Is it a sin to join the military?

Is it a Sin to Join the Military?

Direct Answer:

In most major Christian denominations, it is not considered a sin to join the military. Christianity teaches that war is morally complex and that individuals who serve in the military, including those who engage in combat, can still choose to follow God’s ways and act with compassion and justice.

Scriptural Perspective:

The biblical perspective on war is somewhat nuanced. While the Sermon on the Mount instructs followers to "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28), war is not necessarily seen as inherently sinful.

Important Biblical Passages:

• Exodus 20:13-14: "You shall not murder" and "do not commit adultery" provide a foundation for the morality of war. Christians are called to protect the innocent and upholding justice, even when it requires going to war.
• Deuteronomy 20:13-14: "Only the towns that are beyond the Jordan to the east, from the River Jordan as far as the Sunrise, shall ye not devour with the edge of thy sword, but shall permit your breath to live… for the children of Hagar shall not be one of them".
• Matthew 22:38-40: Jesus stresses the importance of loving neighbors and enemies, but in the context of war, this love does not automatically mean refusing to defend others or one’s own community.

Ethical Guidance:

For Christians in the military, ethical guidelines can be applied to ethical decision-making during wartime.

• The Just War Doctrine: This doctrine, influenced by St. Augustine’s writings, sets out seven criteria for justifying warfare:

  • The Right Authority: Only legal authorities, such as elected governments, have the authority to declare war.
  • The Right Goal: The goal of warfare must be the protection and defense of the innocent or the pursuit of justice.
  • The Proper Means: Only means proportional to the end goal may be used, and military actions should prioritize minimizing civilian casualties.
  • The Right Conduct: Treaties and agreements should be respected, and prisoners must be treated with dignity.

Christian Testimonies:

Many Christians throughout history have served in the military, and their stories demonstrate the possibility of spiritual growth and obedience to Christ while serving.

• Martin Luther: Theologian and reformer, Luther served in the infantry during the Diet of Speyer (1529), where he became convinced that the Catholic Church was unjustly oppressing the weak.
• John Adams: The second President of the United States, Adams served as a militia lieutenant during the Revolutionary War.
• Ronald Wilson Reagan: The 40th President of the United States, Reagan served as a lieutenant colonel and later as an officer reserve in the US Army.
• John Wesley Clark: The son of Christian missionaries, Clark served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, where he experienced a dramatic conversion under the influence of Christian witnesses.

Practical Support:

The military faces unique challenges that can weigh heavily on spiritual lives.

• Pastoral Counseling: Military chaplains and pastors offer spiritual counseling and support to service members and their families.
• Faith-Based Services: Many organizations, including the US Department of Veterans Affairs, offer faith-based services and support to honorably discharged veterans.
• Christian Resources: Abundant online resources are available for Christians in the military, including the Military-Christian Fellowship, Soldiers’ Circle, and others.

Conclusion:

In the context of the Christian worldview, joining the military does not necessarily mean committing sin. Christians are called to promote peace, defend the defenseless, and uphold justice, even in the most challenging and morally complex of situations. As Christians continue to serve in the military, it is essential that they be aware of relevant biblical passages, ethical frameworks, and spiritual resources.

Table: Christian Commandments and the Military:

This table highlights how Christian commands can be relevant to serving in the military, ensuring that service members can reflect on their actions and responsibilities in light of their Christian faith.