Why does God recommend war?

Question

So I was reading the Bible, and there seems to be an awful lot of war in the O.T. Most of which seemed to be an order from God, God even says something to the extent of "kill them all or they will become thorns in your side." Now two questions arise from this:

1) Why would God want His creations killing each other when He says murder is wrong (and don't get it twisted if I came into your town and killed you and your family it WOULD be murder)

and

2) Why didn't God just wipe out say Jericho or any other city? He did it before with Sodom and Gorm...Gorh... the other city, so why make the Isrealites do it. Was He making them kill people to prove their faith?

Ridiculous? or just another characteristic of an all loving God?

Answer 1

Some Christians, including myself, interpret the Bible in context. Sounds logical, but many argue this approach, because it involves some literal *and* figurative interpretations -- many other Christians believe the Bible to be a strictly literal, historical account, which is who you're arguing against.

Catholicism is one religion that interprets the Bible in context. From a Catholic view, the Bible has been *inspired* by God, not dictated word for word. Therefore, what we see in the Bible is the product of the culture of the time period, faith in God's presence, and the alteration of the story as it was passed through storytelling from generation to generation until it was written in Scripture. (Think of the game "Telephone" -- in the end, the message is often very warped from the initial one.)

As a Biblical example, the entire Old Testament was written during a time when cultural tradition asserted that God was a fearsome, often unmerciful god -- the punisher of evil. This influence is obvious, as you just pointed out.

The *New* Testament talks all about Jesus coming to these people and changing their views, explaining that God is not a punisher, but a forgiving and loving Father. How could these two images exist? Well, they can't. It is my understanding that Jesus came to correct the problem you just pointed out, and erased this old image.

Was God ever actually that intolerant? That violent? My suspicion is that the Hebrews of the time lacked the technology and scientific knowledge of the world that to explain all the tragedies that came to them (like plagues), and thus believed that God was punishing them for their sins. For example, I believe that the fall of Sodom and Gamorrah was brought on by an earthquake, not God's wrath on the people -- today, archeologists agree. So why put it in the Bible or even read it if it's not true? Well, it's the message that comes from the story. That one teaches us, simply, not to sin, and contributes to the overall Old Testament image of God as Punisher.

Basically then, God *is* all-loving. The Old Testament contradicts the message of the New Testament if interpretted literally, but read in context, the Old Testament is simply not historically/factually accurate, and can support the image of a loving God.

Answer 2

The people who were in the Israelites way , most were unbelievers and that was there punishment here on earth... The people in Sodom and Gomorrah were so wicked and sexually perverted that God couldn't take it no more from them ignoring his laws. You could compare the cities to the world that was destroyed by the flood of Noah's time. Israel today is the world's biggest supplier of potash from the same spot where those cities were. Google Sodom and Gomorrah and look for the site that has fire and brimstone in it , you will be amazed

Answer 3

Well the bible is a collection of divinely inspired writings, chosen by a council of Romans and translated through several different languages 2000 years ago. I find that most level headed non-radical Christians understand this and don't take it literally- besides, it was written by men and therefore cannot be perfect.
I have to say I'm curious as to your motives in asking the question, are you trying to get Christians to throw their hands up and say "oh, I guess we're brainwashed. You are so right." because I don't think thats ever going to happen. Maybe you should find peace in your own soul and be supportive of anyone who can find it in their own way- it is not that easy to find. Just a suggestion, from a humble Wiccan. : )

Answer 4

1 John 4: 8 says in essence that God is Love. A loving God will not let others kill people just for them to prove their faith to Him. He is not that way at all. God's instructions in the Old Testament to the nation of Israel were for any who willfully kills his fellowman, he too should be put to death. -- Deut. 5:17; Leut. 24:17.
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because they were gross sinners who never changed their ways. Jericho was not totally destroyed because Rahab a former prostitute repented of her wrong course and began to put faith in God and so because of her fine act, a portion of the city was saved. -- Joshua 6:1-27.

Answer 5

"Why would God want His creations killing each other when He says murder is wrong...?"

What part of "OR THEY WILL BECOME A THORN IN YOUR SIDE" did you fail to understand? In other words, if Israel doesn't kill them, they'll likely try to kill Israel if allowed to live. Israel was in a fight for survival.

"Why didn't God just wipe out say Jericho or any other city?"
Why would it really matter if the end result was the same anyway?

Answer 6

I find it depressing, but not that surprising, that Christians are apparently answering with "I don't think that's really what God's like" or "that's not really in the Bible"...

Most Christians never bother to actually read the Bible. And I don't just mean going over Adam & Eve every once in a while and the Gospels, but the entire Bible, cover to cover, every word.

Several times in the Bible, God explicitly commands the Jews to slaughter their enemies, sometimes man, woman and child.

This doesn't track with the "God of Love" that Christians imagine they worship, so they make themselves blind to it. Despite the fact that... you know... it's in their holy text.

Answer 7

from what i believe that was a translation that came about around the crusades. that was the most convincing way for the religious leaders to recruit men for the "holy war." i don't believe that god wants people to kill each other, but that is how the interpreters of the bible perceived it.

Answer 8

Yeah, i think of which you would be able to rejoice with this interest by fact jointly as the violence is particularly stepped forward for a interest, the storyline and plot twists on my own will keep you coming lower back. Plus, the platforming and puzzles that must be solved keep the stress off from having to continuously combat. So i could advise this interest, yet merely prepare your self for a good number of violence.

Answer 9

Actually all wars were started by satan.

REV 12V
7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.


Obviously satan has been trying to prevail ever since;

But Jesus conquered this world of wars;

Check this scripture out it describes those who draw people to war as unclean spirits, like frogs, out of the mouth of the dragon, and the false prophet

REV 16V
13And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Listen to JESUS;
John 16v
33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Answer 10

Because blood and tears and sorrow are how God gets his magical powers.