Introduction

A young man or woman has many decisions to make about his or her future. One may want to consider spending time in a branch of the armed forces because of the physical benefits. David was a Bible hero and ancient Israel was commanded by God to fight, so joining the military should be okay in God's sight, right? This guide will help you to discern God's mind on the subject of whether service in the military is compatible with being a Christian.

1. What benefits do you think there are to joining the armed forces?

2. What are some common arguments raised to support military service?

War compatible with Christianity?
MATTHEW 5:44-45 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

1. Whose example are we to follow?

2. How does one "love" his enemies?

3. What do these words of Jesus teach us about taking part in war?

ROMANS 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil. ... If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1. How do these verses relate to Christians waging war?

2. Can you tell of an instance in your life, or in the life of someone you know, where evil was overcome with good?

3. During World War II, American "Christians" were killing German "Christians" (and vice-versa). What is wrong with this picture?

4. How is a Christian to behave toward others in order to fulfill the law? Read Rom. 13:10.

5. Would it be ethical to be part of an organization whose purpose is to make war? Why?

6. Why is there war? Read the first few verses in James 4 and comment.

Military life and Christianity
ACTS 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men."

I CORINTHIANS 7:23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

II CORINTHIANS 6:14-15 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has

Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

1. Explain what it means to be "unequally yoked together."

2. By law, who must a soldier (or marine, etc.) obey?

3. Regarding freedoms and responsibilities, how similar is military service to civilian employment? How much freedom of conscience does one have in the military? Do you think keeping the sabbath every week is possible?

4. Are enlisted personnel taught to "hate" the nation's enemies? Is hating anyone consistent with the teachings of Jesus? Consider I John 3:15.

Israel

EXODUS 23:23,27-28 "For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off. (27) I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come, and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. (28) And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you."

1. What does this passage teach us about Israel's need to fight?

2. How obedient was ancient Israel? How much trust did they put in God? Can you think of some examples of their behavior on the way to the promised land that demonstrate their faith or lack of faith?

3. Is it wrong for God to take human life? Why or why not?

4. What can we learn from the example of Jehoshaphat recorded in II Chronicles 20:1-30? And/or consider the story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib in chapter 32.

5. David had a great desire to build a house (temple) for God. Wouldn't that be pleasing to God? Why didn't God allow him to build it? Read I Chron. 22:7-8.

COMMENT: God has given humans the freedom to choose whether to obey or disobey Him. Character development requires that we have a free will. Because of a lack of faith, Israel waged war against certain nations. God's purpose -- to bring Israel into Canaan -- was going to be done regardless of what Israel chose. Even though Israel chose to fight, God still fulfilled His purpose.

Summary

In the 3rd century, a Roman named Celsus criticized Christians saying if everyone followed their example, the Roman Empire would be conquered by the barbarians. The theologian Origen said Christians wouldn't fight even if required to. However, he stated that even though Christians were a minority, their work, love and prayers did more to preserve the Empire than the armies. (Origen. Contra Celsus. Book VIII, Chap. LXVIII, LXX, LXIII. Can be found on the Internet at: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/04168.htm.)

1. Do you agree with Celsus or Origen? Why? Do you disagree with both? If so, state what you do believe.

2. What do you think God would have preferred Israel do instead of taking up arms against the Canaanites?

3. Who has the right to take human life? Does a Christian have that right?

4. What does Christianity have in common with military service?

For a more comprehensive study, we recommend the booklet, "Fundamental Beliefs".