Should Christians Go to War? | Episode 67
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2022
- In a world filled with war and violence, how should Christians interpret Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount such as “Resist not evil” (Matthew 5:39) and “To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29, NKJV)? Are Christians supposed to stand aside while evil people destroy their homes, kill their family and neighbors, and steal their possessions?
Dr. Bernard shares his thoughts on this difficult question and how Christians might respond when threatened with physical violence and potential harm. He also discusses how the Bible's teachings apply to participation in modern warfare and capital punishment.
In this episode, Dr. Bernard references the book "On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society" by Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman, available at amzn.to/2GQsHtc.
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When I got converted my pastor had been in the German war. Came home and got converted and went back. A German was 20-30 feet away and my pastor ducked down and merely said Lord I can’t kill this German. When he looked back at the German he was nowhere in sight. Pastor never saw him again and never knew what happened. God is able!
I have similar feelings. I retired from the military, have always trained to protect my life and those of my brothers. I also have been a handgun instructor for concealed carry. I will carry but never make it obvious because I would much rather never have to use it than make it noticed and be forced to use it. J I value human life to the utmost extent, but I will protest my own
On my side as the war vegan from heaven and the evil was defeated we can continue to fight such kind of battle until the evil is defeated!do appreciate so much the teach may God bless the preacher!
My points is that God stills talks to his people as he does with people before us. We must always be in contacts with God. If we are going to war or not as he the LORD does with others. I as a person, when I hears from God to fight or not to fight I do. Amen
Its kind of ironic how in many wars you have ones of the same religion fighting on both sides... so they're not only going against what God has said to have "No part of the World" but in fact killing ones of their own beliefs..
I know Holy Ghost filled men who are Marines in the United States Military, and I know Holy Ghost filled Police Officers who grew up in UPC here in Augusta, Maine and they still have the Holy Ghost.
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Thank You! Always a valuable message! Here's my semi-passive thoughts on the matter...... First, my apologies (and sympathies) to those who try to create compelling video titles....... Since this is a broad question phrased in such a way that lacks any clearly defined terms, ...... any answer (even no answer) is acceptable. What do you mean by "should"?.... What do you mean by "Christians"?..... What do you mean by "go to"?...... And especially, what do you mean by "war"?...... Okay, having said that, let me offer a similar question... What should be our personal limitations or constraints concerning the use of physical violence to defend ourselves (and those close to us) against the physical violence of others, whether it's individual or larger group conflicts like war?
Obviously, it's way too situational to give a simple answer. I was kinda faced with this dilemma in a small way myself many years ago when I became a Christian while studying martial arts. For me alone, I decided a fighting mindset wasn't compatible with MY new life as a Christian (others may have different personal convictions). Regardless, even as a child, I remember this scene from the old TV show 'Kung Fu'. They obviously paraphrased it from Chinese philosophers..... No, it's not Bible scripture at all........ but wisdom none the less.
Disciple Caine: ......"Master, do we seek victory in contention?"
Master Kan: ......"Seek rather not to contend."
Caine: ......"But shall we not then be defeated?"
Master Kan: ......"We know that where there is no contention, there is neither defeat nor victory. The supple willow does not contend against the storm, yet it survives."
Master Kan: ..... "Avoid, rather than check. Check, rather than hurt. Hurt, rather than maim. Maim, rather than kill. For all life is precious, nor can any be replaced."
May the spirit of the One God (revealed, expressed, and manifest through Jesus the Christ) lead us and guide us into all truth!
Thanks for the feedback on the title. Coming up with short but compelling titles can be difficult. (Podcast Production Team)
When I was in the US Army back in 1970 I didn't have to kill anybody just kill time
@@DavidKBernardUPCI Jehovah's Witnesses are the true Christians who don't get mixed in war or governments of this earth
@@archangeljesus4369 And that's a true lie! 😅
Deeply saddened on the removal of the conscientious objector section. I left the meeting when it was voted upon so sad on how it went.
Was it taken out altogether? I thought it was just amended with wording leaving it up to the individual.
Jesus taught: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) “Continue to love your enemies.”-Matthew 5:44-47. If a religion claims to obey Jesus’ commands encourages its members to kill others in war is it obeying Jesus's teachings? What if the whole world rejected war?
Some interesting points raised here.
Luke 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
Was this scripture a reference to violence in war or on a personal level ?
