2007-11-13 04:03:32 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They should not. The record of 1st century Christians is they refused to serve in the military and resigned if they were in it at the time.
True Christians are no part of the world just as Jesus was no part of the world. (John 15:19; 17:16) When some of the Jews wanted to make Jesus their king, he avoided them and left town. He told them to "pay Caesar's thing to Caesar, but God's things to God."
This was specifically talking about the payment of taxes, but the principle applies to other things. We owe the governments obedience of all laws unless they conflict with the higher Godly Laws. This is from Romans 13:1, 2. Here they are called "superior authorities". God has allowed them power.
The Bible makes it clear whoever hates his brother is from the manslayer (Satan) and gets no everlasting life. We must love in DEED and TRUTH. (1John 3:15-18) That love is how Jesus said would mark his disciples. (John 13:35) How can we love one another and kill our spiritual brothers in another country?
2007-11-13 06:10:25 · answer #1 · answered by grnlow 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The new testament doesn't say much about fighting or not fighting wars. That is because each situation is different and needs to be judged by the ritghteousness or unrighteousness of each cause. Jesus primary message was to offer men salvation for their own personal sins but I don't think he was under the illusion that there wold never be another war.As ch as there is validity in turning the other cheek I don't think he would require a man to be a bistander if someone ttcked your wife or children. War is an extension of that thought.
2007-11-13 12:28:11 · answer #2 · answered by Edward J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (especially 8).
Plus, how do you know that the "Christians" are involved? Maybe both Christians and non-Christians are involved, how about that?
New Testament? Do you really need one? Not really but here you go:
Mark 13:6-8
Luke 21:9
2007-11-13 12:13:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are actually expecting modern day, American Christians to act like Jesus and the apostles back in the day and just live peaceably,neutral in government affairs and long suffering in the face of unpopularity and persecution (not they they have to deal with much of either) you are really kidding yourself.
"Turn the other cheek" and 'Love your enemies" are anathema to the Christian Right in America.
The only reason I can see ANY Christian would have to take up a sword (or gun) would be to personally defend himself/herself if they are being immediately attacked by an enemy right then and there.
But then again, early apostles others got stoned and thrown to the lions, they didn't fight off the soldiers, they just let it happen.
So going to war for revenge or to defend earthly interests of secular governments would not really be "Christian" in the purest sense of the word.
And why shouldn't a Christian willingly die if attacked? Don't they believe they are going to heaven which is far better than earth anyway? Seems early Christians had more of an assurance that heavenly reward was the ONLY goal and it was real.
2007-11-13 12:12:07 · answer #4 · answered by pixie_pagan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must be referring to the Iraq war. You have let your imagination get away from you. This war has not been engaged in the name of christianity. It is a response to growing international violence. (9-11) Nations are given authority by God to provide justice for the oppressed. Just like police do for victims of crime. That is why you see coalitions. There is much counsel among nations who have beem victimized. But to answer your question,'Jesus said to render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's, and render unto God what is God's. That includes justice. If Ceasar is criminal then he must be brought to justice. That is why the revolutionary war was fought. Read the Declaration of Independence and you will see the greivances listed.
2007-11-13 12:20:34 · answer #5 · answered by JesusIsTheAnswer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesnt......." It says at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all of His saints.".........1Thess.
And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword , that with it He should smite the nations...............Rev.
His saint have to do nothing , but are with HIM........
Its the WORD of GOD which will destroy the enemies of God
Thats the Sword of the Spirit , Gods Word, which is JESUS which is His Word !!
2007-11-13 12:16:55 · answer #6 · answered by hghostinme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus told us to render to the State the things that are the states. If that is service that you have promised to give you must give it... IHS Jim
2007-11-13 12:15:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We do not battle against flesh and blood....so we are to war, but not as the world does.
2007-11-13 12:12:22 · answer #8 · answered by whitehorse456 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That book is currently being written by those in Christian leadership roles.
2007-11-13 12:07:18 · answer #9 · answered by Mr. E 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