Christians are followers of Jesus Christ. They believe that He is God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, who came to earth over 2,000 years ago. They try to follow His example and to observe His teachings.
There are approximately 2.1 billion Christians living in all parts of the world today. Invariably, at any specific time, some of them will be involved in wars or lesser battles, decided upon by their government leaders. These conflicts may be at variance with basic Christian beliefs and doctrine. When caught up in these situations, how should Christions react?
Christians believe they have dual citizenship. Through Baptism, they have become children of God and heirs of heaven. On earth, they are citizens of a variety of nations. Which loyalty takes precedence?
In the following reflections on patriotism, war, and service to country, the writer will share her views on these topics, and finally, attempt to answer the above questions.
Patriotism
Patriotism is defined as a love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it. It is a virtue instilled from childhood in young people from every civilized nation. Because of it, citizens are willing to pay taxes, obey just laws, engage in politics and enter public service.
However, it must be remembered that nations, and borders are human constructs. In ancient times, primitive tribes roamed the earth, concerned only with finding food and shelter to ensure survival. They were completely unhindered by manmade boundaries. Our ancestors knew instinctively that the earth belonged to everyone.
When asked by a certain lawyer, just whom he should consider a neighbor, Jesus replied by telling the parable of "The Good Samaritan" (Luke 10: 29-37). With this parable, Jesus indicated that all people are neighbors, regardless of national borders or cultural differences. He also instructed His followers to love their neighbors as much as they loved themselves.
War
War is a state of armed conflict between nations. In other words, during war, neighbors in the global community seek to injure or kill one other. War is evil. It causes suffering, death, grief, poverty, and it is a waste of resources which should be used for the betterment of all humanity.
It is significant to note that those who sit in plush offices and order others into armed conflict are seldom the ones to do the actual suffering, fighting, or dying. In thiswriter's opinion, they will have much for which to answer in the world to come.
There are recognized principles under which a "just war" may be fought:
(a) It can waged only as a last resort.
(b) It must be waged by a legitimate authority.
(c) It can only be fought as a defence against armed attack or to redress a wrong suffered.
(d) It must have a reasonable chance of success.
(e) The ultimate goal must be to re-establish peace.
(f) The violence used must be proportional to the injury suffered
(g) The weapons used must target combatants and not civilians.
If all these principles are satisfied, a Christian may engage in war when requested or compelled to do so by the legitimate authority of his home country.
Service to Country
There are a plethora of ways in which to serve one's country. In essence, a nation is the grand sum of the people. the land and the resources contained therein. These may served by those working in any type of public service, in resource development or maintenance, in agriculture, forestry, or any form of environmental improvement. In fact, anyone who works and pays taxes can be considered to be serving the interests of his country.
Now, to answer the initial questions:
How should a Christian react when encouraged or drafted to serve in an unjust war?
If possible, he should register as a "conscientious objector". Otherwise, he may request a position away from the front lines, in an office, recruiting station or training facility, where he won't be required to kill or injure another human being. If he is established in a career considered necessary on the home front, such as that of a farmer, head of a necessary service or business, or a member of the National Guard, he may be excused from being sent to the battle zone.
Which loyalty takes precedence, that of obeying God and His laws, or that of following the orders of a national earthly leader?
There is no contest. Leaders come and go, nations rise and fall, but God and God's kingdom are eternal. With the help of God's grace and the use of human intelligence, Christians may, as Jesus did, sometimes find an acceptable compromise: " Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21
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