Cornelius was converted while still in the army as a centurion but sadly the scripture is silent on his military behaviour after conversion.
I personally couldn't intentionally kill someone even in war.
Not sending my sons and daughters to war, to defend the arrogant bastards that sit behind a desk and order you to go. Hell no....Let them send their sons, and daughters first. Look at all the people who gave their lives for our country, only to see what this country has become.
Don't agree with me? That's ok. Send your family for them.....
The Word of God says to do violence to no man. It is written in the Word of God that we are as lambs led to the slaughter to die all the day long and yet you are advocating physical violence. I've yet to see one instance in the New Testament church where Holy Spirit filled Believers waged war with swords and spears. Yet I continually see repeated instances where believers were martyred for the name of Jesus and the Word of God. Scripture says he that lives by the sword shall die by the sword and he who leads into captivity shall be led into captivity.
Bro David that was so good. Bless you and your family.
I feel like an important distinction is that God does give government authority where individuals don’t have it such as the case for capital punishment in biblical times saw God authorize government with the authority for that not individuals excepting in the case of self-defense. I’d love to know if this is a factor in your argument or if it should be and why
What about self-defense? If there is a home invasion can one defend themselves with lethal force if it is appropriate? This could to some extend apply to war, if you are a medic and the facility gets overrun and the enemy is killing everyone can you defend yourself with lethal force?
Does any one know where I can send a message regarding a question I have hoping that Pastor Bernard can help answer in a future podcast
Interesting debate. I'm all for self-defense, non lethal if possible. I always wonder about capital punishment, though. Can I claim to be "pro-life" if I support the death penalty? How does it work to be in favor of the death penalty, but to not want to be the one to initiate it?
I wouldn't kill a brother in Christ on the battle field in such a scenario. My thought would be anything that puts brother against brother can't be Christlike. We are supposed to be in the bond of unity
There is no “just war” given or shown in the Bible. Paul had many people trying to kill him, yet never tried to fight physically back. He knew his life was in God’s hands, as is every Christian’s life. Trust the Lord and and just like the book of Job shows, the Devil can’t touch you unless the Lord allows it. Love your enemies and like Jesus, come not to destroy mens lives but to save em.
“But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.”
1 Timothy 5:8 NLT
If Cain comes against my family or any innocent I’m going to stop him however God allows it. I pray for safety continually and don’t ever want to be put in a situation like it.
@@benjaminperry6916 I believe you’re taking that scripture out of context. The context is financial. But to me it seems you’re making it about violence. If so, then what’s to say a gang member is wrong from killing a rival gang member who is trying to kill them or their family? “Whoever lives by the sword shall die by the sword”.
In the Greek, the word “care” as you wrote it, “provide” the most common word translated in the verse, means “prepare or look out for”. As Christians, we are to prepare and take care of our own, through the protections that come from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses (guns/violence), but we shall remember the name of Lord our God.
“Cain” came after Jesus, and Peter (you) rose to violently defend Jesus, yet Jesus didn’t tell Peter, “no Peter, because I need to be arrested and die for the gospel, don’t fight, otherwise you would be fine” he said and made a principle, “you can’t preserve lives by seeking to kill, and you’ll actually be destroyed by it (paraphrasing of course).
So many want to take their lives and the lives of their loved ones in their own hands, yet there is no true safety there. Only in the hands of the Lord, is there true security.
God bless and thx for the response.
@@benjaminperry6916 There’s a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way of death - Proverbs 14:12
Not in the Bible, but what about Joan of Arc or El Cid. What about the man who died for Christ who's daughters were left with the Muslims that killed him. They then became Muslim and hated Christianity because of what their dad did? The Bible says cowardly are the first cast into the the lake of fire first. Rev 21:8. Furthermore, what about David, who's hands He maketh to war. That being said, anyone who lives by the sword will die by the sword. However, some choose to go that way.
Even more so, what about the conquest of Canaan?
Being persecuted for Christ and being persecuted for being a coward are Teo different things. Christians aren't called to be weak and cowardly but strong and courageous. Are we supposed to let people do whatever they want to us because we're Christians? Nonsense. If its for the gospel sake or because I'm Christian, so be it. If it's an evil person just being evil for evil sake I will fight. I'm not going to let someone steal from me if it's going to male my family starve. He'd a thief and should be punished. If someone was hurting your daughter are you supposed to sit there and pray? No. You should be courageous and ask God for strength to save your daughters life. Its a man's duty to protect his family
Amen well said..
