Should a follower of Christ join the military?

[rmarcellan]

I enlisted a couple months ago for the Air Force National Guard. I've been wondering if its just to join the military if your a follower of Christ. My main reason being, when you join the military your forced to make certain decisions and you could POSSIBLY be supporting something that shouldn't be supported. Also, you may also be forced to do certain things that go against God's word and teaching. Are there any references in the Bible that forbid the military or participating in something like the military? What do you guys think?

 

[SH89]

I enlisted a couple months ago for the Air Force National Guard. I've been wondering if its just to join the military if your a follower of Christ. My main reason being, when you join the military your forced to make certain decisions and you could POSSIBLY be supporting something that shouldn't be supported. Also, you may also be forced to do certain things that go against God's word and teaching. Are there any references in the Bible that forbid the military or participating in something like the military? What do you guys think?

After John the Baptist preached in the wilderness, soldiers asked him what they should do with their lives.

John the Baptist replied and said,"Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."(Luke 3:14)

John the Baptist did not, however, command the soldiers to desert the military. If there is something wrong with serving in the military, why didn't John say anything?

One more example are the two centurions(one is Cornelius,but the other is unnamed) mentioned in the bible. The first one,who is unnamed, asked Jesus to heal his servant. A centurion is a Roman soldier in command of a century(100 men). Centurions were the drill sergeants of their day and the backbone of the Roman army. Anyway, Jesus did not say one word concerning his military service. In fact, Jesus said that he has " not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."

No where in the bible is military service condemned . In fact, David, Moses, and Abraham were all military commanders.

 

[rmarcellan]

thanks for your reply SH89. i highly appreciate it=)

 

[daveleau]

Military service is never spoken against in Scripture. There is a difference in Scripture as well between interpersonal interactions and following the actions of governmental leadership. Christ also spoke to a centurion in Matt 8, and never mentions his profession as sinful. Likewise, soldiers are not the ones deemed sinful professions in Scripture, like tax collectors. Some say we should never kill because of the 10 Commandments, but the correct translation of "Thou shalt not kill" is "Thou shalt not murder."

Soldiers were a large reason for the spread of Christianity, but not by force.

There is a long history of Christians serving in the military, and I am not talking about the Crusades. Augustine was the first prominent early church father to write about the ethics of serving in the military. He supported the view that Christians could serve.

There were many in the early church that refused to serve in the Roman army, but not because they were averse to military service. They were averse to the pagan rituals required of the soldiers.

God bless you in your service. Don't forget Him in your daily work, and let Him be expressed in your daily actions.

In Him,
Dave (USAF aviator)

 

[inquisitor_11]

The first 300 years of christianity were dominated by a staunch commitment to pacifism.

It wasnt untill Christianity first become co-opted by the Roman government under Constantine that there was any attempt to justify christians being soldiers. It stands to reason that for christianity to be tamed, and become a state religion it would also have to justify (and later glorify) the use of violence in the pursuit of secular gain.

In fact early writers such as Tertullian clearly stated that should a soldier wish to become a christian- they must no longer soldier. Likewise if a Christian wished to become a soldier, they were to be put out of the church.

 

[HumbleSiPilot77]

In fact early writers such as Tertullian clearly stated that should a soldier wish to become a christian- they must no longer soldier. Likewise if a Christian wished to become a soldier, they were to be put out of the church.

Now what should we do?

 

[inquisitor_11]

Now what should we do?

In many ways i guess its up to the individual (though the christian community plays a part too)- like most matters of faith and conscience.

I know that i had a great time (mostly) in my time in the army, and wouldnt want to leave it for nought. But I was also pretty sincere about my faith, so spent a fair bit of time thinking about this question... and as much as I want to stay in, I reckon that discipleship and professional soldiering are pretty incompatible.

However at the end of the day, it comes down to individual integrity before God. For me (but not neccessarily everyone else) this means leaving something of my own personal "egypt". Ive known this for about 2 or 3 years now... still havent worked up the guts to do it though.

 

[HumbleSiPilot77]

it comes down to individual integrity before God

I agree with you, and we need to realize the times of Tertullian and ours are not the same. Well, the purpose of military might not have changed too greatly since then, but military community did.

 

[Dragons87]

The primary role of the military is not to kill - it is to serve, to protect, and to help - great Christian ideals. We are told in Ephesians put up the armour of God. We are to be soldiers of God, battling against evilness in the world.

 

[VickiY]

****MOD HAT ON****

Please remember the purpose of this forum:

This is a forum designed mainly for Military and their Spouses, yet we do welcome others to discuss information and fellowship with those defending our great nations.

Please note that any discussion of justification of military actions/ political aspects of military actions are to be done in the Political forums and discussion of the Christian ethic of military service/action should be discussed in General Theology or Congregational forum.

If the OP prefers, he can PM a staff member, who will then move thre thread to an area where the ethics can be debated, but as long as the thread remains here, there will be not debating.

Thank you!

 

[justanobserver]

Should a follower of Christ join the military?
Are there any references in the Bible that forbid the military or participating in something like the military?

Nope. Its between you and your walk with God but you can serve God and serve the military with honor and the 2 not be in dispute.

 

[adumn]

My opinion has gone through quite a few changes, coming up on my second year in the Army. For a while I wrestled with guilt of supporting men who kill, whether my life as a missionary is being set aside; Stuff you really need to think about. What I think is important, in fact essential, that we judge our morality based on scripture and not society or Christian history. As mentioned, the Bible never condemns it. This is the beautiful grace of Jesus, our freedom in matters like this. Since goverment agencies are instructed to bring justice against evil and to service society (one being protection) then I think it just fine to serve.

Though it is tough. The Army (can't comment on the Air Force) isn't exactly Christ's dwelling place. But, for that matter, neither are most places!

Take care!

 

[PETE_]

To me I think a Christian in the army is just doing his job. However, I do not think we should build a Christian army to conquer other religions.

 

[Abruer17]

I'm in the Army, over in Iraq actually. The Bible never seems to discourage Christians joining the army. Like every profession, we must perform our duties the the utmost of our abilities, yet not forsake God's kingdom.

 

[PETE_]

I'm in the Army, over in Iraq actually. The Bible never seems to discourage Christians joining the army. Like every profession, we must perform our duties the the utmost of our abilities, yet not forsake God's kingdom.

Thank you for being a good soldier in both armies.I see you are a fellow Calvanists as well... more hope for our nations future.

 

[ShepherdsServant]

I'm an MP in the Army and in no way does it interfere with my mission to God at all. Matter of fact a few of my other fellow MP's are very faithful as well and we discuss things all the time.

The point is, know what obligations you are committed to the most (family, God, etc) and don't let anything get in the way.

 

[Abruer17]

Thank you for being a good soldier in both armies.I see you are a fellow Calvanists as well... more hope for our nations future.

I appreciate the gratitude Pandersen