Christians and War

[ShyBoy]

From the Baptist perspective, Is is permissable for a Christian to perticipate in a War? Whould Baptists perticipate in a holy war?

[GreenEyedLady]

I most definatly would say that my church is FOR fighting for this country!
Yes My church would participate in a Holy War, I would think so.
GEL

[bleechers]

From the Baptist perspective, Is is permissable for a Christian to perticipate in a War?

Yes. The NT allows for both self-defense and obedience to government.

Pacifism is fine, I just don't think that it is commanded. Jesus Himself will lead an army to destroy His enemies at the end of the millenium. There is also a distinction that must be made between personal vengence and national defense.

"Loving your enemies" does not preclude national defense. I am to love my personal enemies, but that does not mean that a nation is to capitulate to its enemies. For example: the state must administer justice and punishment. I don't administer punishment to my enemies, but the state must do so. This is God's very design for just government.

Whould Baptists perticipate in a holy war?

What's a "Holy war"? That is a very "organized religion" term.

[Crazy Liz]

This board is for Baptists, Anabaptists and Quakers. Anabaptists and Quakers usually answer this question differently than Baptists.

Do you only want to hear from Baptists?

[ShyBoy]

This board is for Baptists, Anabaptists and Quakers. Anabaptists and Quakers usually answer this question differently than Baptists.

Do you only want to hear from Baptists?
Yeah, just go ahead and identify which group you associate yourself with.

I know that their are some differences. While on vacation in Indiana, I visited the Amish country and I learned that they do not engage in war under any circumstances.

[bleechers]

Luke 22
35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

As I am inclined against the traditions of men and religious laws, I would err on the side of personal conviction. But even with that said, personal convictions should always be based on the scripture.


This board is for Baptists, Anabaptists and Quakers. Anabaptists and Quakers usually answer this question differently than Baptists.

We seem to answer almost every question "differently". In fact, I've known quite a few Quakers and almost all of them are universalists and many of them are unitarian.

I addressed this in another thread in greater detail, but apart from historical roots, I see no rational reason for Baptists and Anabaptist groups being lumped together.

It'd be like creating one board for Orthodox and RCs... actually those religions are closer to each other than modern-day Baptists and Anabaptists (in general). As things are going today, the Anabaptists seem to more in common with the RCC than they have with most Baptists.

[BT]

From the Baptist perspective, Is is permissable for a Christian to perticipate in a War? Whould Baptists perticipate in a holy war?
It is permissable for a Christian to fight in a war.

Now a "holy war" I don't think there will be or could be such a thing. 'Cept Armaggedon and Jesus will fight that one for us.

[TwinCrier]

Of all the different occupations hat Jesus reviled, He never said anything negative about being a soldier. In fact Matthew 8:10 was directed at a soldier.

http://av1611.faithweb.com/custom4.html

[BT]

You could take the question down a peg and ask if it's ok for a Christian to be a police officer. After all they may be required to physically restrain someone, or defend themselves possibly even with deadly force.

This profession I also believe is permissable for a Christian (IMO).

[bleechers]

Well, Jesus didn't command his disciples to buy a sword to cut pomegranites.

I won't go into it here, but there are wonderful dispensational pictures to be seen in the differences between when He first sent them out without money or sword and the second time when he commands money and sword... :)

[OracleX]

I don't see anything wrong with Christians going to war.

If Canada didn't gimp its air force so bad, that was what I was going to go in to.

[ShyBoy]

It sounds like most Baptists believe that a Christian can go to war and still be a good Chrisitan.

But can it be any war? Or only wars that have a just cause? What if a war is done for immoral reasons? Is it ok for a Christian to refuse to fight in a war that he or she finds unjust?

Thanks,

[seebs]

Most Christians believe that a Christian can go to war. I am not sure this makes it correct. Many Christians have objected to wars for a very long time. It is hard to trust political leaders in their claims about the reasons for a given war. Worse, you don't get to decide which wars to fight in; to enter the army is to sign up to fight in whatever they decide to get into.

I think that the current model of training and discipline used by the military, at least in the U.S., is probably a grave challenge for Christians, and I am skeptical of its compatibility with Christian teachings. I have seen too many soldiers internalize the dehumanization of the enemy and continue to treat others that way long after they leave the military.

[OracleX]

Just cause ... how to do judge that?

[TwinCrier]

I suppose you have use your judgement. Unless your a pacifist and you don't believe in judging. :)

Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.