What Does the Bible Say About…War?
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time for war, and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8; ESV)
Every year in the month of May, we recognize Memorial Day. The purpose of this national holiday is to commemorate the efforts of our armed services in the defense of our country over the years. Most people celebrate this holiday with picnics and cookouts because it typically symbolizes the beginning of summer. A lot of TV and cable channels will air certain “movie marathons” throughout the day. Recently on the cable channel American Movie Classics (AMC), they aired a classic war movie marathon. Some of the movies that were shown were The Sands of Iwo Jima, The Flying Leathernecks, and Patton. Most of these movies were propaganda movies during World War II and tended to glamorize the war effort against Nazi Germany and Japan.
However during the late 70’s and throughout the 80’s, some of the war movies that came out of Hollywood were about the Vietnam War—a very unpopular war in the United States. Movies such as Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, and Platoon were movies that depicted the darker side of war. It’s no surprise that these kinds of movies came out during that time because many of the people involved in making these movies were the same people involved in many of the war protests that took place during the 60’s.
Why am I bringing all this stuff up? Well the United States is currently involved in a war—a war that on many fronts is very unpopular. As of this writing, the United States is embroiled in a war in Iraq against foreign terrorists who are bent on making sure Iraq does not become a free democratic state. This war has brought out all of the old 60’s war protesters as well as a new breed of idealistic young people who are like-minded.
The question now becomes why is this war unpopular? There are various reasons. There are some who think the reasons why we’re at war are a pretense for more evil intentions. These people think we’re engaged in an imperialistic war to expand our influence throughout the region and to secure the vast oil fields in Iraq for the purposes of increasing the profits of the oil companies and the defense contractors who supply the military. At the expense of sounding dismissive, I think these people are misguided (to say the least). To believe this line of thinking one would have to have an inherent distrust of the government and an inherent bias against the United States. These people, whom I will refer to as the “Michael Moore” crowd (Michael Moore is the anti-war movie producer who recently released the “documentary” Fahrenheit 911), believe the U.S. government lied about the reasons for going to war, and are in fact waging an illegal war against an innocent people. Without wasting too much more time on this point of view, let me close by saying I think this viewpoint is based on loose facts, innuendo and pure speculation fueled by an anti-American worldview.
Another reason why this war is unpopular is the reason why any war is unpopular. There are people who are genuine conscientious objectors to any war—i.e., they’re pacifists. It’s not that they object to this war, they would object to any war. Unlike the previous point of view, I can respect this view. There are a fair number of Christians who would fall into this camp. They see Jesus as a pacifist, and therefore they adopt a pacifistic point of view.
However, this begs the question, was Jesus really a pacifist? It is true that he didn’t engage the revolutionary crowd during his day. When confronted by the Jewish mob in the garden at his arrest, Jesus told his disciples that he could call twelve legions of angels to his defense (Matthew 26:53). The point being it would have been very easy for Jesus to overthrow the Roman government and establish his kingdom right then and there, but he didn’t. Now was this because he was a pacifist? Jesus made statements as “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) and “love your enemies” (5:44). Are these not the statements of a pacifist?
I think it is very important to understand that the Bible distinguishes between individuals and groups such as nations. When Jesus says “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies,” these are commands to individuals not nations. A nation is not expected to stand by as an aggressor invades and attacks its sovereign domain. Moreover, these commands toward individuals are not meant to convey that we aren’t to defend ourselves or let others take advantage of us. The command to turn the other cheek is a command against retaliation, and the command to love your enemies is a command to adopt a different attitude toward those who oppose you.
Finally, let’s look at Jesus’ primary purpose during his first advent. Was his primary purpose to establish a model of pacifism? Clearly not! His goal was to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). In other words, his goal was the salvation of humanity, not to teach pacifism. This is further bolstered by the vivid imagery found in Revelation 19 of Jesus returning to earth as a conquering warlord (Revelation 19:11-21). Jesus was no pacifist. While I can respect the opinion of the conscientious objector crowd toward war, I don’t think they will find Biblical support for their view.
