To Kill Or Not To Kill- That Is Not The Question
An Open Letter To Bro. Ralph Edmunson.
Dear Bro. Edmunson, I feel I am in a position to answer your request for authority from the scriptures concerning "If a Christian Can Kill or Not." However, I feel that this is not the question at hand, when dealing with the war question! While it is true that a Christian would have to kill if he went to war, have you ever stopped to think for a moment what would happen if he did not go to war! That is the thought at hand and may I be allowed to clarify myself in relationship to God's word — for after all this is certainly what we are interested in; does God condone one who might have to kill?
The reason I mention I feel I am in a position to look possibly more closely at all this, is because I was once in the position of being drafted into the armed forces of our country. I was deferred. But not because of spiritual reasons! But because I have had lung surgery in the past. Why did I not plead conscientious objector? Why did I not say: -I am a christian, therefore I cannot Kill!'"? Because that is simply not the question at hand!!
Well, just what is the question? Why be concerned? And where is the scriptural proof justifying a Christian going to war? These are the aspects we must consider!
I submit to you that the question is not whether to kill or not but rather to protect, defend, or be destroyed? That is the question!! There is obviously a major difference between defending, protecting as opposed to aggression, tyranny. Let me say, I am not going to discuss the Vietnam crisis in detail, but as we are concerned about it, it must be mentioned somewhat. I sincerely believe the scriptures authorize a Christian to defend and protect himself and his loved ones or if you prefer his country too — for here are located many members of the body of Christ — our spiritual family. In I Timothy 5:8 we find "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." Certainly this means more than clothing and shelter! It means "providing" the things they need to live. This would necessarily include protection from things which might harm them! So yes — Bro. Edmunson, I would go and fight if it meant saving and protecting my loved ones. I contend if I did not, if I did not strive to protect them in every way possible, I am worse than an infidel! If not why not? Yes — I could rightly go to Vietnam, for there we are opposing a threat which is capable of destroying us all! This is the goal of communism — to enslave the world. I hope you understand my point. Again it is simply this: I contend and believe that the scriptures authorize a Christian to defend and protect his loved ones. From your article in the March 5 Gospel Guardian, it is obvious you do not believe this for there you have stated and I quote you: "If prevent the murder from taking place by slaying the criminal, one soul is dead . . . . I have sent a soul to hell." Bro. Edmunson you have done nothing of the sort! But I will say that if you stand by and let the would be murderer become one, you are an accomplice to the crime and at the same time have failed to protect a loved one! According to this reasoning — if a man is going to take my life — I am to let him, for if I happen to kill him in the process of keeping him from taking my life, I am a murderer. This is erroneous! Even the laws of the land term it self defense. Would God hold a man responsible for protecting and saving his own life?? Would God hold a man accountable for protecting the lives of his loved ones — at the cost of someone which might harm them?? I think not! God has instilled in man the natural laws of self-preservation. Shall we go against them??
The same people which are against going to war are also against capitol punishment. They offer the scriptures you offered, Matt. 5:44 (Thou shall not kill) etc. Again, may I ask: Does Jesus mean here that you are to let the enemy kill you and yours with no right of self defense or self-preservation?? Now don't try and tell me "Well, Jesus didn't fight back when they killed Him." This is obviously true — but it was God's will that Christ die. It is not God's will that we die!! But it is God's will that we live in humble servitude unto Him!! (Rom. 12:1-2) Will we rob God of our servitude, by failing to protect our lives??? If I follow your ideas and attitude, I most certainly shall.
Now if you don't think a man can be a Christian and in the armed forces at the same time, you are mistaken. Notice some Biblical proof: In Acts 10 we find the man Cornelius was a centurion (a leader over many men in the Italian army), in this status — yet a devout man before God. (verse 2)
In Matt. 7 we find the story of a centurion who was commended because of his great and fantastic faith. (verse 10)
As I mentioned previously there is a great difference between defending and aggressing in warfare. You are right in one respect. There is no scripture for a Christian or anyone else for that matter to aggress upon anyone! Vengeance belongeth to the Lord. (Rom. 12:19) Furthermore we are to live in peace, as much as possible, with all men. (Heb. 12:14) And we are to provide and protect our own!!
No, I am not a violent person. I have never been, nor will I ever try to be. But I love my family and my life which I am using to proclaim the gospel of Christ. I love them enough to keep them clean (from filth of the flesh) as free from sin as possible. And I love them enough to die for them too!! I know you know, Bro. Edmunson, that anything worth having is worth fighting for, before we will let anyone harm it. We use the sword of the spirit to defeat spiritual error and untruths. We fight (spiritually) in debate form to oppose institutionalism, etc. because we know in doing such, we protect the body of Christ. Now — what shall we protect our homes, friends, families and nation with, but with armies of defense!!
— 601 Ave. "H", Hereford, Texas 79045