The Army and being a Catholic

[Harmony1988]

I have applied to the army recently, hopefully I get in, but I have also been thinking how moral is it in terms of looking forward to it? I know there are a lot of Christians in the armed forces, if I ever get a chance at deployment (if I get in) I would be pretty excited, does this conflict with the Christian faith?

Certainly every country needs their armed forces, but how can you look forward to deploying with a great possibility of killing people and still live out a Christian life? Sure they maybe terrorists, but I’m sure most soldiers have no ill-will towards the people they kill, it’s just war, and there is barely any hatred (or so I’ve read, it’s just who lives and who doesn’t, dictated by politics)

 

[army_girl]

I can understand your worry but you need to look at things a little differently. When you are on deployment you can do so much good, you are helping people that cannot help themselves. I know that there may be a chance that you will have to kill someone in self-defence, but that is it isn’t it, self-defence, not murdering.
It is a very difficult choice to make, and it is not made for everyone, you need to make sure that this lifestyle is for you before you sign.
Even now with me, I have been in the Canadian Army for 8 years now, and I still at times have my doubts. But I know I can look back at my deployments and know that I helped change at least one life for the better, and it is that, that keeps me going.

God Bless

Amanda

 

[Peter29]

As long as you aren’t ‘looking forward’ to firing a weapon at people you will be doing a great thing and people will respect you.

 

[promethius]

if I ever get a chance at deployment (if I get in) I would be pretty excited, does this conflict with the Christian faith?

No, but I think you will be fairly surprised by the reality of military life as compared to what you think it’s going to be like

Certainly every country needs their armed forces, but how can you look forward to deploying with a great possibility of killing people and still live out a Christian life?

From this am I to assume that you’re going in to an armoured, mech, or infantry division? Even so, without an active war going on, there’s not a “great possibility of killing people.”

Further, if your life is threatened in the course of your duties, as by an ambush or terrorist attack, you are morally authorized to defend yourself.

Sure they maybe terrorists, but I’m sure most soldiers have no ill-will towards the people they kill, it’s just war, and there is barely any hatred (or so I’ve read, it’s just who lives and who doesn’t, dictated by politics)

There is actually quite a lot of care and compassion for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan, who have been oppressed for so long and are just now expanding back into the realms of security and freedom.

We don’t bear any ill-will towards your average insurgent, no. towards their leadership and the terrorists there’s a LOT of ill-will. When an organization intentionally rapes women, then approaches them with false psychologists who attempt to convert them to suicide bombing as a way of “restoring allah’s love”, when children are strapped to explosives, when chemical weapons are used against civilians because they are “soft targets” who can’t defend themselves, when a nation at peace sees thousands die in a single day because of terrorist ideologies, there can be no peace until such people repent their hateful ways or are eliminated.

Likewise, I’d suggest you read the just war doctrine. While you’re responsible for determining individual moral acts, the state is the one responsible for determining if a war is just or not. In other words, while you are still bound by personal morality (such as do not steal from people while you are over there) you are NOT bound or culpable for determining the moral course of the entire nation.

 

[Harmony1988]

I can understand your worry but you need to look at things a little differently. When you are on deployment you can do so much good, you are helping people that cannot help themselves. I know that there may be a chance that you will have to kill someone in self-defence, but that is it isn’t it, self-defence, not murdering.
It is a very difficult choice to make, and it is not made for everyone, you need to make sure that this lifestyle is for you before you sign.
Even now with me, I have been in the Canadian Army for 8 years now, and I still at times have my doubts. But I know I can look back at my deployments and know that I helped change at least one life for the better, and it is that, that keeps me going.

God Bless

Amanda

I actually don’t have a problem with killing someone, I do not actually worry about it, that is killing an ‘enemy’ I mean. I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger if the situation so arises, and that is what worries me. I’m not referring to self-defence or safety of the unit, that’s a given. But more like, I’m going in it for the thrills.

 

[Harmony1988]

No, but I think you will be fairly surprised by the reality of military life as compared to what you think it’s going to be like

From this am I to assume that you’re going in to an armoured, mech, or infantry division? Even so, without an active war going on, there’s not a “great possibility of killing people.”

Further, if your life is threatened in the course of your duties, as by an ambush or terrorist attack, you are morally authorized to defend yourself.

There is actually quite a lot of care and compassion for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan, who have been oppressed for so long and are just now expanding back into the realms of security and freedom.