So what does the Bible say about war? In Ecclesiastes 3, the Teacher (commonly believed to be Solomon) says there is a time, or season, for everything “under the sun” (v. 1), including a time for war (v. 8). Does this mean that God condones war? I believe what it means is that there are times when war is necessary. We are a sinful people, and sinful people do sinful things. Expand this to the national level. Every country on this earth is full of sinful people, and that includes at the government level. When a nation becomes aggressive and begins to engage in a sinful war of aggression, then it becomes necessary to a) defend yourself and b) repel the aggressors.
Because of this theologians have developed the concept of a “just war.” That is a war that is justified based on certain criteria. The criteria were first defined by the early church father Augustine and further refined by the scholastic theologian Thomas Aquinas. They believed a war was justified if the following criteria were met:
- A war is justified if the intentions are pure and just—e.g., a war of self-defense against an evil aggressor.
- A war is justified if it is declared by a “competent government authority”—i.e., no “secret” wars, but everything done in the open with full accountability.
- A war is justified if all other avenues of negotiation have been exhausted—i.e., war as a last resort.
- A war is justified if the effects of not going to war are worse than the damage done during the war, or if the results of victory exceed the damage that the war will cause.
- A war is justified if it is fought is such a way that there is room for reconciliation after the conflict is over—i.e., the goal of war should never be the complete destruction of the other side.
- A war is justified if it is fought under the terms of limited engagement—i.e., no looting or harm done to noncombatants.
- A war is justified if there is at least a chance of victory.
- A war is justified if it allows for conscientious objectors.
We should be able to take all the wars in U.S. history and compare them against this list of criteria and determine if the U.S. was justified in going to war.
The next thing that typically comes up is the subject of “holy war.” Critics of the War on Terror claim that we’re waging a holy war against Islam. Some even liken this to a modern day crusades. While it is true that the Islamic terrorists believe they are waging jihad against the U.S., that doesn’t mean this is a holy war. Furthermore just because President Bush is an acknowledged Christian doesn’t make this a holy war. A holy war is a war that is initiated and commanded by God himself, and according to Biblical history, there is only one war that would qualify as a holy war and that is the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land by Joshua.
Again some will say that the holy war described in the book of Joshua doesn’t conform to the criteria of a just war described above. Looking at the conquest of Canaan in light of the criteria above we see that at the very least rules #5 and #6 were clearly violated (the war was a war of genocide and noncombatants were killed as God commanded the Canaanite women and children to be killed), and one could probably make the argument that rules #1, #3 and #4 might have also been violated. How do we answer these charges?
First and foremost, a holy war (initiated and commanded by God) is not the same as a just war (initiated and carried out by man). God cannot be held to our standards—he transcends them (Isaiah 55:8-9). Secondly, God is good (Psalm 34:8) and holy (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:11) and just (Deuteronomy 32:4), therefore if he declares a holy war we can be sure it will be in accord with God’s goodness, holiness and justice. Thirdly, war is a means that God uses to pass judgment on others. Israel’s holy war against the Canaanites was an act of judgment from a holy God on a wicked, immoral people, and God reserves the right to pass judgment on mankind (Acts 17:31). God also used foreign nations to judge his wayward people (see the book of Habakkuk).
As previously mentioned, there has only been one holy war recorded in Scripture. Therefore we can see this as an exception, not a norm. Throughout history many have claimed the title of holy war to justify their ambition, greed and avarice, but unless God literally commands a nation to wage war, you can’t call it a holy war no matter how noble the cause may appear.
Bottom Line: The Bible doesn’t condemn war, but neither does it condone war. It sees war as a necessary evil in a sin stained world. War is necessary to protect a country against an aggressor intent on expansion or conquest. Powerful countries, such as the United States, have the right to engage war not only to protect our sovereign interests, but also to combat evil in the world and protect those less fortunate. 60 years after the fact no one would really suggest that the United States should have stayed neutral in World War II. Clearly Germany was intent on a campaign of world conquest under an evil dictatorship. It is contingent upon nations of good conscience to stop evil wherever it lurks.
