Why do a majority of Christians....?

Question

support the Iraq war when the Bible clearly states "Thou shalt not kill." Is it revenge for September 11th? Isn't seeking revenge a sin as well? Is killing folks ok as long as you think your justified in doing it? Or does it just apply to those who aren't Christians? How are you justified in calling someone evil, yet get offended when someone calls you evil in return?

Doesn't Jesus teach to turn the other cheek? Is that hypocritical?

So let me get this straight....you added "the innocent" in on your own? Is this a Burger King religion? Have it your way?

Kyle I enjoyed your answer. Very objective and to the point, which is exactly what I was looking for....expect 10 points tommorow.

Answer 1

I got out of the Army almost a year ago as a conscientious objector (for religious reasons). I too ask the same question that you are asking. So here is the lowdown... The Bible, especially the Old Testament, is filled with violence. So, people assume that violence is OK - large in part because it is deligated that it is OK to fight sin/wrong/bad with violence. God called down fire and brinstone on Sodom and Gomorrah because they were bad, so why can't we bomb the terrorist.

If you take what God is doing and take it upon yourself to "right" the world, then you are essentially trying to take the role of God. You are the decision maker. Is seeking revenge a sin? Yes.

There are two schools of thought on when killing is right. The first school is that of where they believe that if you are dictated by your leaders/government for a better cause (i.e. to free Iraqi people), then you are OK to kill people. The second school says that killing is killing no matter who commands/directs you. The first school derives its beliefs largely on Romans 13 where it says to submit to the authorities (also in Hebrews 13:17). The latter school says that you are held accountable for your own actions and doings and conscience (a lot of talk of this sort in Revelation).

Lastly, did Jesus say to turn the other cheek. Yes he did. No, that is not hypocritical, it is called turning the table on your enemy. Back then if you were slapped, you were slapped with the back or the right hand, which would strike you on the right cheek. What turning the other cheek meant was to offer them your other cheek for them to hit. Why would they not hit you on the left cheek then? Well, they never did anything with their left hands because they did personal cleaning with that hand. So it was considered horribly wrong to touch anyone with the left. Secondly, you would never smack anyone with your palm either as that was considered socially wrong. So by you standing up and saying, go ahead, you want to hit me? Go ahead, if you hate me that bad, then hit me with your left hand so you can look stupid. So no, it is not hypocritical, it is turning the table in saying, "what you just did, didn't affect me, so try it again, only this time we are going to play by my rules."

Sorry for the book...

Answer 2

War is a product of man and the Bible clearly states that we must submit to the authorities, therefore, if you are drafted to go to war, you have to go.

As for the majority of Christians....... what evidence do you have to support your findings? Did you undertake a worldwide survey? Maybe your questions should be directed to the government of the day or whoever has caused your volcano to erupt.

Rom 13:1 Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen.
Rom 13:2 If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible.
Rom 13:3 Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear. Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine,
Rom 13:4 the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it.
Rom 13:5 That's why you must live responsibly--not just to avoid punishment but also because it's the right way to live.
Rom 13:6 That's also why you pay taxes--so that an orderly way of life can be maintained.
Rom 13:7 Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.

God Bless You!!!

Answer 3

The Bible clearly states :

Suppose you hear in one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you that some worthless rabble among you have led their fellow citizens astray by encouraging them to worship foreign gods. In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find it is true and can prove that such a detestable act has occurred among you, you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the street and burn it. Put the entire town to the torch as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a great nation, just as he solemnly promised your ancestors. "The LORD your God will be merciful only if you obey him and keep all the commands I am giving you today, doing what is pleasing to him." (Deuteronomy 13:13-19 NLT)

Answer 4

Friend you really need to study hard on some of your questions, Thou shalt not Kill, Means thou shall not murder for self gain, Now do you want to use more bible? Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Verse 3 A Time to Kill-----------Read all 8 verses. You seem like one of those kind that if someone breaks in your house & kills your family, that you will sit there & tell the killer God loves You. I will tell you what God will say, HEY man get up & stop this killing even if you have to kill the intruder. If They break in my house & tries to hurt my family , They are shot, Because in Indiana we have a law now that says we can use deadly force to protect our homes & Families. And we have the Guns to do it, will I just shoot someone, NO. But If my family is about to die, Yes.

Answer 5

First, what statistics are you using to say the majority? Have you actually done a survey or is it just a supposition your making?

Second, God also tells us not to be fools. If there is a danger one should face that danger. If you think the danger is past from 9/11 your not very well versed in the concept of jihad and the writings of Mo hammed. Although 90% of Muslims are peaceful you'll find those who have been indoctrinated in the more fanatic writings are very dangerous indeed. They don't care if your an atheist, they want you dead if your not converted.

Answer 6

Exodus 20:13 actually says (or at least is often translated to be) "Thou shall not murder."

That being said, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:27) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49) both seem to imply that killing, especially vengeful killing, is wrong.

So, I think the answer is those people just don't worry about it.

Answer 7

Christianity itself has brought more death and revenge of death than any known phenomenon in history. It has been the way since the Crusades. We today are just following suit.

Answer 8

What evidence do you have that majority of Christians support the Iraq war? All people want peace.

Answer 9

They don't. No TRUE Christian supports ANY wars. At Matt. 5:44, Jesus said to "love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you." At Ro. 12:17, it says: "Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men." Verse 19 says: "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath."

For this reason, no true Christian will participate in the military or even support armed conflicts.

Answer 10

soldiers who fire at you - are not covered under "Thou shall not kill (the innocent)"

And how did the Israelites take the Promised land
by annihilating the enemy?

The wisdom of man does not even approach the folly of God.

better luck next question