Well, why are you giving opinion on this thread.... Were the crew of the Enola Gay war criminals? ?
Because many who consider themselves to be Christians see no problem with a Christian engaging in violence and bloodshed of war, when they would not do so in any other aspect of life. I am simply presenting an opposing view....the Biblical one as opposed to the patriotic one.
Are you trying to tell me that there are no serving Police Officers in your country who are JWs? There are in the UK. And they carry weapons. So this is a cop-out...?
Well, I can't speak for everyone who calls themselves Jehovah's Witnesses. We have a few among our ranks who are not spiritually strong and that is a pity, but a few weak apples doesn't reflect badly on the 8 million who are resolutely refusing to carry weapons.
All I can do is present you with our official stance as follows....
"Use of Arms in Civilian Employment
If someone has employment that involves carrying a weapon for use against other humans, or if he is required to be trained in the martial arts, such as judo and karate, what should he do? In making his personal decision he must bear in mind that a follower of Jesus is to pursue peace. (Romans 12:17, 18) In view of what is stated at Isaiah 2:4, most of Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid such employment. Even though the employment may be for the purpose of protecting the public (or property) in harmony with Romans 13:4, experience has shown that there is always the danger of incurring bloodguilt by taking life with the weapon, with harm to the individual’s conscience, as well as there being a danger of injury or death to oneself due to retaliation. (Psalm 51:14; compare Numbers 35:11, 12, 22-25.) Certainly it is best to avoid such dangers by selecting employment where they do not arise.
During these “last days,” many employees are expected to carry a firearm. Bank or security guards, watchmen and policemen may even be required to do so to hold employment. But what of the Christian, who is obligated to “provide for those who are his own”? (1 Timothy 5:8) His Bible-trained viewpoint would be different from that of worldly persons, who feel free to carry such weapons and to use them as they see fit in any dangerous situation that may arise. (Ephesians 5:15-17) He will want to avoid bloodguilt, having in mind Jehovah’s viewpoint on the sanctity of blood. (Genesis 9:6; Psalm 55:23) A mature Christian should try to find unarmed employment. Some Witnesses by talking with their employer have been successful in changing to a job that does not require carrying a weapon.
As the world becomes increasingly violent we can no longer regard as exemplary a brother who continues in armed employment. He could be allowed six months to make a change. If he does not make a change, he would not be in a position to hold special privileges of service and responsibility in the congregation.—1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:5, 6." ( WT '83 7/15 p25-26 para 17-19)
If some choose to go against this recommendation, they do so at the risk of becoming bloodguilty before God. It's a conscience issue.
So you ignore the orders of your God?
You do join them, as explained in the para before this..... ?
No, as Witnesses we follow the teachings of Christ. That does not allow us to carry weapons. If some because of a weakened spiritual state decide to stay in this kind of employment, they are out of harmony with the brotherhood they claim to be part of.
My Dad's neighbour was one. Very brave. Ran a trawler throughout the whole war, fishing in the North Sea...... the North Sea!
I don't know about Christ (you could quote some Paul?) but Jesus :-
Luke {22:36} Then said he unto them, But now, he that
hath a purse, let him take [it,] and likewise [his] scrip: and
he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Those who braved the tide of public opinion were indeed very brave. But God not only takes into account our actions, but also what motivates them. If we are brave in the face of danger for all the wrong reasons, it will hold no sway with the Father. The action must be motivated out of love for God and neighbor.
Was this man's motivation to keep earning a living or was it because he was a Christian?
That is a terrible misapplication of scripture btw.
When Jesus told his disciples to buy a sword, it was not with the intention to use them. Remember when Peter did, Jesus rebuked him?
If you read the account, being armed was to fulfill a prophesy, nothing more. Jesus was not armed and telling his disciple to go and buy swords proves that they were not armed either.
There is no sanction for Christians to carry weapons. :sorry1: