Type of Doctrine: Debated But Typically Tertiary (see explanation below)
"Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?"
-Luke 14:31 ESV
Why Does It Matter?
War, or the threat of war, somehow is always looming around. It seems like we're faced with two options; we're either in an ongoing war or the threat of going to war. But is going to war biblical? If so, when is it biblical to do so? This article will cover the three main views on war.
This is typically viewed as a tertiary issue (i.e., Christians typically are content to remain in the same church if they disagree). However, it is possible for this issue to rise to a secondary issue or, perhaps, even a primary issue.
What Is It?
War is an armed conflict between nations, or groups within nations, for a variety of reasons (which are not always seen as valid reasons). Clearly, there are serious ethical considerations from a biblical standpoint.
However, thinking biblically and theologically is not as clear-cut on this issue as it may seem. One reason is the problem of trying to harmonize the Old Testament with the New Testament. The authors of the New Dictionary of Theology elaborate,
In the OT many passages endorse armed conflict, such as Dt. 7 and 20 and the war narratives of Joshua, Judges and Samuel. Although these are used by some Christians to justify their participation in war, others point out that Israel was a theocratic state, and that in NT times there is no state where God is king, but rather that he deals with humanity through an international body, the church, distinct from any political unit and composed of individuals from all races and nationalities who profess faith in Jesus Christ. (714)This is the problem that arises on a macro-level. What are we, as new covenant believers, to believe about war? How do we harmonize it with the Old Testament?
Moreover, there is also a problem on a micr0-level. What are we supposed to do with the ethical teachings of Jesus? Again, the New Dictionary of Theology explains,
Another problem arises . . . over the directions that Jesus gave to his followers. He seems to indicate that they must be non-violent [see Matt. 5:39 and Matt. 5:44] . . . Because Christians are citizens of national states in addition to being members of the church, it has seemed to most of them that these words should be interpreted in a way that allows believers to fight for their country. (Ibid.)Thus, Christians have generally thought of war according to three views: (1) crusade; (2) just war; and (3) pacifism. (These will be explained further in the chart below)
Here are a few key Scriptures on the topic of war:
Exodus 15:3 ESV | 3 The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is his name.
Exodus 20:13 ESV | 13 "You shall not murder.
Deuteronomy 20:1 ESV | 1 "When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
Proverbs 20:18 ESV | 18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.
Proverbs 21:31 ESV | 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 ESV | 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Joel 3:9-10 ESV | 9 Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. 10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, "I am a warrior."
Zechariah 10:5 ESV | 5 They shall be like mighty men in battle, trampling the foe in the mud of the streets; they shall fight because the LORD is with them, and they shall put to shame the riders on horses.
Matthew 24:6 ESV | 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
Matthew 5:9 ESV | 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:38-39 ESV | 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 10:34 ESV | 34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
John 18:36 ESV | 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."
Romans 13:1-5 ESV | 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 ESV | 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
Ephesians 6:12 ESV | 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Revelation 12:7-8 ESV | 7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
Before exploring the views, one practical consideration is in order. How should countries respond when an evil ruler is seeking to advance an evil agenda (e.g., Adolf Hitler)? (This consideration presents more of problem for pacificism than the other views.)
The 3 Main Views on War
The following chart is primarily based on the information found in the ESV Study Bible in the article titled, "War" (2554-2555).
View | Description |
Crusade | War is the most effective way to stop resistance and establish an ideal social order. Typically, it is led by a religious figure, does not compromise, and dominates and destroys the opponent. Biblically, this type of war can only be selected by God's directive. (Famously, in the Middle Ages, some carried out crusades and, tragically, violated Scripture and caused shame on the church.) |
Just War | War is sometimes necessary in order to "resist or reverse specific unjust actions taken by one government or nation against another, but it also insists that war is always regrettable, is always something to avoid if possible, and is never to be used to establish some new vision of a social order" (2554). This theory argues from many Scriptures which address war (including Jesus' own comment in Luke 14:31). Moreover, some point out that there are soldiers in the New Testament who became Christians. Additionally, just war adherents argue that while Jesus told Peter not to use his sword, he didn't tell him to throw it away (and some also point out that it's interesting that they were carrying swords in the first place!). Just war theory usually follows this criteria. A just war needs: (1) a just cause; (2) a competent authority (rather than rebels); (3) comparative justice (clearly morally wrong); (4) a right intention; (5) last resort; (6) probability of success; (7) proportionality of projected results (will the good outweigh the harm?); and (8) a right spirit (reluctance rather than delight) (2555). Also, many prefer these moral restrictions: (1) proportionality in use of force; (2) discrimination between fighters/soldiers and civilians; (3) avoidance of evil means (will those captured be treated justly?); and (4) good faith (is there a true desire for peace?) (Ibid.). |
Pacifism | War is always wrong for Christians. Jesus taught his followers to turn the other cheek (Matt. 5:39), love their neighbors as themselves (Matt. 22:39), and didn't use the sword to advance his kingdom (e.g., he told Peter not to use a sword in Matt. 26:52). Moreover, it does not display trust in God and violence will often lead to more violence. Also, for support, many pacifists point to some early church fathers who were pacifists. |
Application
In times of war, it is good to remind ourselves of this promise from Jesus: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This world is filled with troubles in its present state, including war. However, we can still have peace in Jesus. He has overcome the world. We have true hope in Jesus. Thankfully, one day, when Jesus returns and finishes his perfect, eternal kingdom, there will be no more war (Rev. 21-22).
Where Can I Learn More?
Bibliography:
-ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008.
-Ferguson, Sinclair B., David F. Wright, and J. I. Packer, eds. New Dictionary of Theology: A Concise and Authoritative Resource. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1988.