Military Service and Self-defense

[hillsong_girl]

Hey everyone. Recently on a different Christian forum/group I got into somewhat of a debate with someone about serving in the military and self-defense. To keep this short and to the point, this person essentially opposed military service and thought it was un-Christian, and they also opposed self-defense or physical action to stand up for what is right. My view is that there is nothing un-Christian about military service and nothing wrong with self-defense or physical action to defend what is right.

I know what the Bible says and I know where my conviction comes from. I know we are to love our enemies, but I also know we should stand up for the innocent. If there is a choice, do you love your enemies, or do you stand up for the innocent and what is right? Or can you ever do both?

I'm just curious to know what you all think about this subject. I know where I stand and my mind won't be changed, but I still wanted to know what you think and why.

Thanks everyone

Edited April 25, 2009 by hillsong_girl

[MorningGlory]

Hey everyone. Recently on a different Christian forum/group I got into somewhat of a debate with someone about serving in the military and self-defense. To keep this short and to the point, this person essentially opposed military service and thought it was un-Christian, and they also opposed self-defense or physical action to stand up for what is right. My view is that there is nothing un-Christian about military service and nothing wrong with self-defense or physical action to defend what is right.

I know what the Bible says and I know where my conviction comes from. I know we are to love our enemies, but I also know we should stand up for the innocent. If there is a choice, do you love your enemies, or do you stand up for the innocent and what is right? Or can you ever do both?

I'm just curious to know what you all think about this subject. I know where I stand and my mind won't be changed, but I still wanted to know what you think and why.

Thanks everyone

I pretty much agree with your view on this, HSG. If no one was willing to stand between us and evil that would invade our country.....we'd all be speaking either Japanese or German right now. The great men of the Bible defended their tribes and that was okay with God. We, no matter what country we live in, are just bigger tribes.

[Believer1997]

I think you love your enemy AND defend yourself and your homeland. There are very few careers more honorable and worthy than serving in the military. I believe that God gave us this country and He wants us to defend and preserve it. We may disagree with exactly how to lead it, defend it and preserve it - but I think we, as Christians, do love it ... and each other. God Bless.

[SweetRain]

Hey everyone. Recently on a different Christian forum/group I got into somewhat of a debate with someone about serving in the military and self-defense. To keep this short and to the point, this person essentially opposed military service and thought it was un-Christian, and they also opposed self-defense or physical action to stand up for what is right. My view is that there is nothing un-Christian about military service and nothing wrong with self-defense or physical action to defend what is right.

I know what the Bible says and I know where my conviction comes from. I know we are to love our enemies, but I also know we should stand up for the innocent. If there is a choice, do you love your enemies, or do you stand up for the innocent and what is right? Or can you ever do both?

I'm just curious to know what you all think about this subject. I know where I stand and my mind won't be changed, but I still wanted to know what you think and why.

Thanks everyone

I know. many times the israelites gained the lands that God promised them through their armies. God used David to fight against Galiaph aswell to defend the people and win back God's respect.

[Guest TheChief]

Being retired military, I guess my belief that being a Christian and in the armed forces, as well as my belief in the right to self-defense, should not be a surprise.

In Matthew 8, Jesus is approached by the centurion, who entreats Him to heal his servant. Jesus does not take the opportunity to castigate the centurion for his profession, but applauds the man for his faith. One of the problems I had with the Conservative Mennonite church we attended was their adherence to their church doctrine of "nonresistance" (not "pacifism"). While I agree that they are entitled to their belief in the doctrine, I do not see that they have the right to impose their belief system upon those who are on the "front lines," offering their service and, sometimes, their very lives to allow them to continue to believe as they wish.

Am I a Christian? Oh yes, I love Jesus. Did I love my enemies during my service? Yes I did, yet I was under authority (as was the centurion) and would respond as the National Command Authority directed against an armed threat to me, my family, my community, or my country insofar as the law allowed. Would I do the same currently? Yes, as my right and responsibility for defending my family and community has not been abrogated.

[Rick-Parker]

Tell your friend that they should open the O.T. It is replete with examples of God using war and capital punishment to further His plan. Then tell him to read Revelation. It is also replete with the capital methods that God will use to reestablish His Kingdom.

[Guest]

Being retired military, I guess my belief that being a Christian and in the armed forces, as well as my belief in the right to self-defense, should not be a surprise.

In Matthew 8, Jesus is approached by the centurion, who entreats Him to heal his servant. Jesus does not take the opportunity to castigate the centurion for his profession, but applauds the man for his faith. One of the problems I had with the Conservative Mennonite church we attended was their adherence to their church doctrine of "nonresistance" (not "pacifism"). While I agree that they are entitled to their belief in the doctrine, I do not see that they have the right to impose their belief system upon those who are on the "front lines," offering their service and, sometimes, their very lives to allow them to continue to believe as they wish.

Am I a Christian? Oh yes, I love Jesus. Did I love my enemies during my service? Yes I did, yet I was under authority (as was the centurion) and would respond as the National Command Authority directed against an armed threat to me, my family, my community, or my country insofar as the law allowed. Would I do the same currently? Yes, as my right and responsibility for defending my family and community has not been abrogated.

Amen!

[georgedrw81]

When there is a threat we all wellcome the military and police.When there is no threat we want to dis-mantle them.

We are very difficult to please

Blessings

[tah]

Being retired military, I guess my belief that being a Christian and in the armed forces, as well as my belief in the right to self-defense, should not be a surprise.

In Matthew 8, Jesus is approached by the centurion, who entreats Him to heal his servant. Jesus does not take the opportunity to castigate the centurion for his profession, but applauds the man for his faith. One of the problems I had with the Conservative Mennonite church we attended was their adherence to their church doctrine of "nonresistance" (not "pacifism"). While I agree that they are entitled to their belief in the doctrine, I do not see that they have the right to impose their belief system upon those who are on the "front lines," offering their service and, sometimes, their very lives to allow them to continue to believe as they wish.

Am I a Christian? Oh yes, I love Jesus. Did I love my enemies during my service? Yes I did, yet I was under authority (as was the centurion) and would respond as the National Command Authority directed against an armed threat to me, my family, my community, or my country insofar as the law allowed. Would I do the same currently? Yes, as my right and responsibility for defending my family and community has not been abrogated.

Amen....

[Gauntlet]

So I guess I true Christian has no choice but adopt a love of violence and a healthy relationship with bloodshed. Otherwise, he is "lukewarm" and cast out by God. In such an environment, I can see how the thugs and sociopaths would flourish.