Christians and military service

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E

Ecclesiastik

Guest
#1
I have heard very differing opinions from various people.

My question is: Is it morally acceptable for Christians to join (or stay in) the armed forces?

Some people say yes because John the Baptist never told the soldiers to quit their job and there are some cases of early Christians who were employed by the Roman military.

Others say no because the early church as a whole tended to be against Christians joining the military.


What are your thoughts? For a little background, I am an Air Force avionics technician.
 
K

kote

Guest
#2
I have heard very differing opinions from various people.

My question is: Is it morally acceptable for Christians to join (or stay in) the armed forces?

Some people say yes because John the Baptist never told the soldiers to quit their job and there are some cases of early Christians who were employed by the Roman military.

Others say no because the early church as a whole tended to be against Christians joining the military.


What are your thoughts? For a little background, I am an Air Force avionics technician.

I think that to be in the army or air force is a good option for many people who wants to serve or defend the country,
I was about to be part of the air force in my dear country chile, but when I was called to present myself, I had a dream the last night, in my dream somebody told me "you can not serve 2 lords"
this is my experience, now, take your point of view,
blessings
 
2

2Thewaters

Guest
#4
commandment breakers will not inherit the kingdom of God
 
E

Ecclesiastik

Guest
#5
But isn't service to the military directly involved in murder and the fulfillment of corrupt worldly government agendas?

I've begun to question if it is right for Christians to serve in the military. Most people I know say that it is alright but most people I know don't really examine the issue in depth.
 
2

2Thewaters

Guest
#6
Those who kill will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Everyone knows that,
that is why they have conscientious objector status - some still follow the bible.
 
Feb 16, 2011
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#7
The military is the only thing that will keep Iran from nuking hundreds of thousands of Christians when they can.
 
K

kote

Guest
#8
The military is the only thing that will keep Iran from nuking hundreds of thousands of Christians when they can.
"god" and "prayer" will keep all danger out. "cursed be the man that trusteth in man" jeremiah 17:5
 
K

kote

Guest
#10
God uses militarys in the Bible.
yes, he does, but all of that was in the law, we live in the grace of the gospel, we are commanded to pray for those who lead our country , and pray for a divine protection
 
J

jahsoul

Guest
#11
yes, he does, but all of that was in the law, we live in the grace of the gospel, we are commanded to pray for those who lead our country , and pray for a divine protection
But no where does it say anything about being in the military. *shrugs*
 
Feb 16, 2011
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#13
Would you call the police and let them kill someone breaking in or just pray and let them come in?
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#14
Its fine.
The 'killing' issue is a semantics issue. Remember, our actions form first in our hearts. God does not want to us have murder in our heart. Killing for greed, ambitions, selfishness, anger, hatred, vengeance, etc... is wrong because those are symptoms of whats in your heart. Killing for protection of yourself, your family, your country is not the same in the heart. I have no desire to kill anyone, but i would if it meant protecting myself or someone i loved. I think there is a distinction there.
And as far as 'corrupt government agendas', how is this anything new? We the Romans a pure government? Yet, as is pointed out, the Roman soldiers were not expected to quit, despite being in the military of a corrupt government. Because regardless of the state of the government, people within the country still need protecting from outside forces.
 
Feb 16, 2011
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#15
I do not even like being in the military. It is a cross I bear. I will be glad to be out. But it is a very important duty which Christians should be a part of.
 

breno785au

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2013
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Australia
#17
I wouldnt have any issues with joining the military if I had to go fight a justified war for eg. Stop a madman like Hitler, he had to be stopped. But joining the military isnt just about taking up a weapon and going into battle, these days its quite multi faceted. You can go to the military to be educated in many different things to set yourself up for a career whilst learning great disciplines for life.
 
Dec 2, 2013
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#20
revelation 21:8 says the murderers shall have their part in the lake with fire and brimstone
Is killing the same as murder?

If a bear is going to attack your child, are you going to kill it?

How about a man with a knife?