Religion, War and the Bible

[Vee]

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’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.

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.

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. So, this begs the question: should religions support war? In particular religions that claim to follow Christ, who was clearly a peace maker.

 

[halbhh]

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’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.

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.

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. So, this begs the question: should religions support war? In particular religions that claim to follow Christ, who was clearly a peace maker.

Just so!

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

At times to act justly may be to oppose someone doing wrongs to innocents....but we are never in any way authorized to initiate an offensive war, but only to defend the innocent ( Matthew 7:12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.).

Matthew 26:52 "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him. "For all who draw the sword will die by the sword."

 

[Nakosis]

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’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.

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.

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. So, this begs the question: should religions support war? In particular religions that claim to follow Christ, who was clearly a peace maker.

Who really listens to Jesus?

If your sins are forgiven would that not include any war crimes?
Do those who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives still go to heaven even if they have committed a war crime?
If so, what is the down side to being a war criminal?

 

[halbhh]

.
Right... Live in a free society payed for by the blood of people defended "YOUR" freedom! Move to North Korea if your don't like freedom.
Vee Or how about.. "In God' Name" Refusing blood transfusion to save the life of a child.. What do you think of child sacrifice in the bible!?

I'm not Vee, but I have an answer to that last question: I'm glad God modeled (led us/humanity to) the end of child sacrifice with Abraham and Isaac ("God will provide the lamb" ), and also outlawed it explicitly (and repeated the command many times in scripture, such as Deuteronomy 12:31 You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. )

 

[TransmutingSoul]

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.

Loving you neighbor would include the willingness to protect them against tyrannical actions, as you would also hope they would protect you against such actions.

Love also includes Justice. It is not about hate.

Regards Tony

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

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’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.

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.

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. So, this begs the question: should religions support war? In particular religions that claim to follow Christ, who was clearly a peace maker.

Some religions allow for defensive wars, including some Christian denominations. I get that, but even as a former soldier I get your point, I have tried to become a pacifist, but I don't have it in me.

 

[Estro Felino]

War is unchristian. Period.
There is no such a thing as just war.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

War is unchristian. Period.
There is no such a thing as just war.

In your belief. So what do you want to with all those, who believe differently and will try to kill you for your belief?

 

[Estro Felino]

In your belief. So what do you want to with all those, who believe differently and will try to kill you for your belief?

Turn the other cheek, said Jesus.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

Turn the other cheek, said Jesus.

Okay. You are consistent. Good.

 

[Nakosis]

Turn the other cheek, said Jesus.

Not guaranteed to work.

 

[Nakosis]

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’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.

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.

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. So, this begs the question: should religions support war? In particular religions that claim to follow Christ, who was clearly a peace maker.

I suppose one can love their enemy as they put them in the ground.
Hate just makes it a little easier to pull the trigger.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Some religions allow for defensive wars, including some Christian denominations. I get that, but even as a former soldier I get your point, I have tried to become a pacifist, but I don't have it in me.

It is a difficult choice. The Baha'i took up the practice of not defending against the aggressor and were basically nearly wiped out from Iran, yet it is still practiced by those that remain in Iran and around the world.

Baha'u'llah has allowed for defence but has offered it is better to be killed than kill.

Thus the quandary with weapons of Mass Destruction in hands of peoples that have no hesitation in using them. Does one allow them to do what they dictate?

Regards Tony

 

[Vee]

Who really listens to Jesus?

If your sins are forgiven would that not include any war crimes?
Do those who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives still go to heaven even if they have committed a war crime?
If so, what is the down side to being a war criminal?

Very good questions. What does it mean to accept Jesus though? Do you think that saying the words "I accept Jesus" is all it takes? Another thing the Bible says is that faith without works is dead. They can say they accept Jesus all they want, but if their actions don't match their words...

 

[Nakosis]

Very good questions. What does it mean to accept Jesus though? Do you think that saying the words "I accept Jesus" is all it takes? Another thing the Bible says is that faith without works is dead. They can say they accept Jesus all they want, but if their actions don't match their words...

I was thinking after the fact. Repenting past sins.
Still I suspect some feel themselves on a crusade to defeat evil. "Onward Christian Solders".

People find the means to justify their actions. Maybe even Putin believes he is trying to save the poor oppressed soviet.

 

[Vee]

People find the means to justify their actions. Maybe even Putin believes he is trying to save the poor oppressed soviet.

I've always wondered how people who do horrible things can sleep. I think you're right. They find a way to justify everything they do.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

I was thinking after the fact. Repenting past sins.
Still I suspect some feel themselves on a crusade to defeat evil. "Onward Christian Solders".

People find the means to justify their actions. Maybe even Putin believes he is trying to save the poor oppressed soviet.

No, he is trying to save the Russian Empire primarily. That it is was the Soviet Union at some time is not relevant.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

I've always wondered how people who do horrible things can sleep. I think you're right. They find a way to justify everything they do.

Sometimes they have a different brain than you.

 

[metis]

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.

Torah mandates self-defense to protect the weak and innocent, thus I have no doubt Jesus would likely agree. But wars of offense is a different matter, which is why I reluctantly buy into the "Just-War Theory: Just war theory - Wikipedia

 

[Vee]

Sometimes they have a different brain than you.

No doubt.