We don’t bear any ill-will towards your average insurgent, no. towards their leadership and the terrorists there’s a LOT of ill-will. When an organization intentionally rapes women, then approaches them with false psychologists who attempt to convert them to suicide bombing as a way of “restoring allah’s love”, when children are strapped to explosives, when chemical weapons are used against civilians because they are “soft targets” who can’t defend themselves, when a nation at peace sees thousands die in a single day because of terrorist ideologies, there can be no peace until such people repent their hateful ways or are eliminated.

Likewise, I’d suggest you read the just war doctrine. While you’re responsible for determining individual moral acts, the state is the one responsible for determining if a war is just or not. In other words, while you are still bound by personal morality (such as do not steal from people while you are over there) you are NOT bound or culpable for determining the moral course of the entire nation.

Thanks for taking the time to post this, I guess I knew this but in the midst of thought I lost it somewhere along the line.

 

[promethius]

I actually don’t have a problem with killing someone, I do not actually worry about it, that is killing an ‘enemy’ I mean. I wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger if the situation so arises, and that is what worries me. I’m not referring to self-defence or safety of the unit, that’s a given. But more like, I’m going in it for the thrills.

no worries. I like taking the time to post here.

I wouldn’t worry about going into it “for thrills.” There’s not much thrill to dead bodies. People are more enamored of the idea of violence than they are to the actual deed itself… killing is something we do out of necessity, not because it is a positive good thing, and any good person with experience in combat will tell you that it is never pleasurable.

That and there’s not much of a thrill anyway. As my step grandpa used to say “War is 90% boredom and 10% scared (expletive deleted)less”

 

[Non_sum_dignus]

I’m a cop. I spend a certain amount of time making sure that I’m prepared to use violence up to and including deadly force the instant a situation calls for it. I have hurt people, some to the point of hospitalization, in response to some of their…questionable decisions. By the grace of God, I haven’t killed anyone, but twice I’ve had tension on the trigger.

Do I relish the thought of killing. Not at all. If I can get through the rest of my career (and life) without killing anyone, I’m all for it. But I’m prepared to kill, because there are some people who are also prepared to kill, and much less discriminately than I would.

When I have fought with suspects and won (and losing isn’t an option), I have not grieved over the terrible conditions that required my use of force. I have been exhilirated at being up to the challenge of a violent suspect. I like being one of the guys willing to stand between the predator and the victim and change his plans.

Using force doesn’t require hatred. For me, pulling the trigger is the correct response to a set of circumstances.

Being in the military is substantially different, of course, since someone up the chain of command is making some of the circumstantial decisions for you. I think, though, that some of the mindset is probably very similar. You use force out of necessity, not hatred or a desire to take life. The character of our current enemies may help a bit too. As a soldier in the Spanish-American War, I might be a bit ambivalent. Against insurgent Wahabists? I see a righteous cause there.

 

[The_Iambic_Pen]

I can understand the “thrill” part of it. When I was in Iraq, we would sometimes be excited if we heard bullets in our vicinity, because it meant we might get to do something interesting. Still, the “thrill” of combat is a very small part of Army life. Even in a combat zone, life can be very boring and repetitive. I really liked the Army, though, and I miss it a great deal. Sometimes I’m even tempted to go back…

I’m not an expert authority figure on what is appropriate for Catholics to feel and believe. I do believe, however, that it is a noble thing to serve in the military (and in other protective services, such as police forces or other government agencies, where deadly force is sometimes necessary). The ability for the majority to live in peace, without the need to pick up a weapon, is protected by those who do have to pick up weapons.

I think Non sum dignus said it well:

When I have fought with suspects and won (and losing isn’t an option), I have not grieved over the terrible conditions that required my use of force. I have been exhilirated at being up to the challenge of a violent suspect. I like being one of the guys willing to stand between the predator and the victim and change his plans.

Using force doesn’t require hatred. For me, pulling the trigger is the correct response to a set of circumstances.

Catholic soldiers (or any others) should not be made to feel shame because they used force in combat. By all means, pray for the souls of those you may have to kill, but do not let your life be filled with grief because you did the right thing.

 

[Harmony1988]

Thanks for all the posts guys, really meant a lot. I guess the Bible has plenty of war-stories and a lot of prophets and ‘good guys’ so to speak were warriors of some sort.

