Military Service and Self-defense

[Guest LadyC]

i should go read that thread and see who in it is advocating pulling out fingernails. somehow i am having a hard time believing that anyone actually wants that to occur.

[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.

are you french-canadian perchance, gauntlet?

No, I am an English Canadian.

[hillsong_girl]

Thanks so far for everyone's responses.

I do strongly believe in the right to defend one's self and I do support our troops. I don't love violence and I would certainly never want to cause physical harm to anyone, but if I am put in a situation where I have to defend myself I would. It saddens me that this world is so full of evil that there should be cause for one person to have fear, but that's one of the reasons I support the right to defend one's self. As Christians, the only real "fear" we should have is the respectful, awe for God, but we are still human and of course will have fear for ourselves, our family, our home, etc.

With all that said, pray for our troops.

Thank you

Edited April 28, 2009 by hillsong_girl

[Believer1997]

your mischaracterization is astounding, guantlet. who here has said they loved violence or bloodshed?

It's all in the subtext.

The Arab world sells its war with the West to its people by filtering its message through the Koran. They appropriate the Koran to service their military agenda. They fight because they're being told that God is on their side. And to be honest, I think the same thing is being done with the Bible in the West. As long as both sides are utterly convinced of their own righteousness, the death and bloodshed will just keep on truckin', eventually destroying us all. That's what the Religious Right has wanted alll along-- the expedience of Armageddon via military means.

This thread I started has nothing to do with this subject, nor does it have the spin you have put on it. I believe in the right to defend one's self and I believe in supporting our troops in the US. How does that mean I or anyone else "loves" violence or bloodshed? Is it wrong to take a stand for what is right or for freedom?

Your thread has fallen prey to a virus of side fights which affect many threads.... I've seen them hijacked quickly with just a random thought...sigh. I'm guilty of it myself... tangents.... off shoots.... What were we talking about... OH YEAH... It is NOT wrong to take a stand for what is right and for your country's freedom. God Bless all those who serve our nation in the military. Blessings to you!!!

[hillsong_girl]

your mischaracterization is astounding, guantlet. who here has said they loved violence or bloodshed?

It's all in the subtext.

The Arab world sells its war with the West to its people by filtering its message through the Koran. They appropriate the Koran to service their military agenda. They fight because they're being told that God is on their side. And to be honest, I think the same thing is being done with the Bible in the West. As long as both sides are utterly convinced of their own righteousness, the death and bloodshed will just keep on truckin', eventually destroying us all. That's what the Religious Right has wanted alll along-- the expedience of Armageddon via military means.

This thread I started has nothing to do with this subject, nor does it have the spin you have put on it. I believe in the right to defend one's self and I believe in supporting our troops in the US. How does that mean I or anyone else "loves" violence or bloodshed? Is it wrong to take a stand for what is right or for freedom?

Your thread has fallen prey to a virus of side fights which affect many threads.... I've seen them hijacked quickly with just a random thought...sigh. I'm guilty of it myself... tangents.... off shoots.... What were we talking about... OH YEAH... It is NOT wrong to take a stand for what is right and for your country's freedom. God Bless all those who serve our nation in the military. Blessings to you!!!

Thanks. I actually was in the process of deleting my response, but I guess you were able to quote me before I did it. Not that I think what I said is wrong, but I didn't want to get into a debate. I know what I believe and why and I am confident in that.

[jeffnevins]

Currently training again in Wing Chun Kung Fu.

[irishcowboy]

I have a friend, that he has very few of his family living in the USA anymore..... why? cause they are conscientious objectors... they left the USA and went to Canada because they were being drafted. when amnesty was declared they stayed there, why? cause they believed if they were not willing to follow the rules of the land they were living in, they had no need in going back to it.... (another reason, they had made new lives for themselves as well, going back would not solve anything either)

I remember a movie years ago, I do not remember everything about it. but this part stuck in my mind (wish I could remember the name of it, dont even remember who was in it)....

in the movie, a roman soldier had been there when Christ died. and later converted to Christianity, and then arrested....

some of his former fellow soldiers were taunting him, and one then asked him if it was true, that a Christian was to turn his other cheek, the former soldier said yes (he was a big guy too) then the one that asked him hauled off and belted him in the face. the former soldier smiled and offered his other cheek..... when the soldier struck him, he turned and looked at the soldier that struck him and said......NOW IT IS MY TURN.....

I was raised not to fight... I learned to fight but was taught not to. I was taught to turn the other cheek as well....

THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE IN TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK AND BEING WALKED ON......

we are not told to be walked on, we are taught not to be door mats, in fact, we are to stand and be strong..... Christ even told His followers that if they do not have a sword, to go and get one........

now why would Christ tell them to get a sword if they were not to use it if need be? I am not saying cause trouble, but for protection......

God went out before David many many many times..... He has lead Israel in and through combat many many many times, even in recent years...... if you notice that when ever Israel is being attacked and Israel gets the upper hand... no one seems to care if Israel is the underdog, but when Israel get the upper (not if, when) hand, that is when every one gets upset and wants a truce.... Israel was never suppose to make any treaties from the very get go, and yet.... well,

anyways.....

a door mat we are not......

mike

[Guest man]

I think everyone should serve at least 4 years in the military.

[Guest LadyC]

yeah, but SOME should only serve their time in the brig

[Gauntlet]

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