I hate war but it’s hard not to think about it. Ever since Russia invaded the Ukraine, war is everywhere in the news and in our thoughts.
I am from Israel.
War is on my thought since the day I was born (literally).
I’ve seen a few clips here and there of religious leaders on both sides supporting their country against the enemy. In this case against people who are mostly of the same religion.
Its got nothing to do with religion. Its only a way to show support same as saying "God bless America"...
Do people really think that Jesus would encourage humans to wage war against each other? I had a look at the Bible and this is what he said: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) “Continue to love your enemies.”—Matthew 5:44-47.
It wasn't Jesus who said it, rather god. Jesus simply restated it.
God is against war (even though there are many times in the OT where God directs wars, but this almost always a misunderstanding of the texts).
There are many examples in the past of religion condoning and even encouraging wars – the Crusades, the tribal genocides in certain African countries, etc. All wars have catastrophic results, with many innocent lives lost and the future of many others destroyed.
These are all excuses and abuse of God's "words".
One of the most important commandment, is not using Gods name in vain. The vast majority of religious leaders in the world, do not give a damn about it and abuse gods name without any concern of the impact it makes.
So, this begs the question: should religions support war?
No. It should condemn it and act as hard as it can to prevent it.
in particular religions that claim to follow Christ, who was clearly a peace maker.
Any religion that is based on the Abrahamic God, that claims God will support war, is wrong and is an outcome of abuse of the texts.
It is clearly stated in the first chapters of the OT what is the consequence of violence against other living beings (not only humans). Spoiler... Its not a positive consequence