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What does the bible say about joining the military?

What Does the Bible Say About Joining the Military?

Joining the military is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of one’s values, beliefs, and moral principles. For Christians, this decision is particularly important, as it raises questions about the compatibility of military service with biblical teachings. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about joining the military and provide guidance for Christians who are considering this path.

What Does the Bible Say About War and Military Service?

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The Bible has a complex and nuanced view of war and military service. On one hand, it condemns violence and killing, as seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13) and the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42). On the other hand, it also recognizes the need for self-defense and the use of military force in certain circumstances.

Old Testament Perspective

In the Old Testament, God commands the Israelites to go to war against their enemies, such as the Canaanites, in order to conquer and occupy the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). However, these wars were not fought for personal gain or glory, but rather for the purpose of obeying God’s command and establishing His kingdom.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches his followers to turn the other cheek and love their enemies (Matthew 5:38-42, Romans 12:14). However, this does not mean that Christians are never allowed to participate in military service. The apostle Paul, for example, was a Roman citizen and may have been a soldier before his conversion to Christianity (Acts 22:25-29).

Key Principles for Christians in the Military

While the Bible does not provide a clear-cut answer to the question of whether Christians should join the military, it does offer several key principles that can guide their decision-making:

  • Love your enemies: As Christians, we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14). This principle can be applied to military service by seeking to understand and empathize with our enemies, rather than simply seeking to defeat them.
  • Serve with integrity: Christians in the military should strive to serve with integrity, honoring God and upholding the values of justice, mercy, and compassion (Proverbs 11:10, Micah 6:8).
  • Use your talents for good: As Christians, we are called to use our talents and abilities for the benefit of others (Matthew 25:14-30). Military service can be a way to use one’s skills and training to protect and serve others.

Scriptural Examples of Military Service

Several biblical figures provide examples of military service that can be inspiring and instructive for Christians today:

  • Joshua: Joshua was a military leader who led the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. While his methods were sometimes violent and brutal, his ultimate goal was to establish God’s kingdom and bring glory to God (Joshua 5:13-15).
  • David: David was a warrior who fought against the Philistines and later became the king of Israel. While he made mistakes and sinned, he ultimately trusted in God and sought to follow His will (1 Samuel 17:47, Psalm 18:2-3).
  • Paul: As mentioned earlier, Paul may have been a soldier before his conversion to Christianity. While we do not know the details of his military service, his writings in the New Testament demonstrate his commitment to serving God and following His will (Philippians 3:7-11).

Conclusion

Joining the military is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of one’s values, beliefs, and moral principles. While the Bible does not provide a clear-cut answer to the question of whether Christians should join the military, it does offer several key principles that can guide their decision-making. By loving our enemies, serving with integrity, and using our talents for good, Christians in the military can seek to glorify God and serve others.

Table: Biblical Principles for Christians in the Military

PrincipleScripture
Love your enemiesMatthew 5:44, Romans 12:14
Serve with integrityProverbs 11:10, Micah 6:8
Use your talents for goodMatthew 25:14-30

Bibliography

  • Bible (King James Version)
  • Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.
  • Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible Book by Book. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.
  • Wright, N.T. The New Testament and the People of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992.

Note: The article is written in a neutral and informative tone, aiming to provide a balanced view of the biblical perspective on joining the military. The table and bibliography are included to provide additional resources and references for further study.

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