What does the Bible say about killing in the military?

The Bible's perspective on killing in the military is a topic that has been debated by theologians, scholars, and believers for centuries. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, it's essential to explore this complex issue with a balanced and thoughtful approach, grounded in scripture and the broader Christian tradition. The Bible provides nuanced teachings on war, peace, and the moral implications of killing, and understanding these teachings requires careful consideration of both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Perspective

The Old Testament contains numerous accounts of war and military engagements, often involving the Israelites. One of the most well-known examples is the conquest of Canaan, where God commands the Israelites to take possession of the land (Joshua 6-12). These narratives can be challenging to reconcile with modern ethical standards, but they reflect the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel.

In the Old Testament, war is sometimes depicted as a divine instrument of justice. For instance, in Deuteronomy 20:1-4, Moses instructs the Israelites on the conduct of war, emphasizing that God will be with them and give them victory over their enemies:

"When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.'"

However, the Old Testament also contains principles that emphasize the sanctity of life and the importance of justice. The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, include the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment underscores the value of human life and the moral prohibition against unlawful killing.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament shifts the focus from nationalistic warfare to a more personal and spiritual understanding of conflict and peace. Jesus' teachings in the Gospels emphasize love, forgiveness, and non-violence. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches:

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:38-39).

Jesus' radical call to love one's enemies and to turn the other cheek challenges the conventional understanding of justice and retribution. This teaching is further reinforced in Matthew 5:44-45:

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

The Apostle Paul echoes Jesus' teachings in his letters, urging believers to live in peace and to overcome evil with good. In Romans 12:17-21, Paul writes:

"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Theological and Ethical Considerations

The tension between the Old Testament accounts of divinely sanctioned warfare and the New Testament's emphasis on peace and non-violence raises important theological and ethical questions for Christians. Throughout history, Christians have developed various perspectives on the morality of war and killing in the military, often falling into three main categories: Just War Theory, Pacifism, and Crusade or Holy War.

Just War Theory: This theory, rooted in the writings of early Christian theologians such as Augustine and later developed by Thomas Aquinas, seeks to reconcile the necessity of war with Christian ethics. Just War Theory outlines specific criteria that must be met for a war to be considered just, including a just cause, legitimate authority, right intention, last resort, proportionality, and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants. This framework aims to limit the use of violence and ensure that war is conducted in a morally responsible manner.

Pacifism: Some Christians, inspired by Jesus' teachings on non-violence, adopt a pacifist stance, rejecting all forms of war and violence. Prominent Christian pacifists, such as the Anabaptists, Quakers, and Mennonites, believe that following Jesus' example means refusing to participate in military activities and instead advocating for peace and reconciliation. They emphasize the power of non-violent resistance and the importance of living out the gospel's call to love and forgiveness.

Crusade or Holy War: In certain historical contexts, some Christians have interpreted their faith as calling for holy wars or crusades, believing that they were fighting for a divine cause. This perspective has been largely discredited and criticized for its association with violence and coercion in the name of religion.

Modern Application

For contemporary Christians, discerning the appropriate response to military service and the ethical implications of killing in war requires prayerful reflection, study of scripture, and engagement with the broader Christian tradition. It is essential to consider the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, as well as the historical and cultural context of the biblical narratives.

One approach is to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Christian community, recognizing that faithful believers may arrive at different conclusions based on their understanding of scripture and their personal convictions. Some Christians may feel called to serve in the military as a way of protecting the innocent and promoting justice, while others may feel compelled to advocate for peace and non-violence in all circumstances.

Ultimately, the Bible calls believers to pursue peace and justice, to love their enemies, and to trust in God's sovereignty. In Micah 6:8, the prophet summarizes God's requirements for His people:

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

This verse encapsulates the ethical principles that should guide Christians as they navigate the complex issues of war, peace, and the morality of killing in the military. By seeking to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God, believers can strive to live out their faith in a way that honors God and reflects the teachings of Jesus.