the military is not biblical practice

[cyberjosh]

As Jesus' follower I will not choose any occupation which involves killing or harming anyone.

I too have chosen that as my personal choice, because I could not stand to harm someone fataly, but I still respect people such as police who put themselves in harm's way to protect us. I infact actually had considered going into the military as an electronics technician (not a foot soldier), and because I really didn't want overseas type stuff I even considered the Coast Guard (which does not conduct warfare), and entertained the idea of becoming a helicopter rescue pilot - possibly being stationed up in Alaska. The point is we cannot indict all such institutions with a blanket statement - some do rescue work, and even for those in more warfare branches of the military not all are soldiers (some are technicians, communications specialists, etc.).

~Josh

 

[shad]

[ but I still respect people such as police who put themselves in harm's way to protect us.

All I said was what I will do about my choice of choosing occupation.

I infact actually had considered going into the military as an electronics technician (not a foot soldier), and because I really didn't want overseas type stuff I even considered the Coast Guard (which does not conduct warfare), and entertained the idea of becoming a helicopter rescue pilot - possibly being stationed up in Alaska. The point is we cannot indict all such institutions with a blanket statement - some do rescue work, and even for those in more warfare branches of the military not all are soldiers (some are technicians, communications specialists, etc.).
~Josh

The Bible is filled with blanket statements. There is absolutely nothing wrong about blanket statement. This type of criticism is simply worldly way to silence the opponents.

If Christians advocate and approve of the military, I believe they are sinning against God because Jesus does not approve of any killing or harming anyone even for self defense. Jesus and His disciples did not kill or harm anyone. He will wait to judge until His judgment day, not before.

 

[shad]

The police and others you listed don't kill anyone randomly.

Ah. So it's ok to kill as long as it's not random. You hadn't mentioned that exception to killing.

Now you are going down to nit-picking.

This thread is about the military friend. Stick to the topic.

If you want to talk about other occupations make another thread, please.

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[shad]

You keep on taking my example of the individual civilian and make it into a group military matter. You misunderstand what I'm saying. I thought that I made myself quite clear. And actually Rick's point about police makes a great point that I was trying to make about defense against domestic crime. Go back and look at my posts - I mentioned this specifically.

Edit: I'll even quote it for you: "I'm talking about domestic (think: civilian) self-defense from crime".

Thanks,

~Josh

If you want to talk about different topic, make another thread please I will join you.

I do not want this thread to be confusing with other things. It seems that you dont want to talk about the military. This thread is about the military. You are welcome to bow out. No one is stopping you.

thanks.

 

[LostSoul]

You keep on taking my example of the individual civilian and make it into a group military matter. You misunderstand what I'm saying. I thought that I made myself quite clear. And actually Rick's point about police makes a great point that I was trying to make about defense against domestic crime. Go back and look at my posts - I mentioned this specifically.

Edit: I'll even quote it for you: "I'm talking about domestic (think: civilian) self-defense from crime".

Thanks,

~Josh

If you want to talk about different topic, make another thread please I will join you.

I do not want this thread to be confusing with other things. It seems that you dont want to talk about the military. This thread is about the military. You are welcome to bow out. No one is stopping you.

thanks.

Shad...

Just a polite reminder. These topics are open to everyone. Let us not dismiss someone because they are not saying things perhaps as one of us would wish them to.

Thank You......

 

[kevkelsar]

Shad, as I pointed out earlier, you cannot understand Gospel principles by singling out one topic. Everything within the Gospel of Jesus Christ is woven together, you cannot separate things out. To have a complete understanding, you have to consider all aspects. By singling out "just military", you are missing the whole picture of self defense in general. You are closing yourself off and missing other key points that teach us concerning the same principals.

I refuse to discuss anything with someone who insists on being so close minded and objects to seeing the whole picture. Because until you step back, look at the whole picture, and take into consideration all other aspects, you will remain obstinate and unwilling to see that our point of view is all based on scripture.

 

[shad]

[

Shad...

Just a polite reminder. These topics are open to everyone. Let us not dismiss someone because they are not saying things perhaps as one of us would wish them to.

