M
I wasn't quite sure where to post this but really I'm looking for the Biblical stance on this issue rather than people's opinions or at least if opinions are given I would ask for scripture to back this up please?
I've often wondered about what God thinks of war. I know that on both sides of the Atlantic most people hold their armed forces in high esteem - my own family has military background and before becoming a Christian this is where almost all of my charity contributions went - not so much now as there are other priorities as I see it...but anyway I digress; I do wonder if God approves of war, maybe He does in certain circumstances or maybe only in self-defense. I wouldn't imagine he would approve of starting wars yet in the OT He did overthrow communities He didn't approve of and gave His chosen the power to overcome them. We do seem to go into oil-rich land on a whim whilst ignoring poor places where genocide is rife.
Then there is the gun issue in the US...and I know I'm going into dangerous territory here lol but...as a Brit I do find it kind of strange how Christians love their guns. Now I know that some of you will immediately jump up and say "we need them for self-defense", well yes but it is more than that, it's a gun-loving culture - you guys don't just own guns you LOVE them, I have Christian (American) friends on facebook who collect guns and it's pretty much all they talk about. I know that many Americans see the British as oppressed because we don't have guns but when discussing this issue I can't seem to make them understand that we don't want to live like that - really we don't feel oppressed in that way. Anyway, I can't help wondering what God would make of it all.
Opinions backed-up with scripture where possible would be appreciated.
I've often wondered about what God thinks of war. I know that on both sides of the Atlantic most people hold their armed forces in high esteem - my own family has military background and before becoming a Christian this is where almost all of my charity contributions went - not so much now as there are other priorities as I see it...but anyway I digress; I do wonder if God approves of war, maybe He does in certain circumstances or maybe only in self-defense. I wouldn't imagine he would approve of starting wars yet in the OT He did overthrow communities He didn't approve of and gave His chosen the power to overcome them. We do seem to go into oil-rich land on a whim whilst ignoring poor places where genocide is rife.
Then there is the gun issue in the US...and I know I'm going into dangerous territory here lol but...as a Brit I do find it kind of strange how Christians love their guns. Now I know that some of you will immediately jump up and say "we need them for self-defense", well yes but it is more than that, it's a gun-loving culture - you guys don't just own guns you LOVE them, I have Christian (American) friends on facebook who collect guns and it's pretty much all they talk about. I know that many Americans see the British as oppressed because we don't have guns but when discussing this issue I can't seem to make them understand that we don't want to live like that - really we don't feel oppressed in that way. Anyway, I can't help wondering what God would make of it all.
Opinions backed-up with scripture where possible would be appreciated.