Several months ago, a talk show host screamed at me on the air,
“Tell me one place where Jesus told people to raise an army or to arm themselves?” As I paused to think, I realized this “friendly” interview had turned to the attack-dog mode and I was the unsuspecting victim. “You call yourself a minister!” the sneering voice went on to proclaim, “I know that it makes you feel good --- being in meetings with the President….”
The call became so insulting that I simply hung up. Later, I thought about how often self-righteous people with no biblical framework attempt to critique organized religion’s motives and our faithfulness to Christ’s teachings.
The Bible clearly says that believers should obey their own government and the laws of the land (Romans 13:4-8). In addition, the scriptures give government the responsibility to collect taxes, perform capital punishment, and wage war, along with a myriad of other protective responsibilities. Vigilantism based on personal whim or insult is foreign to our faith. If governments don’t do their jobs well, war may become an unwanted result of anarchy or political license.
So what does the Bible teach about dealing with rogue regimes? The answer is clear. From the Old Testament to the New, we see God backing one army versus another – one group over another. God often intervened on behalf of Israel or God-fearing Israelis in battles and civil wars in the scriptures.
Don’t get me wrong; I am not advocating a Christian jihad or some reactionary civil movement. I am just saying that sometimes evil raises its ugly head and must be addressed. For example, most rational people today would say that Hitler was evil and that his military agenda had to be stopped. I thank God that my father, my uncle, and other relatives enlisted in the military and fought for freedom. I am also thankful for the brave young men and women that fight for us today. They are heroes.
The answer to the talk show hosts question is found in Luke 22:36. Astonishingly, told His disciples to go and buy some swords. The “turn-the-other-cheek” teacher actually had a balanced worldview. He did not advocate living as a servant of violence, yet he was not opposed to his disciples owning weapons.
It’s easier to be an absolute hawk or dove---for or against war-- than it is to be a fully devoted follower of Christ. What the Lord is looking for is wise stewardship of all earthly power including political, monetary, and military power. What is needed in America are equal doses of realism, emotional sobriety, and faith.