Our fight is not against flesh and blood ...
When we cam into Christ, the same authority Adam had was restored in us ...
Jesus said that we would do greater things than he did ... heal the sick, raise the dead, calm the storm, etc, etc.
What then, if instead of trying to address ANY attack in the flesh, we rather do so in the spiritual realm. Psalm 91 says that even if 1000 falls on my one side and 10 000 on the other, NO harm ill come over me. Ps 23 says that even if I go through the valley of death, I shall fear NO evil because His rod and His staff will protect me, not my Smith & Wesson or my Colt.
Is the problem not that we as Christians still do not understand who exactly we are in Christ and what authority we have to rule over evil and still want to take matters in our own hands?
While I pray God's protection over my family daily and I trust Him to care and watch over them, I would kill to protect my family.
I'm a former draftee person also a Oneness Apostolic when I went into U S Army I wasn't a Christian yet I continued to do my thing smoke drink and party while in the service 1969 through 1971 my major occupational job mos was supply services I never killed nobody thank God I didn't serve in Vietnam that was extremely dangerous fighting the insurgency Viet Kong and NVA all U S troops Army ,Marines,. Airman ,navy were exposed to combat arms they had mortars bomb there camps ambushed and life threatening events south Korea was a better deployment God began calling me I got Baptized in Seoul South Korea in. January 1971 I was 21 years old I got to meet brother David Bernard he was ,14 years old and his family there in Seoul as well as other US military men christians I'm now 73 years old still in the faith going to a UPCI church in Delhi CA
So would it be a sin to enlist in the army? Even just for combat and survival training. Even though I don’t want to kill people, I want to protect my country and I know that I could be an asset to the army and help maintain peace in the world. Is that wrong?
No Christian should ever want to be a soldier in their respective nations military for the mere fact they cannot serve two masters.
Neither Jesus Christ nor any of his disciples ever taught such a thing as defending themselves or their country.
According to Matt. 5:44 and Luke 6:45 we are to love our enemies, not harm or kill them.
But not only are we not even supposed to avenge even ourselves, but we're not even supposed to give place unto wrath.
Then in verse 20 we read where Paul says that we are to give our enemies food and drink if they hunger and thirst.
Then Paul said in 2 Cor. 10:4 that the weapons of our warfare are NOT carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.
Our enemies are NOT flesh and blood (humans), but are spiritual, known as principalities, and powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world, Eph. 6:12.
Everyone who is in Christ has been bought with the highest price and are now servants (slaves) of Jesus Christ, which means they have given up all rights of their own.
God bless!
😮😮
very touching message
@@lun9317 . . Thank you. Many believers are completely unaware that the Scriptures actually teach this.
Can you answer why it is that women are supposed to wear skirts/dresses? Why is it that girls can wear pants until a certain age? How are pants immodest if men are allowed to wear them? Where in the Bible is it pulled from? I looked but don’t see this topic addressed on the channel if I missed it just let me know.
Deuteronomy 22:5 says women and men wear clothes respective to their gender ones are masculine dresses and skirts are feminine so women don’t wear pants
It says in bible fallow laws of the land unless it goes against word of god
As a citizen of your country you are obligated to defend your homeland.
Pastor’s can you guys give a biblical take on Christian’s watching boxing or MMA. Please !
While you false born again Christians swear your allegiance to presidents who cannot save you and their violence. Jehovah's Witnesses swear their allegiance to the true God YHWH.
The question today is not about whether Christian should not go to war. It is about whether greedy Christian should instigate proxy war for others to kill each others. Answer is not difficult at all. Those sending and selling weapons to others do not go to war themselves.
I bet a lot of preacher would pull the trigger. 😂
If war is waged by human evilness, why did God tell people to wage war and conquer places in the Bible?
Because CHRIST had not come
Is China crazy enough to strike South Korea? Is this Gog or Magog? Should we build nuclear shelters at our family camps? How concerned should Christians be?
I will NEVER EVER go to war, no matter what you say.
US imperialism is revolting.
Are women ministers biblical?
.... All you have to do is a simple Bible study! Here's a few questions to ask yourself when you decide to look........ Are there women ministers of any kind in the Bible?....... If so, what duties were/are they expected to perform?...... If not, is there anywhere in the Bible that specifically forbids women ministers of any kind?....... If so, what duties were/are they restricted from?...... What offices (if any) are women allowed or forbidden to hold?..... What 'gifts of the spirit' are women allowed to use (if any)?......... You should be able to find these answers quickly and easily on your own.
