| To decide what we think towards war we must ask 4 questions. 1. Why are we discussing politics in a church setting? 2. Is just war ever possible? 3.Shouldn't I support my country right or wrong? 4. What is my responsibility? Lets start with why we are discussing politics. We can see that God's word has something to say about almost any situation, maybe not a situation specifically but at least the principles we can use to make our decisions. We should also understand that the Bible should be used to find principles about everything we do in life. Now the second question "Is a just war ever possible". St. Augustus a founding church father wrestled with this question in the 5th century. He wrote "War can only be just if the governments security is threatened and can be proven." Romans 13:4 - "For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Here this passage shows that God does punish evildoers, but God also protects the innocents. Psalm 72:4 - "He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor." Christianity influences the U.S. So therefore traditionally we as the U.S. have followed basic biblical principles in diplomacy, such as Golden Rule, and a sense of love toward fellow man. So doesn't the law of love demand that we protect the innocent? People say that Jesus said, "…Turn the other cheek." Could governments follow this statement? Should governments allow their citizens to be destroyed raped and pillaged? In this light I do not think that Jesus is speaking to the governments, but to individuals. #3, "Shouldn't I support my government right or wrong?" In deciding this question, you should ask how you view yourself. As an American who happens to be a Christian, or a Christian who just happens to be an American? Phil. 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" I Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." "What is Your Responsibility?" I Timothy 2:1 - "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." Whatever decision you make give it much thought from the perspective of a Christian first! Also we can pray. What can we pray for? 1. Those who are in authority. 2. That Christianity would go out unto the entire world. 3.The small numbers of Christians in Iraq who daily face persecution. 4. Minimal loss of civilian life. 5. Family members and friends of those who are in the military and the members themselves. 6. A peaceful outcome will come quickly. From this information please make a decision, but make an informed decision! If you would like my decision and my basis for that decision, please email me at the link below. |