Cheers

 

[Gerard_Nadal]

I only suspect a problem if one is joining for the thrill of killing. Placing your life on the line to do the bidding of a nation that fights wars against tyranny for freedom is a noble thing. If you happen to kill some terrorists along the way, it is in a war that they declared on civilization. They are meeting their end on terms of their choosing. Bear in mind this US Marine Corps Bumper Sticker:

IT’S GOD’S JOB TO JUDGE THE TERRORISTS…
IT’S OUR JOB TO ARRANGE THE MEETING.

US MARINES

Good Hunting! :knight1::knight1::knight2::knight2::nunchuk:

 

[jemfinch]

As the husband of an Army wife, I can tell you that no reasonable soldier looks forward to being deployed. It’s their duty, and it’s part of their job, and they’ll each do it with honor, but it’s not something soldiers look forward to.

If you’re truly looking forward to being deployed, I think you have an overly romantic concept of what deployment really means.

Jeremy

 

[Harmony1988]

As the husband of an Army wife, I can tell you that no reasonable soldier looks forward to being deployed. It’s their duty, and it’s part of their job, and they’ll each do it with honor, but it’s not something soldiers look forward to.

If you’re truly looking forward to being deployed, I think you have an overly romantic concept of what deployment really means.

Jeremy

I think that’s a wide sweeping generalization there, there are plenty of soldiers that do look forward to deployments, especially within the special forces.

 

[WatchfulPilgrim]

I guess I’ll have to be the “bad-guy” here.

I see too many problems with the things said here. You can take my opinion as just that - my opinion. Maybe this is where me and the Catholic Church disagree the most.

I know that there may be a chance that you will have to kill someone in self-defence, but that is it isn’t it, self-defence, not murdering.

When you go into fighting, you will go into it (most likely) w/out having been threatened (at least not directly, or physically). If someone came to you and threatened you, that would be self-defense, nevermind the fact that I don’t believe Christ taught self-defense like this.

As long as you aren’t ‘looking forward’ to firing a weapon at people you will be doing a great thing and people will respect you.

Noting that others will “respect you” for this in no way justifies it. God is not a respector of persons. Don’t seek the respect of people over God.

Further, if your life is threatened in the course of your duties, as by an ambush or terrorist attack, you are morally authorized to defend yourself.

“Turn the other cheek” “Love your enemies” Does this sound like Jesus is giving “moral authorization” to defend yourself??? We are supposed to imitate Christ.

There is actually quite a lot of care and compassion for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan, who have been oppressed for so long and are just now expanding back into the realms of security and freedom.

Likewise, there are cases of abuse at the hands of American soldiers. You’ll be in a mix of differing “techniques”.

Likewise, I’d suggest you read the just war doctrine. While you’re responsible for determining individual moral acts, the state is the one responsible for determining if a war is just or not.

Really?

In other words, while you are still bound by personal morality (such as do not steal from people while you are over there) you are NOT bound or culpable for determining the moral course of the entire nation.

Funny that stealing is immoral here but killing is not (?!). And since when is the state the one we bow to? Since when does the state’s opinion matter over God’s?

I actually don’t have a problem with killing someone, I do not actually worry about it, that is killing an ‘enemy’ I mean

You guys are killing me! What did Christ say about the “enemy”??? Kill him? Or LOVE HIM?!

Thanks for taking the time to post this, I guess I knew this but in the midst of thought I lost it somewhere along the line.

Maybe you need to “lose it” again? You questioned b/c you obviously see something wrong with it. C’mon, how can you NOT?

I’m not referring to self-defence or safety of the unit, that’s a given. But more like, I’m going in it for the thrills.

Wowee… The thrills. You get a thrill out of knowing people are dying? That rage and ungodliness and want of power are behing the bloodshed? This is emotionalism. Do you let emotionalism rule you? Or can you restrain your animalistic, disordered and carnal emotions and let Christ rule you instead??? (Not speaking to anyone directly)

People are more enamored of the idea of violence than they are to the actual deed itself… killing is something we do out of necessity, not because it is a positive good thing, and any good person with experience in combat will tell you that it is never pleasurable.

That and there’s not much of a thrill anyway. As my step grandpa used to say “War is 90% boredom and 10% scared (expletive deleted)less”

Why not put some of that need for a thrill into preparing yourself for martyrdom. What is far more thrilling, in my mind, is being a good witness for Christ; imitating Him. There is far more strength in being silent in persecution or being loving to one’s “enemy”.

