CAN CHRISTIANS JOIN THE MILITARY?
Key Facts
The percentage of those in the armed forces who are self-proclaimed Christians, including Catholics, is around 60% to 65%.[1]
Highly religious evangelicals (high church attendance and praying often) are more likely to join the military compared to their highly religious non-evangelical counterparts.[2]
Key Scriptures
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
Matthew 8:5-7 “When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.’ Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?’”
Romans 13:3-4 “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”
1 Timothy 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
2 Tim. 2:3-4 “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”
Want to Know More?
https://www.barna.com/research/faith-influences-military-service/
Politics According to the Bible by Wayne Grudem, Chapter 11 on National Defense.
Application
War is a regular part of the biblical narrative and human history. It has taken place in virtually every society since the beginning of time. War is part of living in a world riddled with sin. Even during the time of Noah, God says that the earth was full of violence and that this was a result of sinful people (Gen. 6:11-13). Wars may result from various reasons, but in many cases there are atrocious, genocides, and acts of violence against vulnerable groups that may compel a country to go to war. With war being an unavoidable part of life in a sinful world, how should Christians think about joining the armed forces?
How Does the Bible Speak of Soldiers?
There are significant reasons to believe that God uses soldiers to protect and defend those who cannot defend themselves.
The first reason is that the Bible often paints soldiers in a positive light. There are multiple biblical passages in which Jesus and others show respect for soldiers (Joel 3:9; Acts 10:7). In Matthew 8, Jesus makes no comment about the job of the centurion, but instead praises the centurion for his faith. Even after the man describes aspects of his job in detail, Jesus states that He has “not found such great faith with anyone in Israel (Matt. 8:9-10).
The Bible speaks very positively of soldiers in indirect ways as well. This is done both by comparing the life of a believer to that of a soldier for Christ (2 Timothy 2:3) and by praising those who sacrifice themselves for others (John 15:13; 1 Cor. 9:7). By comparing Christians to soldiers, Paul is revealing his own respect for the work of a soldier. Soldiers often go to battle and even die on behalf of what they value. This is a noble sacrifice and Paul recognizes that in his writing.
The Bible also gives a moral code specifically for soldiers. In Luke 3:14, soldiers ask John the Baptist a question of how to respond to his message of the coming savior and John the Baptist responded saying, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” While not comprehensive, this moral code demonstrates a couple of significant things. First, John the Baptist tells them how to act within the job and context they already work and live. They are not asked to find another profession or to even attempt to do so. This is in line with Paul’s teaching to “remain in the situation [each person] was in when he was called” (1 Cor. 7:20). Second, they are taught to use their power justly, not lie, and be satisfied with their wages. These are all important practical teachings for people in the military today. Even as they seek to follow their governmental orders, their true reverence for God is shown through their work by their justice, honesty, and contentment.
That being said, there are many soldiers who are recorded in a poor light. However, this is for the poor decisions that they made, not because of their station. Luke 23:11 records soldiers mocking Jesus along with those in power above them. This shows that a soldier can do dishonorable things in the sight of God even as they follow their commanding officers.
A Split Allegiance?
An additional concern of many is that a Christian soldier may have split allegiances, both to God and country. Is this a necessary result of service in a nation’s military?
War is never an easy and simple response to a problem. Wars result in casualties and are quite tragic, regardless of the circumstances or justifications which may have led to it. In many cases, soldiers may have to trust the wisdom of their commanding officers as they seek to find the best solution to a problem. However, in certain situations a soldier may have to make a decision concerning their allegiance. If a soldier is being commanded to follow an order which is in opposition to the commands of God, the allegiance to God trumps an allegiance to one’s government or commanding officer. Unlike the Roman centurion who had faith in Jesus, the soldiers who mocked and ridiculed Jesus at his crucifixion demonstrated an allegiance to government over faith in God (Matt. 27:27-31). They could have chosen to follow God, but they chose to follow the path of those in power above them. These verses highlight that soldiers, like civilians, have the opportunity and responsibility to follow God even when the cost may be high.
The Concern of Violence
Whether or not a Christian should kill is a significant concern of many who oppose Christian participation or support of the military. However, killing in self-defense is different from the murder prohibited throughout the Bible (Exodus 20:13). Killing an enemy in war is a form of societal and national self-defense done under the authority which God gives to the government (referred to as the “sword” in Romans 13:4). In the case that the opposing government or group seeks to bring about injustice, there is a need to fight for justice and to preserve the lives of those you are sworn to protect. As seen in 1 Timothy 5:8, a believer is called to protect those of his home. As unjust groups threaten the safety of a home, it is self-defense to bring about justice for these individuals.
Conclusion
There will be questionable political decisions concerning wars and violence. However, the role of a soldier is a positive one and is highly respected by the biblical narrative. The Scriptures appear to show that it is permissible, and possibly even honorable, for Christians to defend those unable to defend themselves by joining the military.
[1] Military Leadership Diversity Commission, “Religious Diversity in the U.S. Military.”