I am in the middle of reading a written debate on the war question. This is something I am interested in as it effects every Christian's pull between the human government and God's spiritual government.

So far I am disappointed in what I am reading. None of the basic teachings of scripture are even put forth to consider.

First, I want to say that riding the fense on this matter reeks of luke-warmness. Many don't want to let it be known what they really believe on the matter because they, in fact, consider it an opinion and not worth a debate. But something that effects the very core of Christ's mission to and out of the world, is indeed worthy of considering, yea, basic to salvation. The fact that some are not touched by the subject in a personal way does not relieve them of the obligation to take a stand on the validity of their reaction to civil governement, after they search out the purpose of the life of a Christian.

From my study of the scriptures here are the points that should be basic to any discussion on the war question.

1) "We are to obey God, rather than men." This would set the foundation for a discussion on anything because it is back to the Bible we will go for answers.

2) Christians are on this earth as pilgrams who are passing through on their way to heaven. They have a two-fold purpose. a, They live their lives for God (giving their bodies as living sacrifices.) b, In their interaction with those of the world they are to keep themselves unspotted, and influence (as lights) those who need a savior, to accept Jesus as Lord of their lives. The world must see a difference in the Christian and themselves.

3) Love simply must be the motivating power of the Christian to those outside of Christ. This love is not necessarily an emotion, but emotion probably will enter in. Godly love means to value the other person, doing nothing that would drive him away from his seeking the Lord. Of course, the attitude of the Christian (fruits of the Spirit) will be seen foremost in the eyes of the world, but the actions of the Christian plays another big part in how the world sees the Christian.

Questions:

1) Can a Christian who values another person (godly love) go to war and kill that person, whether he be another Christian or one who has not yet accepted the grace of God, offered at the cross?

2) When a Christian goes to war (or, I might add here, carrys a gun for other purposes) is he showing forth the love he has for another?

3) If He goes, does he show God he is fulfilling the purpose God has for him on this earth?

An example to consider: The scripture where the teacher told the soldier to treat people fairly but didn't tell him to give up his soldierery, was the teacher condoning the carrying of a gun? Consider this: No teacher of inspiration told the people they had to give up their slaves. But when one knows the purpose of a Christian on this earth does it seem inspiration condones slavery? In reality, the people were told how to access the grace of God and then through further study they would learn what godly living, one to another, would lead to.

Some people don't want to consider a subject such as the war question because it is uncomfortable and causes strife. Consider this: Christ came not to bring peace, but a sword.....the sword of truth.

Nelta http://members.xoom.com/atlen/ Bible Discussion list: 1sCen-Christianity-subscribe@egroups.com

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2000

Answers

Most who were of the generation my father was from don't have a problem with this question. As one of our founding fathers said, "the only thing that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing." Which would have been better? To let Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan enslave the world, and exterminate God's chosen, or to take up arms and fight to prevent it? To most, that was a no-brainer.

The New Testament does not condemn war or the military. When the Roman soldier asked John the Baptist what he had to do, John did not tell him he must quit the army, he simply told him to be a fair and just man. When Jesus healed the centurian's servant, he didn't condemn the man for his profession ... or even mention it. No, he commended the man for his great faith. Paul wrote highly of many soldiers, and in Romans 13 he tells them they should live in subjection to the soldiers, for they are God's servant, both an agent of good and agent of wrath.

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2000

Hello John,

You said:

< Most who were of the generation my father was from don't have a problem with this question. As one of our founding fathers said, "the only thing that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing." >

Compare that saying with the teachings of the N.T.

First off, who are you talking about being *God's chosen* in the above sentence? Then, the purpose of the Christian and the world is a different matter. Those of the world protect themselves, if they so desire. Christ didn't tell them how to live their lives....only the Christians. What would have happened if those countries had taken over? That should not be of first concern to the Christian community. Their first concern is doing the will of their Father, even to the point of death, which has happened to many throughout history. Remember, "Who will follow Jesus, who will take command.....I am on the Lord's side." (Song)

< or to take up arms and fight to prevent it? To most, that was a no-brainer.>

You are right when you say *most*. However, the majority never stood with the teachings of Christ...did they? The question is: WHO will take up arms and fight to prevent it?

Neither did the teacher tell the slave-owners to give up their slaves. But who among us will say it is fits the teachings of the scriptures for one man to own another (Christians, that is)

And great faith will lead one to consider the purpose A Christian is on this earth....his values....his *giving his body as a living sacrifice.*

< Paul wrote highly of many soldiers, and in Romans 13 he tells them they should live in subjection to the soldiers, for they are God's servant, both an agent of good and agent of wrath.>

Yes, Paul is telling us the civil governement is to punish the evil doers, but nowhere does he say this is the duty of Christians. I repeat, the Christian's purpose is different from those of the world.

Thanks, John!

Nelta http://members.xoom.com/atlen/ Bible discussion list: 1stCen-Christianity-subscribe@egroups.com

-- John Wilson (mrbatman@earthlink.net), September 17, 2000.

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2000