Jehovah's Witnesses is the true ministry
Wonder how he feels about people bringing guns to and for the defense of the church
He said he’s fine with self defense around the 12:00 minute mark.
@@futurekillerful not the same. I know a lot of people who are ok with self defense that doesn't think you should bring guns to church for defense.
@@douglasarnold5310 I think it is when it comes to David Bernard though. He mentioned that you should avoid killing when you can when implementing self defense measures. I think he’s suggesting that guns are ok with that statement but he wasn’t specific so I get where you’re coming from.
If you Love somebody, you protect them. God wants us to put other peoples life above our own so if self-defense is ok then I would think protecting someone elses life would definately be ok. Even the disciples of Jesus carried swords.
@@tweekthaklown5713 To your point of some of the disciples carrying swords: I equate those swords to the side arms of today. They were equipped to defend themselves and others so I don't see it being any different today. It's just that we have much better weapons, but all points considered, sparing human life is the best option, but only if it's an option.
NO, we should NOT! All that "Thank you for your service" stuff is just rubbish and disgusting.
( Do Christians And Jews and "OTHER" non-Muslims go to Heaven? )
Quran 2:62
'' Those who believe (in the Quran) and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures) and the Christians and the Sabians->ANYAllah< Is The Protector Of Monasteries, Churches, Synagogues And The Mosques )
Quran 22:40
[They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, " Our Lord is God " And were it not that God checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is much mentioned. And God will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, God is Powerful and Exalted in Might.
Note: Why did Allah protected Churches and Synagogues if they worship false Allah ?
( Why Are There So Many Different Religions In The World ? )
Quran 5 48
''...... If God wanted He could have made all of you a single nation.( ie single religion ) But He willed otherwise in order to test you in what He has given you (ie Scriptures) therefore try to excel one another in good deeds. Ultimately you all shall return to God then He will show you the truth of those matters in which you '' >DISPUTE verb < not noun like other religions
Islam mean "submission" to God
( The above verse saying is that God will not accept a religion from the >MUSLIM< and the Non-Muslims but total "submission" to God )
Question: How Can Muslim And the Non-Muslim "submit" to the God?
Answer: Be kind to other human beings and Do not lie, Do not steal, Do not cheat, Do not hurt others, Do not be prideful and Do the charity work.
Note: If you obeyed all the ABOVE Allah-God's moral laws "YOU" submitted to God.( ie Islam mean "submission" to God )
The only people who will enter Paradise those who '' Submitted to God '' ( ie by Good Deeds )
God does NOT accept your religion of birth but only ''Your Total'' Submission to Him.
( God Allows Interfaith Marriages And Eat Food From the Christian And Jew And Vice Versa )
Quran 5:5
''This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture (ie Christian and Jew) is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And lawful in marriage are chaste women from among the believers (ie Muslim ) and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture (ie Christian and Jew) before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless and he in the Hereafter will be among the losers.''
Note: > Only < Islam allows interfaith marriages (>14 hundredsSame God< but They are >ALL Corrupt< more or less, some more than others from their original foundational teaching. The older religion are MORE corrupted than newer religion.
Question to Muslim and Christian:
Does God / Allah only answer your pray ?
And God / Allah does not answer non Muslim / non Christian pray?
Did Allah '' Canceled '' all other religions Judaism and Christianity?
Quran 5:48
'' And We have revealed to you [O Muhammad] the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture ( ie New and old Testament ) and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. >>>TO EACH OF YOU WE PRESCRIBED A LAW AND A METHODone nation>differ qualified < for to enter Paradise )
On the day of judgement God will ''NOT'' judge humanity bases on Sunni Muslim sect VS Shia Muslim sect ''NOR'' by Muslim VS non-Muslim >but< Doer of Goods VS Doer of Evils.
'' YOUR " birth in the Muslim's family is NOT a > qualification < for to enter the Paradise.
'' YOUR " religion / sect / foot long beard is NOT a > qualification < for to enter the Paradise.
The > qualification < to enter Paradise is > Faith in God and Good Work
Christian do not defend themselves because they a defender Jesus
Christians should take revenge of the revenge on.Jews , who put Jesus on.the Cross.
Jesus is a Jew