Is it considered a sin when soldiers kill their enemy in war?

Question

I'm asking this question because I'm going to enlist in the Army. Soon it will be part of my job to kill people. Will I be committing a sin if I kill enemy combatants in Iraq when I become a soldier?

Answer 1

Not if you are following the rules of engagement properly.
Being a soldier doesn't give you a free pass to commit war crimes in other words. But defending one's country and defending freedom as a soldier is similar to the job of law enforcement in protecting the peace or even a homeowner defending himself and his family--it's not murder, and it's not a sin.

You will get different answers on this, but only Quakers and Amish people and maybe a few other religious groups are official "conscienteous objectors" to military service. You will get some left-wingers saying "not this unjust war", etc. but if you join the military you serve at the will of your superiors and the Commander-in-Chief, and it would be a sin for you to be direlict in the duty you signed up for.

Do some more soul-searching, Bible study, prayer and go talk to your minister or even a military chaplain. (I'm sure they've dealt with this issue before.) If you really feel strongly that you don't want to kill people, you'd best look for an MOS away from the combat zone--maybe as a stateside medic or something. If you have any doubts, I don't want you guarding a post next to my husband or son and second-guessing yourself while the enemy comes up and kills them and you!

Edit: PD I guess you might be right about the Savior Jesus who came the 1st time to offer us all salvation, but if you read the book of Revelation, the Jesus coming back in victory and judgment sure sounds like a soldier to me!

Christ on a White Horse

Revelation 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had[e] a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean,[f] followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp[g] sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Answer 2

Honestly, it depends upon whose interpretation of the 10 Commandments you read and follow.

Some interpretations say it is a sin to kill in war, but other interpretations say it is not a sin to kill in war.

I'd stay on the safe side and look for a more peaceful career. If you are smart you might be able to get a non-combat job in the Army like computer repair.

But, it's your decision and only you can make it. May God bless you whatever you choose. If you do end up in Iraq do your best to try and do good, if you have the chance to do so.

Answer 3

When I was a serviceman in the 1950s we never questioned why we were trained to kill. Wars were then wars of survival or complying with a treaty to assist a friendly country. I do not know how I would feel today about situations around us. It's a different world. In answer to your question, if you're enlisting in the Army you know what you are expected to do and whether you are able to blindly follow orders. Consider before you sign up. DB

Answer 4

If you have religious reasons for believing it is a sin to kill another during war, then do not enlist until you are sure of your stand. It is most likely you will be put in the position of making a decision that has the potential to endanger your fellow soldiers. There are two sides to every coin, and there will be many opposing opinions regarding the taking of a life. No one else can tell you whether or not your decision is right or wrong.

Answer 5

No it's not a sin it is you standing up for the rights of humanity against the evils of the world.That is what the army is about.The question you have to make sure of before you enlist is...When the time comes for kill or be killed....can you pull that trigger without any feelings of guilt?If you can...good luck Soldier.

Answer 6

Yes, a thousand times yes.

Do you believe and put your trust in Moses or Jesus ?

For And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. Luke 3:14

Thou shall not be angry with thy brother without a cause, (this means you are not to take up arms just because you are told to)

Thou shall love thy enemies, thou shall do good to them that hate you and spitefully use you, turn the other cheek.

Fear not them that can kill the body, but fear them which can kill both body and soul, (an angry person may kill you, they kill your body, but if you become angry and want to kill them as well, they have not just killed your body, they have killed your soul as well)

Render unto Cesar that which is Cesar's and unto God that which is God.

If you wish to be a conscious objector do not say you believe in Moses or the 10 commandment, or the 613 laws,

Say you believe in your savior Jesus the Christ, only

Answer 7

That's a tough moral question, but a short hand version is to look in the bible. There is war in the Bible and no mention of that being a sin. Many times the commandmenty "Thou shalt not kill" is translated instead as "Thou shalt not murder" murder being the cold blooded killing of someone out of anger, hate, or pure sadistic desire. Shooting back when shot at is there for not a sin, much like killing in self defense is not a crime.

Answer 8

Only you can decide what you believe. I personally believe that killing people is wrong under any circumstances. Any life that is taken is the life of a son, brother, father, or friend. But we live in world where war is a fact of life.

Someday if for whatever reason you have to take the life of another, remember that the most important thing you can do is forgive yourself. The world isn't perfect, and its not your fault.

Answer 9

Do inlist in the Army. The army is not a bunch of baby killers, destroyiing innocent people. They are defending another country for the right of life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness. The Bible agrees with this. Join the army and help people live better lives.

Answer 10

only if they attack you yes.. but not to kill them when they dont attack you.. the violence is always presents in both testaments.. in the old testament I think was unfair.. and the new testament the violence.. seems to be more spiritual.. but I am againts the war. there are another ways to fix the problems.. what do you think? Jesus said love your enemies..