Christians serving in Armed Forces

[rejoice]

I would like to know what the Biblical stand is for Bro. Ben and others on Christians serving in the Armed Forces. (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force)
Thank you.

[Brother Ben]

I believe there are things that are asked of military personell that are contrary to the principles of N.T. Christianity. When one joins the military there is a vow, as it were, made commiting to unquestioned obedience to standard (and some non-standard) procedures and authorities. While rendering unto Ceasar the things required, one might have to violate biblical teachings. If you have contemplated a balanced view of nonresistence, it is hard to justify involvment in the military.

I have not come to the same conclusion Mennonites have come to denying involvment in any government service. However, I would give a word of carefulness about that because of some of the very ungodly and unscriptural things that civil government can become involved in.

Tertullian, a Christian historian in the early centuries of the church said the following:

In that last section, decision may seem to have been given likewise concerning military service...But now inquiry is made about this point, whether a believer may turn himself unto military service, and whether the military may be admitted unto the faith, even the rank and file, or each inferior grade, to whom there is no necessity for taking part in sacrifices or capital punishments. There is no agreement between the divine and the human sacrament, the standard of Christ and the standard of the devil, the camp of light and the camp of darkness. One soul cannot be due to two masters - God and Caesar. (The Writings of Tertullian, Part First - Apologetic (Cont.) Chap. XIX. - Concerning Military Service)

The writing is a little ambiguous because of it's antiquity, but I think the basic concern is voiced, there are sacrifices required that could be against a Christians conscience.

I believe it is best to free oneself from involvment in any service that hinders the testimony of Christ. Now having said that I know that we all have things that are less than ideal, but we should pray and work toward the day that we can achieve a more ideal Christian existance.

I would encourage you to read the "nonresistence" post at coveredbaptists.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=theology&action=display&thread=1121569691

Hopefully some helpful thoughts,

Bro. Ben

[rejoice]

Dear Bro. Ben,
Thank you for your thorough response.
Would you allow a military family to join your church? (Husband in military).