Navy SEAL of God? Are Christians suppose to be pacifistic?

[steven84]

So I recently picked up a new book by a U.S. Navy SEAL called "SEAL of God."

Anyways, the book started some interest I am anxious to get some discussion going on with regards to Christianity and military service.

Are Christians suppose to be pacifistict? If not, how do you explain Scriptures like "Turn the other cheek" or "thou shall not kill?"

I am not attempting to debate this, I really am interested in digging into the Scriptures and sorting this issue out.

Edited May 29, 2012 by ~candice~
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[oldzimm]

Pacifism is a religion.

Matthew 5:39 tells us not to reward evil with evil. Where it is written "Turn the other cheek", the language is figurative, for the Lord when smitten on the cheek (John 18: 22-23) did not turn the other cheek, but with dignity rebuked the assailant. Jesus did not return evil for evil, he return truth for evil.

"Thou shell not kill" actually reads "Thou shell not murder" in the ESV, kill and murder is two different things. It would be wrong for me to murder just for the sake of killing or any other criminal activity, but to kill someone while defending myself, my family, my property, or my country is not wrong.

I suppose a pacifist can be a Christian, but all Christians are not suppose to be pacifist.

[nebula]

If not, how do you explain Scriptures like "Turn the other cheek" or "thou shall not kill?"

Actually, if you go back to the Hebrew, the command is better translated, "Though shalt not murder." Remeber that the same God who gave this command also commanded the Isaelites to kill the Canaanites for their wickedness.

As for turning the other cheek, it should be noted that Jesus first said, 'If someone strikes you on the right cheek....." This is important to note because in that time and culture, such was an insult. The only way to strike the right cheek is to either use the left hand or the back of the right hand, thus the symbol of the insult. It's kind of like giving the finger today, but had more of a punch to it (pun not intended, though it does fit). A better application of the command in our venacular would be:

When someone is a jerk towards you, don't be a jerk back.

Turning the other cheek isn't inviting the person to hit you again. It's an offensive stand indicating you are not receiving the insult and injury and demanding the person to confront you with respect.

As for the military, the Bible never states anything against it.

[jasoncran]

i dont see our god telling us to standby and not stop any form of evil.

[Fez]

David was a general, and killed his "thousands".

He was also the "apple of God's eye"

[Guest man]

"Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel."

Jesus was referring to a member of the military.

[Fez]

"Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel."

Jesus was referring to a member of the military.

The evidence is mounting for all our brothers in uniform!

I am sure there are dozens more scriptures we can find supporting God's attitude to a just war.

Although they should be avoided at all costs when we can...

[Bold Believer]

Luke 3:14 Jesus told Roman soldiers on occupation duty: "Don't accuse anyone falsely, don't shakedown anyone for money, be content with your pay." (Yes, I translated that into more modern English) Roman soldiers were mostly pagans, worshippers of heathen gods, and trained to be ruthless in defense of the Empire. Yet Jesus merely gave them those three admonitions. He knew they were men who fought for a living. That issue never came up. One might think that it would, but it didn't. It therefore stands to reason that Jesus approved of military men who were of good character. (I might have expected him to tell them to avoid fornication as well, but he chose not to, for whatever reason.)

[xero]

Yes.

[xero]

Luke 3:14 "King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)

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."

Lie to yourselves all you like but leave those who seek truth to find it.