Can a Christian go to War?
One of the most debated topics in the Christian community is whether a Christian can engage in war. This is a complex issue that raises questions about the nature of war, the role of government, and the commandments of God. In this article, we will explore the biblical perspective on war and examine the implications for Christians who may find themselves in a situation where they are called to engage in military combat.
Contents
Scriptural Examples of War
Before we dive into the theological aspects of the issue, it’s worth noting that the Bible is not silent on the subject of war. In fact, there are several accounts of wars in the Scriptures, including the wars of God’s people in the Old Testament and the wars recorded in the New Testament, such as the Roman persecution of Christians.
Examples of God’s Intervention in War
• Joshua 11:18-20: God is described as going before the Israelites and defeating their enemies, encouraging them to destroy the population of Canaan.
• Deuteronomy 20:16-17: God commands the Israelites to utterly destroy certain cities and their inhabitants.
Examples of Warriors in the Bible
• Samson (Judges 13:5): Samson was a Nazirite who was consecrated to God from birth. However, he also engaged in wars and was known for his strength in battle.
• David (1 Samuel 17:26-51): King David, the future ruler of Israel, fought and defeated Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior.
The Problem of War in the Context of Christian Ethics
While the Bible does describe wars and record the actions of warriors, this does not necessarily imply that Christians are called to engage in war. In fact, many Christians today would argue that war is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the ethics of the New Testament.
The Teachings of Jesus
Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This teaching has been seen as a major obstacle to the idea that Christians can engage in war.
The Ethic of Non-Violence
Many Christian pacifists argue that Jesus’ teachings on loving one’s enemies and doing good to those who persecute us is incompatible with the use of violence in any form, including war.
The Role of Government and Christian Citizenship
While Jesus’ teachings may seem to rule out the use of violence, some Christians have argued that there are certain circumstances where the use of force by government may be justified.
_The Old Testament Concept of "Warfare"_
In the Old Testament, wars were often seen as a means of upholding justice and defending one’s community. This understanding of warfare as a means of defending one’s community and upholding justice is often seen as justifying the use of military force.
Romans 13:1-7
This passage, often referred to as the "Christian Doctrine of the State," teaches that those in positions of authority, including those who wield the sword, are ordained by God to maintain order and promote justice.
A Christian’s Responsibility in the Context of War
While some Christians may argue that war is justified, others may not feel that they can support or engage in war. So, what is a Christian’s responsibility in the context of war?
Prayer and Intercession
Christians may feel called to pray for those involved in war, including soldiers and civilians, and to intercede for an end to conflict and bloodshed.
Service and Support
Christians may also feel called to serve and support those affected by war, including refugees, wounded soldiers, and families of the fallen.
Disengagement and Conscientious Objection
Some Christians may feel called to disengage from war efforts and refrain from participating in military action, either due to their own moral convictions or due to a sense that war is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus.
Table: Christian Views on War
| View | Description |
|---|---|
| Pacifism | Complete rejection of war and the use of violence in all circumstances |
| Just War Theory | The use of military force may be justified in certain circumstances, including self-defense and defense of the innocent |
| Non-Combatant Pacifism | The use of violence is not justified, but those in positions of authority may have a greater responsibility to defend the community |
| Christian Realism | War is a harsh reality of human nature, and Christians must engage in it as a means of promoting justice and defending their community |
In conclusion, the question of whether a Christian can go to war is a complex and contested issue. While the Bible does describe wars and record the actions of warriors, this does not necessarily imply that Christians are called to engage in war. However, Christians may feel called to pray, serve, and support those involved in war, while also exploring the justifications and complexities of war. Ultimately, the decision to engage in war or not is a personal one that must be made in light of the teachings of Jesus and the ethics of the New Testament.
