Torch, Spring/Summer 2008

The Christian at War 12 TORCH A low-lying intellectual fog covers these United States as we plod toward the 2008 election. It is a mist created by war … and thickened by the question of a Christian’s place within one. Should we join the military? Should we engage? Should we even support it? These questions do not only divide globally, but within the Christian faith. And although it’s certainly not a new debate, the answers continue to carry significant implications for all of society. Consider that even the early church chose sides. Some denied that a genuine Christian could join the army, since fighting involved killing and killing is murder. Others argued just as vehemently that it was not a sin to go to battle, so long as the order to kill was part of the legitimate military objective. Intentionally killing civilians was, and always will be, wrong. In time, Christians became a regular part of the Roman army … and continued to fight with the armies of the Germanic kingdoms from the fifth century on. Still, the question of war remained. And then Augustine (354–430) entered the picture. He became the first Christian to develop a theory of a just war, with relatively simple tenets rooted in his interpretation of Scripture. by Marc Clauson, Ph.D. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. William Greer, U.S. Air Force. (Released)