When It's Right to Fight — Part 1
October 23, 2002

The war on terrorism is expanding and the implications are clear: there are battles to be fought. Our nation finds itself in the unenviable position of prosecuting a war that is neither nuclear nor conventional. The debate continues as to how we should go after terrorists. They are not an organized army representing a nation's power. They are not identifiable by any military dress. Even haircuts do not set them apart!

Through the ages arguments have raged over the appropriateness of war. Men and women of the highest caliber have been divided over the issue of war. There are those who are so adamantly opposed to war and the physical violence associated with it that they nearly become apoplectic with the thought that it could even occur. Conversely, the other side seems ready to accept any excuse to bring down national wrath upon the heads of an enemy.

As a Christian, I have been approached with this dilemma numerous times over the years. Just a couple of weeks ago a friend e-mailed me asking me how he should respond to his teenaged son who believes it's wrong to kill - ever. It was late in the evening and my body was complaining that it had been a long day. However, I knew I needed to respond right away or I probably wouldn't get to it. So, indulge me a bit as I share with you my take on the issue of war and whether a Christian should fight.

First, you need to know that I come from a military family. My father attended Texas A&M University in the late '20s and early '30s when the school still had a strong military program. My stepfather enlisted in the Marine Corps during WWII at age 31. I had a cousin who was a Marine during Korea, serving as a judo instructor. My brother enlisted in the Marines in '64 and was selected to go to flight school right out of boot camp. He served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, returning with a chest full of medals. He stayed in the reserve and retired in '97 as a Colonel. At present, my brother's son is a Marine pilot flying attack helicopters. I enlisted in the Marines in '69 and did a tour in Nam. It was during this time that I came to know Christ as my Savior. I continued in the Marine reserve so as to be a witness for Christ to my fellow Marines. After finishing seminary, I was serving a church in Fresno when I was approached with the idea of becoming a Navy chaplain. A year later I was commissioned as a naval officer and have continued in that capacity to this day.

I make no bones about being patriotic. The United States is the greatest country in the world, not just now, but ever. Read your history. I have been privileged to travel around the world and have witnessed some of the most ravaged of countries, where simple existence is a major accomplishment. I have visited orphaned children on the streets of foreign cities that have a small meal of rice every few days. I have lived in countries where martial law was imposed. That's where the local law enforcement and the military shoot first and ask questions later. I've been in countries where if you didn't slip the cops a few bucks you wouldn't get past the border. These and many other reasons are why I'm proud to be an American. It's why I've been known upon returning to American soil to kneel and kiss the ground. I thank God for America!

Second, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. Specifically, those who have wandered from God; who have rebelled against our heavenly Father; who need to be forgiven of their sin. That includes all of us, friend. Ironically, we have been at war with God because of our sinfulness. The night Jesus was born, the angels declared, "Peace on earth, goodwill to men." What peace? Not the absence of war, but a peace between man and God. This is initiated by Jesus, who paid the price for my sin on the cross. Then it's up to me to accept his payment on my behalf. That's when salvation occurs. So the issue of war begins with us and our rebelliousness.

Third, the Bible has much to say about war and fighting. You can't read very far in the Old Testament before you encounter fighting and warfare. Some of it man initiated. Some of it God initiated. There are those who will say that the Bible reveals two Gods, or two sides of the same God. There's the God of war and judgment, more clearly seen in the Old Testament. And there is the God of love and forgiveness in the New Testament. The trouble is God's many characteristics are revealed throughout the scripture, not just in one place over another. You want to talk about war and judgment! Just check out the book of Revelation at the end of the New Testament. Wow! And it's been preordained by God to wipe out sin and rebellion on earth once and for all.

Next week I will continue with Part II, looking more closely at individual responsibility when it comes to fighting and warfare.