Thanks for all the posts guys, really meant a lot. I guess the Bible has plenty of war-stories and a lot of prophets and ‘good guys’ so to speak were warriors of some sort.

Don’t forget please, that Jesus raised the bar. You are thinking of the OT. Don’t justify your Christian walk with OT deeds. I do believe God has a purpose for war. But I don’t believe a Christian should have a part in it - at least not directly in combat. Also, those who spilled blood even in the OT were not given the same blessings.

Whatever you do to your brother; to the “least” of your bretheren (that includes your enemy - who could be more “least”???) - you do TO JESUS.

I am glad you asked this question. I hope you see that, although the majority think it’s “ok”, not all do.

Maybe this is where I need to reconsider my return to the church. I simply don’t believe a Christian has any “just” reason for participating directly in combat. It was only a matter of time before my convictions clashed with Catholic teaching…

Consider this: Catholics are “pro-life”. There is absolutely NO justification for killing an unborn child, right? Then there is absolutely NO justification for killing any other human being either.


This is my 2cents. Okay - It’s more than 2cents IMO - but you’ll have to excuse me if I don’t participate any further in this discussion. I think I’ve said enough and this is not an easy conversation for me…

Jesus said “be perfect”. What you have gotten so far is FAR from the perfection you are called to.

Please pray about this~
Peace~

 

[Harmony1988]

I guess I’ll have to be the “bad-guy” here.

I see too many problems with the things said here. You can take my opinion as just that - my opinion. Maybe this is where me and the Catholic Church disagree the most.

When you go into fighting, you will go into it (most likely) w/out having been threatened (at least not directly, or physically). If someone came to you and threatened you, that would be self-defense, nevermind the fact that I don’t believe Christ taught self-defense like this.

This is true, but speaking in context of modern times (1980’s - present) the middle-east issue, there have been unprovoked attacks on innocent people in that region by various groups which if being a believer of Christ we can’t turn a blind eye to. Since these groups are not directly open to talks, there is only one way to meet them, that is battle. There are many papal documents dealing with the nature of war as well.

Late 1980’s, 2.5 million people in Tehran had to be evacuated because of scud missile attacks from Iraq, forces were deployed there, coalition attacked, but that was justified because of the immense threat to human life presented by Hussein at the time. There is the other problem of terrorist attacks if not stopped. You do not let a disease grow do you? You stop it as soon as the problem is detected.

Noting that others will “respect you” for this in no way justifies it. God is not a respector of persons. Don’t seek the respect of people over God.

He was speaking of respect of the military in general, not respect for going around killing people.

“Turn the other cheek” “Love your enemies” Does this sound like Jesus is giving “moral authorization” to defend yourself??? We are supposed to imitate Christ.

This is called improper use of scripture. Love your enemies does not mean let them go around causing grievous harm to the rest of the world as you seem to imply:

Ecclesiastes 3:8 declares, “there is…a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. In a world filled with sin, hatred, and evil (Romans 3:10-18), war is inevitable. Some wars are more “just” than others, but all wars are ultimately the result of sin. Christians should not desire war, but neither are Christians to oppose the government God has placed in authority over them (Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:17). The most important thing we can be doing in a time of war is to be praying for godly wisdom for our leaders, praying for the safety of our military, praying for quick resolution to the conflict, and praying for minimum casualties on both sides of the conflict (Philippians 4:6-7).
gotquestions.org/war-Bible.html

Funny that stealing is immoral here but killing is not (?!). And since when is the state the one we bow to? Since when does the state’s opinion matter over God’s?

They are merely saying you go there to do your job which is to stop insurgency and should not “loot” which is popular during times of war and it still happens, nowhere are they saying one is better or worse than the other.

You guys are killing me! What did Christ say about the “enemy”??? Kill him? Or LOVE HIM?!

I believe the Bible addresses the issues of war differently, Christ’s examples were not with war but I believe in issues of the ‘enemy’ saying false things and the troubles that people have in the village life with their neighbours. The ‘enemy’ may not be the same as in sense of war, since in greek and hebrew they used different words but in english they all maybe translated to the same thing. I’m guessing this is so through some logic. God allows war and has at many times ordered it himself has he not? Or I suppose after the OT, God arbitrarily decided war is randomnly unjust and we must all let people walk all over us.

