Before I broadcast my view on military activism among Christians it must first be known that I am defending the idea of war in general and am not advocating any specific wars that our country has engaged in. Countless times during and since my military service I have been queried on whether Christians can truly follow the teachings of Christ while serving in the armed forces. I always thought the answer was a simple yes, and still do, but there exist arguments that cause many to peruse the Scriptures more deeply for an accurate answer — and for that I rejoice.
John 15:12-13 says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Accordingly we are to reflect the love that Christ displayed toward us. Christ died so that we may have life. A trip to Arlington National Cemetery will reveal many who did just that. Even though not everyone resting there died with the intent of reflecting Christ, we do know they knew that their sacrifice was for the betterment of others. Many who served were believers and had the same mind as that of Christ.
Fighting for freedom
We cannot serve as the substitutionary atonement for our sin, but we are to follow God’s command in loving even to the point of death. Children have lined the streets of Iraq and Afghanistan holding up signs with phrases such as “Thank you U.S. Troops” and “Thank you President Bush.” They are thanking the troops for their efforts in alleviating their fear of the terrorists who once occupied their streets, killing at will. When you see those signs held up you know your efforts are righteous. To do nothing while terrorism reigns is not exactly “loving your neighbor.”
Making efforts to free the oppressed even if that means picking up a weapon and braving the evil like David did whenever the Philistines attacked is more fitting of a Christian than asking the U.S. Secretary of Defense to sit down with Osama Bin Laden for a cup of tea to negotiate the cessation of hostilities against the innocent.
Defending justice
These ideas are simply not realistic. Certain situations call for assertive military actions. James tells us to entertain the fight for social justice; however, the movement has unfortunately become more trendy than a genuine concern. Many only see the side that feeds the poverty stricken, aids the sick and puts TOMS on the feet of the poor. Though these efforts are reflective of Christ there is more to the picture than the aforementioned.
As a longtime supporter of the International Justice Mission and a sponsor of two adorable children in Africa, I recognize the need for freeing the oppressed outside of military operations, but I also have observed the need for greater force. Sometimes evil demands an aggressive response, different from an evil response. Here’s one for you Invisible Children gurus out there: In October 2011 our government sent 100 Special Forces soldiers into Africa in a campaign to dethrone Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army. Kony, who claims to be a Christian, leads a force that is responsible for raping and murdering thousands while trafficking many children into combative roles. Service members don’t have to put their lives on the line — they choose to so that the defenseless may live. That, my friends, is social justice.
Pacifists would argue Romans 12, “do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” But our response isn’t evil. It is good. It’s freeing those who are oppressed by evil. Pacifists will also invoke their freedom of speech to speak out against the military. This is ironic considering that the very audience they slander are those who ensure their freedom.
Friends, I do not favor war. I do not hope for war. I simply see the grievous necessity for it.
