What Does the Bible Say About Military Killing?
The topic of military killing is a complex and debated issue, with varying perspectives on its moral legitimacy. As Christians, we seek guidance from the Bible, the authoritative Word of God, to understand how to approach this sensitive issue. In this article, we will delve into the biblical teachings on military killing, exploring the key principles and passages that shed light on this matter.
Old Testament Perspective
In the Old Testament, warfare is a common theme, with many accounts of wars fought by the Israelites to defend their land, city, and people. At first glance, these battles may seem to condone or even promote military killing. However, upon closer examination, we discover that the Bible provides important nuances and guidelines to ensure a moral and just approach to warfare.
Just War Theory
In Deuteronomy 20:10-20, the Israelites are instructed to offer terms of peace to their enemies before engaging in battle. This principle is often referred to as the Just War Theory, which emphasizes the need to exhaust all peaceful avenues before resorting to military force.
| Principle | Just War Theory |
|---|---|
| Exhaust peaceful avenues | Deuteronomy 20:10-20 |
| Only fight just wars | Numbers 25:17, 1 Samuel 15:2-3 |
| Protect non-combatants | Deuteronomy 20:11, 1 Samuel 27:1 |
| Do not destroy the land | Deuteronomy 20:19-20, Joshua 8:24 |
Theban Wars
The accounts of the Theban Wars in 1 Samuel 14:1-16:23 and 28:1-31:13 provide another important aspect of biblical warfare. Here, we see warriors taking personal risks and demonstrating mercy and compassion to their enemies.
The Prohibition of Unjust Wars
Several Old Testament passages forbid unjust wars or the use of military force for personal gain or self-interest. For example, Numbers 25:17 says, "Israel shall not commit war against anyone of the inhabitants of Canaan, until they will drive out the inhabitants of Canaan to give space to Israel." This prohibition underscores the importance of moral and just motivations in going to war.
** The New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide additional insights into the biblical stance on military killing.
The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:38-42, also known as the Sermon on the Mount, challenges Christians to love their enemies and turn the other cheek. While this teaching does not explicitly address military killing, it encourages non-violent resolution of conflicts.
| Principle | The Sermon on the Mount |
|---|---|
| Love your enemies | Matthew 5:44 |
| Turn the other cheek | Matthew 5:39 |
| Avoid violence | Matthew 26:52 |
Paul’s Teaching on Self-Defense
1 Corinthians 7:26 says, "Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is." In this context, Paul acknowledges the right to defend oneself, but this principle does not necessarily apply to military killing.
| Principle | 1 Corinthians 7:26 |
| Defend oneself | 1 Corinthians 7:26 |
Conclusion
The Bible provides a complex and nuanced perspective on military killing. While it allows for defensive wars and self-defense, it also emphasizes the importance of moral and just motivations, as well as the need to exhaust all peaceful avenues before resorting to military force. Christian ethics should strive to embody these principles, promoting peace, compassion, and love towards all people, regardless of their national affiliation.
Additional Resources
For further study and reflection:
- "Theological Reflections on the Conduct of War" by Paul Ramsey
- "Just War Theory: A Reappraisal" by James Childress
- "Christian Ethics and War: A Critical Appraisal" by John H. Gerstner
By engaging with these biblical principles and considering the historical and theological contexts in which they were written, we can deepen our understanding of what the Bible says about military killing and strive to apply these teachings in our daily lives.