How about the current war in Iraq? Despite the claims of the “Michael Moore” crowd, I believe the war in Iraq (an extension of the greater War on Terror) is a just war. Saddam Hussein was clearly a dictator on the level of an Adolph Hitler. He was clearly in violation of every United Nations resolution they slapped on him regarding weapons of mass destruction (WMD’s). He was involved in the corrupt U.N. food for oil scandal. There are even links between him and Al Qaida—the terrorist group responsible for the attack on September 11th. There is no doubt in my mind that the United States was justified in going to war in Iraq, and if you measure this war with an objective mind, you will see it meets all eight criteria for a just war.
As the Teacher says, “there is a time for peace, and a time for war.”
There was no link between Hussein and Al Qaeda.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0406/p99s01-duts.html
This war was a lie and God hates liars. Proverbs 6:16-19
Whether or not the contents of the article are true, this was one of many reasons for the invasion. Tops on the list would be the boat load of UN resolution that Iraq basically ignored for allowing weapons inspectors. That is indisputable.
As a Christian U.S. Soldier, have been asked about this question many of times. Very good article!
I have only other question that maybe you can expound on a little more. That is, how do we separate what happened in the O.T., in requard to war, from what Christ has told us in the N.T. about “loving one another” and “turning the other cheek” etc.? Some see it as a double standard. He {God} allowed war in the O.T., but now condems it in the N.T. How do we balance the O.T. with the N.T. on this issue, when they seem to contridict each other?
Andrew,
First of all, thank you for your faithful service, not only to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but to our country as well. You are part of the reason my family and I can live safe from future terrorist attacks.
As to your question…the comparison is really one of apples and oranges. In other words, they are not equivalent situations. The OT holy wars in the book of Joshua were acts of divine judgment with Israel as the tool of that judgment. The NT prohibition against retaliation (“turn the other cheek”) is a command for individuals. As individuals, we are not to seek to retaliate against those who insult (the slap on the cheek was not meant to hurt, but to insult) or injure us.
However, a nation has a duty to protect its citizens, and sometimes that means going to war to do so.
I hope that helps in answering your question.
Carl
Great article, adding it to my bookmarks!
Just read some other comments on your blog, and I agree with the general impression, your doing a great job!Keep it up!
Your writing style is quite a god guide for me if you like – I have recently started my own blog and I am really struggling to write articles!
You are not educated enough on this topic. You have never served a minute in Iraq…this statment make you look like loone..You need to talk to a real soldier- me- that has spent two tours over there as an infantrymen.
These people were happy– they say it…they might have had issues, but they had medicall plumbing and food..you have no idea what your saying..your not using logic…
Your bible can’t answer everything…I am a preachers son and I believe in God, and no way is your statement on target..this is so sad.
Saddam had nothing to do with 9-11 there is no proof…show it.
There are even links between him and Al Qaida—the terrorist group responsible for the attack on September 11th. There is no doubt in my mind that the United States was justified in going to war in Iraq, and if you measure this war with an objective mind, you will see it meets all eight criteria for a just war.
David,
First of all, thank you for your service to our country! I appreciate all people who serve in the military!
As to your criticisms of my article. Your logic that since I haven’t served in Iraq disqualifies me from commenting on the war is invalid. The reasons for going to war have been argued in the public square for some time now, and I believe that I, or anyone else, can make judgments based on what’s known; and by everything known to date, the war on terrorism is a just war by my standards (and Biblical standards). Furthermore, your comments about the ‘happiness’ of the Iraqis before being liberated flies smack in the face of the majority report from your fellow servicemen and people who have actually been there. Are you telling me that the Iraqis were better off with Saddam Hussein running things? Pardon me for saying, but that’s just crazy. History has proved time and time again that authoritarian governments (which is what Iraq was under Hussein) deprive people of their fundamental rights of liberty and justice. Iraq had violated numerous UN resolutions regarding the limitations placed on Iraq after Gulf War I, and prior to the war there was overwhelming evidence that Iraq was developing WMD’s.