Thank You......

I am only trying to keep this thread on topic. I dont want this to be derailed or hijacked.

thanks.

.

 

[shad]

double

 

[shad]

Shad, as I pointed out earlier, you cannot understand Gospel principles by singling out one topic. Everything within the Gospel of Jesus Christ is woven together, you cannot separate things out. To have a complete understanding, you have to consider all aspects. By singling out "just military", you are missing the whole picture of self defense in general. You are closing yourself off and missing other key points that teach us concerning the same principals.

You can bring other occupation if you wish in different thread. It seem you guys are trying to change the subject.

Love your enemy is utmost noble commandment of Jesus. And it is my conviction that practicing and approving the military is a grave sin if you are christians. As I said already, the military is much, much different than other occupations like police; That's why I singled it out. It involves many innocent people killed randomly. If you dont understand this, I cannot help you.

I refuse to discuss anything with someone who insists on being so close minded and objects to seeing the whole picture.

You are welcome to bow out. No one is forcing you to join in this topic.

 

[GodspromisesRyes]

Hebrews 11 does not give us in Christ any exuse to defend self. It is about walking by faith not by flesh.

There is no new testament, new covenant examples, commands etc to defend self to try to save ones own life by fighting in or with flesh. Every reason men give for such things is their own reasonings of their own minds and what makes sence to them because it goes against ever nt command we are given.

Flesh always wants to save itself.

 

[shad]

Hebrews 11 does not give us in Christ any exuse to defend self. It is about walking by faith not by flesh.

There is no new testament, new covenant examples, commands etc to defend self to try to save ones own life by fighting in or with flesh. Every reason men give for such things is their own reasonings of their own minds and what makes sence to them because it goes against ever nt command we are given.

Flesh always wants to save itself.

thank you GodspromisesRyes :yes

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[westtexas]

Hebrews 11 does not give us in Christ any exuse to defend self. It is about walking by faith not by flesh.

There is no new testament, new covenant examples, commands etc to defend self

I disagree. The book of Hebrews was written well after the crucifixtion of our Lord. When God gave us these words He was well aware of our Lord's command to "love your enemy". Gideon,Barak, Samson, David, and Samuel were not only commended for their faithful walk with God, which they all did, but they were also commended for the faithful, LEGITIMATE, defense of God's people.

Except for your interpretation of "love your enemy" can you please give me another scriptural reference which says self-defense is a sin. Thanks
Westtexas

 

[shad]

[

Except for your interpretation of "love your enemy" can you please give me another scriptural reference which says self-defense is a sin. Thanks
Westtexas

Self defense is not sin, the military is; because you know you have to be willing to kill your enemy when you are in the military, and the Bible says to do good to your enemy, not harm.

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[westtexas]

At the same time I do see a necessity and approval in the Bible for self defense.

I disagree.

Page 2

 

[westtexas]

Self defense is not sin,

.

What happened between pg. 2 and pg. 5? Did you change your mind?

 

[shad]

Self defense is not sin,

.

Did you change your mind?

I defend myself without using weapons. You dont have to harm anyone to defend yourself.

 

[shad]

I would like to make myself clear.

I say the military is sin because they kill their enemy.

Please dont try to change the subject, This thread is about the military, not self defense.

 

[westtexas]

I appreciate your clarification. Yesterday when you, Josh, GPR and I were conversing you felt self-defense was a sin. Now you have clarified yourself and it is not a sin. Thank you. I won't de-rail your thread now. Carry on.

Westtexas

 

[shad]

I appreciate your clarification. Yesterday when you, Josh, GPR and I were conversing you felt self-defense was a sin. Now you have clarified yourself and it is not a sin. Thank you. I won't de-rail your thread now. Carry on.

Westtexas

what I meant was defending yourself and harming others at the same time is sin according to Jesus.

Please dont put your words into mine.

Do you carry around a gun to defend yourself? If you do you are sinning if you use it to protect yourself.

 

[handy]

It's amazing that since being military is so sinful, Jesus said of the Centurion, ""Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel" rather than "Go and sin no more."