Maybe you need to “lose it” again? You questioned b/c you obviously see something wrong with it. C’mon, how can you NOT?

What are you on about? I’m saying I forgot some reasons dealing with what Promethius stated which is diametrically opposed to what you are implying, so it doesn’t even apply here.

Wowee… The thrills. You get a thrill out of knowing people are dying? That rage and ungodliness and want of power are behing the bloodshed? This is emotionalism. Do you let emotionalism rule you? Or can you restrain your animalistic, disordered and carnal emotions and let Christ rule you instead??? (Not speaking to anyone directly)

Way to go take what I said and exaggerate it. It’s not that I want to kill people, but it’s like a paintball fight (if I can exemplify it that way), the adrenaline rush. I do not want to kill anyone, but the thrill of deployment, new place, new lands, new people etc. Putting your military training to use instead of polishing the sergeant’s shoes or doing that 100th set of pushups for sneezing during attention. etc.

Why not put some of that need for a thrill into preparing yourself for martyrdom. What is far more thrilling, in my mind, is being a good witness for Christ; imitating Him. There is far more strength in being silent in persecution or being loving to one’s “enemy”.

Not that matyrdom is a bad thing, but seriously…whoever you are, you need to come to grips with reality → news.

 

[Harmony1988]

Don’t forget please, that Jesus raised the bar. You are thinking of the OT. Don’t justify your Christian walk with OT deeds. I do believe God has a purpose for war. But I don’t believe a Christian should have a part in it - at least not directly in combat. Also, those who spilled blood even in the OT were not given the same blessings.

He certainly did, but he did not do away completely with everything in the OT, because the OT is still relevant.

You definitely need further reading into the Bible, some can be found here:

tektonics.org/lp/noswords.html

Please do not just blindly take verses from the Bible and start saying “here here look the Bible says this”, especially in english translations many words have different meanings in the hebrew and greek versions.

E.g.:

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
You might see this one cited too – though within the context of John 14, this is clearly “peace” in a spiritual sense and has nothing to do with physical warfare. The word “peace” here is eirene, and can mean peace, prosperity, quietness, or rest, as in Matt. 10:13: “And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.” Obviously this is not “peace” in the sense of the opposite of fighting and war.

This statement here is interesting, it’s from 1983 by the US bishops regarding war in general. It can be viewed here:

osjspm.org/the_challenge_of_peace_1.aspx

2.The Initiation of Nuclear War

1. We do not perceive any situation in which the deliberate initiation of nuclear warfare, on however restricted a scale, can be morally justified. Non-nuclear attacks by another state must be resisted by other than nuclear means. Therefore, a serious moral obligation exists to develop non-nuclear defensive strategies as rapidly as possible.

1. At the same time we recognize the responsibility the United States has had and continues to have in assisting allied nations in their defense against either a conventional or a nuclear attack Especially in the European theater, the deterrence of a nuclear attack may require nuclear weapons for a time, even though their possession and deployment must be subject to rigid restrictions.

 

[The_Iambic_Pen]

I suppose there is a sort of nobility in absolute pacifism, in the idea that I will not resist an enemy, no matter what harm he may do to me. However, I believe that people have a right to defend themselves, and I would go so far as to say that they have a *duty *to defend others. If an enemy invades my land and tries to kill my family, and I have the means to resist, then I will absolutely do so. If anyone wants to be a pacifist at this point, I encourage him to get out of the way, so that I can defend his family too.

When Roman soldiers asked John the Baptist what they should do, he said, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” He did not tell them to quit the Army. The Church throughout history has told soldiers the same thing. Personally, I think it is a good thing that Christians fought at Tours and Vienna and Lepanto and many other places, protecting their families and their homes. This is not to say that all wars have been just, but there have been times when I believe that refusing to take up arms would have been the wrong choice, not the noble one.

 

[WatchfulPilgrim]

attaks on innocent people in that region by various groups which if being a believer of Christ we can’t turn a blind eye to.

Do you fight the war against abortion carnally too? If not, why not? What is more heinous? The terrorist threat from the middle-east, or the genocide of innocent babies in your own homeland?

there is only one way to meet them, that is battle.

I do believe God has a purpose for war. I am not totally against war. It is obvious to me that Christ does not justify the Christian’s involvement in battle.

You do not let a disease grow do you?

You sound like the “pro-choicers” who call babies leaches. Since when is another human being a “disease”?

