take a life is a terrible thing to do, even if the cause is justified. If s/he dies defending that which s/he loves against an entity that wishes to destroy it, then I would forgive the warrior.

Answer 8

'Thou shalt not kill'
That commandment is mis-quoted frequently, the meaning is it's a sin to commit premeditated murder. A soldier is not 'fighting for his life' they should be following the orders of the action, which may be to kill the enemy.
So to die in combat is misfortune but no sin.

Answer 9

Jhn 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Answer 10

The greatest commandment is Love Jehovah your God with all your heart, soul, strenght and mind, the second is love your neighbor as yourself. Being a soldier who killed someone in combat is violating the laws of God and he is committed sinned.