National guard and my religion

Im in the National Guard, I love it and im living my dream. I beleave in god and im a Christian. In the Bible it says not to kill, well what if you go to war and kill people, is'nt that the same thing???

*** In the Bible it says not to kill, well what if you go to war and kill people, is'nt that the same thing???

Yes, it is the same thing. If you are called into hot action, you will be put into situations in which you will kill *willingly* and indiscriminately out of pure terror. If you have moral objections to the idea of assured civilian "casualties" (I.e., the people you murdered inadvertently), you really shouldn't be in the military.

So you're in a real pickle. Have you considered that the Bible might be nothing more than a book written by men without inspiration from any deities?

no it isnt god understands that is your job so yea

I have asked this question many times & im sorry but thats a question you will need to address to your pastor @ the church you belong too,

sorry I couldnt help much but thats all I have to offer!

Well I wouldn't necessarily cast out the idea the bible is against killing. Supposedly Christians are all loving, but we all know that's not true. Christians have been in the 5000 year old war along with the Jews and Muslims all against each other. So if you were to go into Iraq well I'd think god would be pleased with you killing all those Muslims.

I seem to recall that the commandment not to "kill" is a misinterpretation of the original. The original supposedly states thou shall not "murder".

I think that Littlered's suggestion to talk to your pastor is excellent advice.
Take it.

I've heard claims that "thou shalt not kill" is supposed to mean "thou shalt not kill _believers_". If you take that interpretation, though, christianity's claim to be "loving and forgiving" is pretty transparently bunkum, though.

God told Joushua to kill all those gentils in jeursulm. God as told many people to kill in the bible, then turns around and says do kill. dont make sence to me

        i hope you do not take offense,
        To that that comes hereafter;
        'Tis only that it's my two-cents,
        Not one penny more thereafter. §;o)
 
 
 
I don't believe in the Bible, but I think it also says "render unto Cesar that which is Cesar's". The meaning being that although you live a godly life you are required to render to your government that which it requires.

In your case, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, you joined the military service of your country. As a member, you are required to to serve your country in the ways that help safeguard your country. Killing, whether in war or in protecting the interests of our country, is not the same as murder which is what the command was referring to.

I'm fairly sure, that the bible didn't take into consideration a lot of todays problems and moral dilemas...

however, I also believe that in the face of adversity, we will do what we need to to preserve ourself... don't forget, that before the bible, we were no different to animals, with primitive thoughts and priorities...food / re-produce and self-preservation... self-preservation is out strongest instinct above all others...and if in that situation you need to think..him or me?

I asked my husband what he would have done if a child tried to kill him (we were watching hannibal the prequil and someone goes to kill a child), becuase I didn't think I could do it...however, if I didn't, I'd never see my children again and they would be left without a mother...you have to remember that in a war situation, you only do what you have to, and it's not something you would think about, it's an instinct to defend yourself...and it's kill, or be killed...it's instinctive, not premeditated...

The Bible doesn't specifically prohibit Christians from fighting in wars, and there is a lot of Christian literature supporting the idea of the "just war theory". A war must meet certain criteria for it to be acceptable as a just war. Old Testament authors felt that certain wars fought by the Hebrew people had been sanctioned by God, and New Testament authors believed Jesus would return amidst a period of war.

On the other hand, many early Christians considered the idea of service in the Roman legions inconsistent with their principles, and pacifism is still very prevalent among many Christians today.

I guess if you join the military, and you are sent to fight in a war, you have to ask yourself if that war is consistent with your own values, and is truly a "just war". Or, if you feel yourself drawn to pacifism, obviously a life of military service is out of the question.

"there is a lot of Christian literature supporting the idea of the "just war theory". "

through out history you can find Christian literature for a lot of things that in todays world is unacceptable.

There is a difference between "murder" and "Kill"..I believe it is the intent..does this make sense?
If someone were to break into my house and threaten my children with harm. ..you bet I wouldn't hesitate to defend them and if it meant killing the one here to hurt them, I would...but if my intent was to go out and plan and be hate filled and "murder" someone, I think there is a difference.

The Bible says not to commit murder. The Bible also says to obey your government, but always obey God first and foremost. Talk to your chaplain about reconciling the two.
There are instances in the Bible where God commands His people to kill their enemies and helps them do so. Also, earthly warfare can be manifestations of spiritual warfare.

I have a very dear friend who is 78 years young, and the passion that drives him, is the study of the early church. He has spent most of his life, researching this. And he is totally 110% convinced that the early church would not have participated in any war, of any kind.

I know that the Amish still won't and some of the Christian faith also.

I am of the opinion that a righteous government, has the right to go to war, if it protects the innocent, in the example of Hitler, I don't think I in good conscience, could stand by and allow this to happen, if it lay within my power to do something about it.

I guess we each have to come to our own beliefs on this one.