Bottom Line is that you had an oppressive, dictatorial regime who was repressing his people and was hell-bent on our destruction and had ties to Al-Queda. Furthermore, this regime was basically sticking it to the International community and was involved in numerous illegal deals in direct violation to dozens of UN resolutions (I again submit the oil for food scandal). The war is justified.
I again thank you for your service, but I must respectfully and emphatically disagree with you.
Someday you will realize that your wrong. Someday you wil realize that the people you have talked to are not in the infantry.
Someday you will read my book and then I hope you a wake.]
I have so many Iraqi people on the record saying they were better off.
Please my man don’t make a fool out of yourself. You don’t know what your are talking about it..You are smart…I know you are..but you are listening to the wring people..Since this a christian sight- I can see why you write like this..nothing against it..However.your crazy statment was really below you…
Spend one day on the ground- instead of in your house in the states and you will change your mind…I am so sorry for us soldiers that have lost brothers that they have to read this…Sorry man..your never going to get truth reading some report….wow that is how we are in America. cnn bound…
good luck and stick to something you know.
Andrew, first off thanks for your service. My brother is currently a Marine in Iraq, and it is very encouraging to hear that you are a Christian. True Christian soldiers are not easy to find. I would like to try to answer you question about the Old and New Testament. Malachi 3:6 says “I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not comsumed, O sons of Jacob.” I know that this is in the Old Testament and therefor I will give you New Testament skripture on this topic. James 1:17 says “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, WITH WHOM THERE IS NO VARIATION OR SHADOW OF TURNING.” As humans, we question many things. I know that war is a terrible thing, but this does not mean that it is not sometimes necessary. I believe that being a skilled soldier is a gift from above. I truly believe that God’s plan for me is to serve in the military. Because of this, I often question if wars are necessary. I have to keep reminding myself though of what it means to murder. To murder someone, means to kill them out of selfishness and anger. I agree with Carl that “Turn the other cheek” was directed to individuals. To prove that war can be necessary, look back to World War Two. Germany and Japan would not have stopped if they had not been forced. War is a terrible thing, but it is the only answer sometimes. “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”-Edmund Burke. This is why I agree with what is going on in Iraq. Although I have not been to Iraq, I do believe that we are doing the right thing. If Hussein had nothing to do with it, he sure did a good job of making it seem like he did. He did not negotiate with many UN solutions. That is fact. He had to be stopped. If my brother is killed over there, he did not die in vain, at least not in my eyes. The main thing is though, above all, trust Christ. I need to work on this definitely. Without our faith in Christ, we are nothing.
Carl is a loon mal…I am sorry..nothing he says is even on target
David, I definitely respect your opinion, and I am aware that you have been to Iraq, and I have not. I watched this documentary called “Brothers at War.” It is about a man who has two brothers serving in Iraq, and he goes over there to see why there is such a strong brotherhood. There is an Iraqi man in that video who is recorded praising the US troops and saying that we are doing good over there. I was just wondering, do you think that any good for the Iraqi people has come out of this war?
Ok..I will try to sum this up with out sounding mean and hateful..
They like us because we give them money an medical equipment. They take are kindness for weakness..this is when we come back to their house and teach them a lesson. That lesson is defined in many ways, and I will not share that hear. The war has destroyed familes far and wide. While in Iraq I wrote a book and wrote for a paper about the war, and everytime I did I wanted to scream..we are wasting time. Mal…I thank you for your honesty and respectful d-log. I think america has lost the vision and we will never win…Mal. I know it sounds terrible and not positive, but for everyone you kill there are 4 to take there evil place. for every person we kill in a tribe, the tribe then becomes are foe…think of it like that. The guy that served me a drink on 150 degree day, the next day was killed and his whole family…Mal..the truth is…listen to that side of yourself that you don’t want to..Ok I am not sounding like the guy up there…but just believe me..this is a waste..I feel for the kids and women who will die for nothing…