He was speaking of respect of the military in general, not respect for going around killing people.

Right, but respect for what? The OP is asking, from a Christian perspective (I assume), about the possibility of taking another life. Who cares if the military in general respects him. The question is: does God, respect a Christian, for taking a life.

This is called improper use of scripture.

Again, this is a matter of what God permits. Does He permit CHRISTIANS to take another life??? This is not improper use of scripture. This is ignoring scripture. I am beginning to think that Catholics can wiggle their way out of any scripture whatsoever based on their “sacred tradition” argument. This discussion has me once again sitting on the fence. This is hardly a matter of scripture interpretation. Christ VERY CLEARLY taught non-resistance. Show me one instance in the NT where He, or anyone else, exemplifies murder or condones it in any way. The CC canonizes non-resistanct saints like Francis of Assisi and then turns around and justifies murder. The CC defends “pro-life” and then turns around and justifies murder. There are no excuses. The CC is full of excuses.

The ‘enemy’ may not be the same as in sense of war, since in greek and hebrew they used different words but in english they all maybe translated to the same thing. I’m guessing this is so through some logic. God allows war and has at many times ordered it himself has he not? Or I suppose after the OT, God arbitrarily decided war is randomnly unjust and we must all let people walk all over us.

No dear. Look, you asked the question. I know you didn’t ask it b/c you already had the answers. You sound confused here. Yes, God allows war. He still does. He permits cancer, and pedophilia and all kinds of atrocities. But there is no question (at least not in my mind) as to where Christ stands in regards to revenge, or murder, or self-defense.

Like I said, Francis of Assisi would be an example. There are so many. Show me anywhere in the NT where a NT saint defended himself.

Way to go take what I sd and exaggerate it. It’s not that I want to kill people, but it’s like a paintball fight (if I can exemplify it that way), the adrenaline rush.

Emotionalism

I do not want to kill anyone, but the thrill of deployment, new place, new lands, new people etc. Putting your military training to use instead of polishing the sergeant’s shoes or doing that 100th set of pushups for sneezing during attention. etc.

I can really relate to the thrill. My all-time favorite movie is Braveheart. I love that kind of passion. But what it lack is that the battle we fight is not carnal. It is a spiritual battle. God may allow physical warfare in His plan, but hopefully, conscientous Christians will not take part in it. You obviously have a tickled conscience about this or you would not have started this thread. Turn that passion and perserverance (like “william wallace” in Braveheart had) into spiritual passion and perseverance.

Not that matyrdom is a bad thing, but seriously…whoever you are, you need to come to grips with reality

I think it is you, my dear, who need to come to grips with realitiy. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of strong holds”. You quoted:

Ecclesiastes 3:8 declares, “there is…a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Again, you quote the OT. Do you still observe the Saturday Sabbath too? Yes, there is a time for war. Yes, God permits people to participate in it. The questio is: Does He permit YOU, a Christian, to participate in it? Here’s an OT passage to meditate on: Proverbs 25:21 “if thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink” 22 For thou whalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.

Christians should not desire war, but neither are Christians to oppose the government God has placed in authority over them (Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:17).

The question, again, is, should YOU, a Christian, be part of it? God appointed a government to have authority over me. No problem. When it tells me to disobey God, then it no longer has authority over me in that command (to disobey God).

The most important thing we can be doing in a time of war is to be praying for godly wisdom for our leaders, praying for the safety of our military, praying for quick resolution to the conflict, and praying for minimum casualties on both sides of the conflict (Philippians 4:6-7).

I agree 101% You will win more battles on your knees than pulling a trigger.

Godspeed~

 

[apromisemade]

No, but I think you will be fairly surprised by the reality of military life as compared to what you think it’s going to be like

I second this. My brother just got out of the military and despite all the extra training he had (he was a scout sniper) he only did one tour of Iraq, during which I don’t think he ever even shot anyone, and I *know *he didn’t kill anyone.

 

[LJN21]

You sound like the “pro-choicers” who call babies leaches. Since when is another human being a “disease”?

Innocent human life is in no way comparable to terrorist who send women and children out in market squares to blow up people. Your lack of perspective when it comes to the difference between an unborn innocent Child and a grown man who’s chosen to kill innocents is disturbing.

Fortunately, as Catholics we don’t have to rely on what you think the Jesus says about War in the NT and can go disarm terrorist that threaten the lives of there own countrymen as well as our Nation.