Religion and the Soldier (America, atheist, pray, bible, Biblically)

BUDDY · #1 07-22-2005, 11:42 AM

What are your thoughts about the duality of a life devoted to being a religious person and also being a soldier? Is it hypocritical to be in hte military and to be a Christian? What do you think about a person who believes that the Bible teaches to turn the other cheek, and yet is a member of an organization that is agressive and violent by definition? Any thoughts?

I am playing devils advocate here. I believe that a person can do both and be in good standing with God, but Iwould like to hear some other thoughts on it.

Scott1 · #2 07-22-2005, 12:05 PM

When I was in the Military, I was an atheist.... now, as a Christian... I could never join... could never do the things I did in my "youth".

I don't know how any Christian could.

michel · #3 07-22-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EEWRED

What are your thoughts about the duality of a life devoted to being a religious person and also being a soldier? Is it hypocritical to be in hte military and to be a Christian? What do you think about a person who believes that the Bible teaches to turn the other cheek, and yet is a member of an organization that is agressive and violent by definition? Any thoughts?

I am playing devils advocate here. I believe that a person can do both and be in good standing with God, but Iwould like to hear some other thoughts on it.

Ouch!! can we pretend you never asked that ? - joking..........

I think that, as a soldier, if you DEFEND your country and the people in it, or go to war to defend the rights of an oppressed people then those reasons alone would be compatible with Christianity. I will be interested to see the other responses from other people...........

michel · #4 07-22-2005, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott1

When I was in the Military, I was an atheist.... now, as a Christian... I could never join... could never do the things I did in my "youth".

I don't know how any Christian could.

Would you not help defend America from invasion ?

BUDDY · #5 07-22-2005, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott1

When I was in the Military, I was an atheist.... now, as a Christian... I could never join... could never do the things I did in my "youth".

I don't know how any Christian could.

Interesting. Is this belief based on a Biblical principle, or is it more of a personal opinion or feeling. My guess, based on the end of your post, is that it is a Biblical one.

Scott1 · #6 07-22-2005, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EEWRED

Interesting. Is this belief based on a Biblical principle, or is it more of a personal opinion or feeling. My guess, based on the end of your post, is that it is a Biblical one.

Not Biblical, per se... more personal.

I've killed more human beings than Billy the Kid.... I don't believe I could do that now.

BUDDY · #7 07-22-2005, 01:31 PM

My thoughts (Biblically Specific)

Acts 16:25-36 Cornelius, A Roman Centurion

Cornelius commanded at least one hundred soldiers from Italy, therefore they were not conscripots. Cornelius is described before his conversion, as being a devout man of God. In other words, while he was not "saved" he was seen by the community as one having a devotion to God. If military life were incompatible with the christian life, Corelius didn;t seem to know it, and it doesn't seen that he was instructed by Peter of it.

He was a roman soldier, devout man, and God heard his prayers (Acts 10:21 ; Peter 3:12)
He needed to hear the word in order to be saved. There was no word saying that he had to stop being a soldier (Acts 10:6, 22 ; 11:14)

Pauls use of soldiers (Acts 23:12-23)

Was Paul "partaking in sin" when he asked for the protection of the soldiers? It would seem unlikely that Paul was right for asking for protection but that those who gave the protection were sinning. When you call a police officer for protection, are you asking the police officer to sin?

Just some thoughts. What are yours?

michel · #8 07-22-2005, 04:43 PM

Good points - this is virgin territory for me though, and I must admit to being in two minds over this. If I were called to fight for England (hehe - I can't see the British army having a wheelchair division) - I would offer to work with the medics - any job other than one that would require me to use a gun.

Seyorni · #9 07-22-2005, 07:33 PM

My immediate thoughts: The teachings of most religions and the military are entirely at odds. They are dia