Question:

In this morning’s lecture we discussed the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.”  Is it appropriate for a Christian to serve in the armed forces with the possibility of killing enemy troops?

Answer:

On the one hand, Cornelius who was converted to Christ (Acts 10) was a Roman soldier; we do not read of him being asked to turn in his uniform.  Also, the New Testament Scriptures uphold the necessity of local police forces: “Rulers are not a terror to good works but to the evil…. For he is the minister of God to thee for good.  But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:3,4).  On the other hand, Jesus instructs His disciples, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also (Matthew 5:38,39).  It would seem to be much more worthy of Christ to be engaged in the occupation of rescuing lives and helping people than in taking lives.  In times of war during the 20th century, many Christians who were drafted for military service served as conscientious objectors; these were permitted to serve as typists or drivers or medics and not forced to bear arms.