Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

A ? for those that are religous and in the miltary?

I have always wondered how those in the military that directly cause the death of another by the firing a weapon rationalize this when it's in direct conflict with the 10 Commandments.

I'm an Atheist but was raised as a Protestant. I quit going to church when I got my drivers license and my parents quit driving me (I would go to the arcade at the mall ! lol). I just didn't buy it (the Bible) or any of it sounds made up to me.

I spent 6 years in the special forces in the Navy from 89-95. I fear no repercussions from my actions while serving my country because of my belief system. So for me doing what had to be done was never an issue.

Update:

Hogie:

I display a gross ignorance. you are the loser that spent 25 years in a cult not me..lol

11 Answers

Relevance
  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I'm with you on this one and it's something I've never understood. I think for many christians it's a matter of perspective and how the bible is translated - many attrocities throughout history have been justified because the words and translations were twisted to fit peoples' cultural, ideological, political and sociological beliefs and economic desires (I'm not talking about just money but economics in a broader sense). Even within the christian faith, among different churches there is dissent and disagreement - even the last pope shunned the war in Iraq.

    I've never seen where it says "Thou shall not murder". Maybe in some crackpot's freako translation. Where does it explain the difference in reference to the sixth commandment in the bible, I'd like to have someone educate me on this. Killing is killing, whether it's murder or during wartime. I support the troops (not this dumbass war), was in the Navy myself, am against the death penalty, and I'm am also an athiest. And religious folks think they have the market cornered on morality, ha!

  • 1 decade ago

    Well, Im sorry to hear that you have given up on the Bible & God-Im sure you will find your way back though.

    My husband is currently enlisted in the AF. He issupporting the war mission right now.

    I have had the same questions before and was refered to read here.....

    Bible.com-Bible Answers-What Does The Bible Say About War?

    The articles will answer all of your questions/concerns Sir. Thank You for your time and your service in the Military!

    God Bless you.. and I mean that...and not trying to offend you either.

  • 1 decade ago

    The answer to this question in my eye's is relatively simple.

    But we as Christan's, and even atheist read the bible and interpret from a human point of view, this our first mistake.

    We are not as most people would say "just human beings", We are all children of god, we are all the same in god's eye's.

    But we kill each other in the name of God, somehow this just doesn't sound right to me.

    I guess the best way for me to try and answer this question, is to ask a question, "Would God Be Proud"

    Source(s): From my heart...
  • 1 decade ago

    I don't see what the issue is. If you are referring to the 6th commandment, "you shall not murder" then there is no issue. If I have to kill someone to save my life or the lives of others because that person is trying to kill me and/or them, there is no issue. There is nothing wrong with self defense or defending others, and it doesn't contradict scripture at all. And if it turns out that such a situation would actually be sin, then I'm sure I am forgiven, through the righteousness that is imputed to my through Christ.

    Source(s): Army since 1999, Christian since 2005
  • Hogie
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    No wonder you are an atheist, seeing as you are so utterly ignorant regarding the Bible.

    Christians are not bound to the requirements or conditions of a covenant law that ended a very long time ago.

    Better you stay to what you do know than to dabble in religious issues like this; you only display a gross ignorance on the subject.

    .

  • As I always say to such people, practice what you preach. Violence is never the answer, regardless of the situation.

  • 1 decade ago

    Our church teaches that it really is about where your heart is at while in combat. If what you want is bloodshed and revenge then it isnt in the best place. If you are doing your duty without this bloodlust in your heart then you are probably in the state of mind you should be in while doing this duty and keeping your beliefs.

    Only God can judge these type of situations. Military defense and action is important for all societies.

  • 1 decade ago

    Thanks for your service to our nation.

    I am a chaplain candidate in the US Army Reserve (and ordained Baptist minister), so I am particularly intrigued by your question.

    Short answer...if you study out the context of the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" (KJV) - the application is to the individual and involves murder and/or manslaughter. It does not pertain to capital punishment or military service. This is seen by the fact that most modern English translations present the commandment as "Do not murder."

    That's the short answer. I don't have time or space to give you a longer answer. Suffice it to say that I support military service and see no inconsistency with my Christian faith.

  • 1 decade ago

    I've asked a similar question - and the Christians who answered explained that the commandment is actually "Though shall not MURDER." - and killing someone during war time - is not considered murder - or a sin.

    Namaste!

  • sammy
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    good question. same applies to the death penalty. true bible followers would have to be conscientious objectors, as many were

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.