Bible teaching used to support war
In the Old Testament, people are sometimes commanded by God to go to war. In Deuteronomy, Joshua and Judges, God often tells his people to fight and destroy foreign tribes to gain the Promised Land (Israel).
“The lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little…..the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed……..no one will be able to stand up against you; you will destroy them.”
Deuteronomy 7:22-24
The Old Testament Prophet, Joel, tells the people that God wants them to go and fight.
“ Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men drawn near and attack.”
Joel 3:9-10
“ The Lord is a warrior.”
Exodus 15:3
“ You shall not kill.”
Exodus 20:13.
“Kill” refers only to unlawful killing, not other forms of killing, e.g. war.
“ There is a time for killing, and a time for healing, a time for tearing down and a time for building up, a time for tearing and a time for mending, a time for love and the time for hate, a time for war, and a time for peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:2-8
Christians use these quotes in a discussion about war and the use of violence to show that there are times when war is justified. God cannot be totally opposed to war in all circumstances.
The example of Jesus
Jesus used anger and violence once!
“Jesus entered the Temple Area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changes and the benches of those selling doves.”
To some Christians this means that it can sometimes be right to be violent when people are being cheated or treated unfairly.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Matthew 10v34
Jesus came into contact with soldiers, but never once told them they were wrong to fight.
Jesus healed a Roman centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10). This story shows a well-respected soldier being praised by Jesus for his faith. Jesus never told him he was wrong to be a soldier.
Christians might use these examples in a discussion about war and the use of violence to support the view that sometimes war and violence is the best way of making sure that there is Peace and Justice.
