A respectful call to ANY religious leader to answer!
24.JUN.11
Editor: I respect each oneâs right to his/her choice as to religion and views, but I wish to note the following important matter:
Isaiah 2:2-4 shows that in the last days, in which we NOW live, Godâs people will NOT fight physical wars. Rather, Christian warfare in the apostlesâ time and today is spiritual, NOT physical as clearly shown at 2 Corinthians 10:3, 4.{{more}}
What of religions that allow their members to join an army to fight wars and kill their own brothers in the opposing country? Then there are religious leaders who bless their members and the weapons before they go out to fight. Is that showing Christlike love? (John 13:34, 35) The wars of the Israelites in times past were Godâs way of destroying bad people who were enemies of his people, the Israelites. However, the wars of today are different, and result in âChristiansâ killing âChristiansâ on opposing sides, plus innocent people, adults and children, being killed as well. Would God be backing Country A against Country B, and having His people killing one another on either side? Could we imagine the disciples of Jesus Christ fighting wars and killing one another on opposing sides, each fighting for his country? Unthinkable! Note the following reputable historical quotes about the early Christians who lived shortly after Christ:
1. âZealous Christians did not serve in the armed forcesâ â World History, The Story of Manâs Achievements (River Forest, Ill; 1962) Habberton, Roth and Spears, p. 117.
2. âWhile among Romans it was considered the highest honor to possess the privileges of Roman citizenship, the Christians announced that they were citizens of heaven. They shrank from military service.ââ Persecution of the Christians in Gaul, A.D. 177 by F.F.G. Guizot, former prime minister of France, Vol. III of The Great Events by Famous Historians (New York; 1905), Rossiter Johnson, ed, p. 246.
3. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon, states: â[Early Christians] refused to take any active part in the military defence of the empire. It was impossible that the Christians, without renouncing a more sacred duty, could assume the character of soldiers.â
In view of the Scriptural and reliable historical evidence, I ask again: Should Christians be involved in the wars of the nation today? Any religious leader is welcomed to comment on this matter. Thank you.
Observer – BP
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